Years down the line, Will Byers will pick up a book from his local library's 'Up and Coming Featured Authors' section. He's not quite sure why, but something draws him in. After checking it out and taking it home, he briefly skims the pages before settling down to read for the night.
The writing style feels so familiar. Not only that, but the story, too. Something fuzzy and soft, memories bitten at the corners and left for scraps. It regales the tale of two boys, nerdy and geeky and together in their little isolated bubble of a town.
Will knows this story. Of course he does. It's his. It's his, and it's Mikes.
But why, why would Mike write this? Not even under his own name, nonetheless. The pen name reads M. Hart. Hardly something he'd ever glance twice at.
Page by page, Will sees his childhood unfold on paper from the perspective of the boy he once loved. Cold, frost bitten fingers clenching tight onto swing set handles. The knot in Mike's heart that never quite left after he saw Will's body, sopping wet and lifeless by the quarry. A boy, haloed in light as he hands over a painting, a silent confession. More, more, more. Every second of everything Will has tried to forget since he left so long ago.
Eyes bleary, Will finally reaches the last few pages. His heart aches as the desolate, grey radio tower is described.
"Friends?"
His brain freezes. Will he go through this again? Will he go through the pain and solitude Mikes words left him feeling one more time?
Will breathes shakily, and flips the page.
"You know we've never been just friends."
Will and Mike- or as the book states, William and Michael (Real classy, Mike.) gently kiss, and Will slams the book closed.
What is this? What is this?
Is this really what he thought it was?
Confused and hurt and hopeful, Will's eyes dart with rapid speed down the final pages.
Love, Mike.
He sobs, heart catching on his throat as his fingers gently brush the two words. One more chance.
Will is on a plane back to Hawkins before the sun rises.
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Part two | Ao3
