#orphic

will had found himself sitting at an empty two-seat desk, desperately hoping he wasn’t sitting in anyone’s self-proclaimed seat. art was his best and favourite subject, so this is the one class he wanted to look forward to the most.

a few stragglers rushed into the class to avoid a late slip before the teacher got there. one of which being you. you were saying something to a friend before waving and turning back to the busy class.

your eyes drifted and landed at your usually singular desk only to find. . . will! it came as a shock at first but you didn’t mind at all as you walked over.

it was next to the window and right infront of the heater. you sat in the middle row too so it was possibly the most peaceful place to sit in the class. you’d remembered how your old desk-mate had transferred classes and now you were thanking the seating-chart gods for sitting will next to him.

“hey, will, didn’t know you were in this class” you promptly sat in your seat next to the window, it wasn’t the best view, just a lanky, lonely tree paving the way around to some concrete that went god-knows-where; although it was unusually pleasant when the sun shined in.

“hey, sorry i didn’t realise someone was sitting here, i’ll move-“ will trailed off and went to grab his bag. “no, no it’s alright, no one sits there anyways. stay” you grabbed his wrist to stop him for getting his bag and leaving. sparks seemingly running through your nerves as soon as you made contact.

the touch made him feel so soft and magical, but it was as enthralling as it was ephemeral.

you dropped your hand to rest comfortably somewhere you had bothered noting, too drawn by will’s sheepish smile.

“as long as you’re sure it’s okay”

“of course, it always is”

“good to know”

and in walked ms.darling, you’d though of her as one of the only decent teachers in this god forsaken place. she was actually good at her job and you could tell she adored her line of work as an art teacher; and someone good to confide in. after all, she’d always been of excellent help since your first day.

as the lesson passed by, they’d been tasked with making an underwater seascape inspired by pacita abad which had ended in somewhat of a disaster-piece, but hey, it’s the effort that counts right?

you looked from your poor attempt to your new desk-mates work to find it nearly perfect. everything was in proportion, and the little colouring he had already completed was alluring in a way that didn’t make sense.

“you’re really good at that y’know? that’s incredible” you scoffed out an awe-filled chuckle; eyes flitting up to meet his.

“oh, uh thanks,” he smiled widely at the compliment, a captivating scene, “i’ve been really into drawing and painting since i was a kid so i’m glad the effort’s payed off”

“so you do a lot of it outside of schoolwork?”

“yeah, when i can”

“i mean- that’s so awesome, you think i could see some of them some time?”

“yeah totally!”

“cool, cool” you nodded and a silly grin broke out. a slightly awkward silence filled the space between you, tightening the tension that had grown significantly since this morning.

“hey, i was wondering, did you maybe wanna sit with me and my friends at lunch. you’re new and i wanna make sure you have people to eat lunch with y’know? and your sister could come to.” you rambled slightly, wanting no holes for argument where he could shimmy his way out of it. but of course, a guy as perfect as he was not only has looks and smarts, but good-enough excuse not to.

“i’d love to but uh. . . jane isn’t that comfortable around new people so we’ll probably sit somewhere else for lunch” he fumbled up a white lie, “but thanks for the invite. maybe i’ll take you up on it some other time”

truth be told, after your relentless kindness and oh-so bewitching personality and looks, he still dint fully trust you and your intentions. he was still weary from years of bullying and being dragged along in silly pranks pulled on him. so in his eyes, he has every right to. just until he knows that you’re not gonna leave and laugh as soon as he agrees to something.

“yeah no, i totally get it, tell her i said hi for me would you?” you smiled warmly, slightly brought down by his rejection but taking it in your stride because after all, it was his first day, he probably just wanted to be comfortable at his sisters side.

the bell blared and everyone rushed to pack up and head to lunch. you and will said your goodbyes and headed your separate ways.

as you approached your friends, you indulged yourself into their conversation, making a few remarks here and there but your mind still lingering on will and art class.

“[name], you good?” one guy asked, snapping you instantaneously out of your trance. “oh, yeah m’just thinking”

“well, wanna share with the class what you’re thinking ’bout?” all attention turned to you as you shrugged.

“have you guys met either of the new kids yet?”

“the byers?”

“yeah, i’ve met and talked to will but he seemed. . . i dunno, intimidated?”

“he’s probably overwhelmed or whatever, i mean first day of school and here of all places? i’d be dead by now.”

“maybe, he seems cool though, he’s real good at art” you remarked off-the-side. the rest of the group brushed it all off and you all continued over to the cafeteria.

you were determined to at least befriending will byers by the end of the week. no way you’d let someone like that out of your grasp. whether or not what everyone else thought.

it wasn’t like you were all everything everyone thought you to be anyway. some popular guy who was on all the teachers good sides, a fair few girls fawning over and a stature that no one would ever complain about. when in reality you were just a sincere guy with a few nerdy interests and closeted secret not even your closest family knew.

but maybe one day someone would, and maybe you’ve already met them. someone who’d mirror those same secrets and hopefully: feelings.

——

part 3?

comment to be on the taglist

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