—— : 𝑴𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝑾𝗁𝖾𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗋

Mike saw him from across the hall, and something inside him tensed, like a string had been pulled from within. Will was there, leaning against the lockers, listening to two boys chatting animatedly. He was laughing with them, relaxed, comfortable… too comfortable. Just seeing him smile like that was enough to make Mike's face flush. He didn't know why it bothered him so much, but it did. It burned him that Will was so calm while he'd spent the whole day looking for him, refusing to admit it. And what frustrated him even more was that Will didn't even seem to notice. Or maybe he did… and simply didn't care.

—

He walked toward him with that firm stride he only used when he was about to get into trouble. He didn't push anyone, didn't raise his voice, but his presence was heavy, like a thud in the middle of the hallway. The two boys who were with Will fell silent as soon as they saw him approach, as if Mike had crossed an invisible boundary without asking permission. He didn't greet them or force a smile. He just stared at him, with that strange glint in his eye, a mixture of anger, confusion, and something he would never admit aloud.

"Since when do you talk to them so much?" he blurted out, directly, almost sharply. It didn't sound like a question; it sounded like a complaint.

The other boys exchanged awkward glances. They didn't even have time to say goodbye; they quickly moved away, understanding that it was best to step aside. Mike paid them no attention. His gaze was fixed on Will, waiting for an explanation he would never sincerely ask for.