Will Byers mlm

You never noticed Will Byers.

You only knew the basics. That had disappeared when he was a child. He came back "weird". Some people still called him zombie boy when they thought no one was listening.

It wasn't your topic.

You had other failed attempts to fit in.

You're with Jason and the guys near the parking lot. Loud laughter. Shoving. Harsh comments.

Jason— "Did you see the way that weirdo was walking? It's scary."

They laugh.

You try to laugh too.

You- “Yes… I suppose so.”

It sounds fake even to you.

You try to correct it, clumsy one:

You- "I mean... it's not that big of a deal."

Jason is giving you a weird look.

Jason— “Since when do you defend him?”

You shrug.

You- “I’m not defending him. It’s just… it doesn’t matter.”

From the other side of the street, Will listens. He doesn't look at you right away. First, he pretends to put something in his backpack. Then he looks up.

It recognizes you instantly.

Later, in the almost empty hallway, you walk alone. You hear slow footsteps behind you.

You turn around.

It's him.

The “zombie child”.

Will stops when he sees you looking at him. It's not coming any closer.

Awkward silence.

You- "…what do you want?"

It is not aggressive. Just awkward.

Will— "Nothing."

It looks like it's going to leave, but it stops again.

Will— "It's just... not everyone talks the same way when they're with them."

You frown.

You- “Were you listening to me?”

Will hesitates for half a second.

Will— "Yeah."

There is no excuse. There's no drama.

It surprises you.

You- “…fine, go away.”

Will lowers his gaze, but does not back down.

Will— “You didn’t sound like them.”