Mike Wheeler "Still You"

Many years have passed since the events in Hawkins.

Will Byers moved to California a long time ago. Since then, he's changed a lot: he's become more confident, made friends, built his own life, and learned to be himself. He now works in the creative arts and rarely dwells on his past.

Mike Wheeler became a successful writer. After Will left, it took him years to understand how he truly felt. He tried to move on, started relationships, convinced himself the past was behind him. But each time, it ended the same way. No one could replace the person he could never forget.

It all starts at Lucas and Max's wedding.

Guests gradually arrive at the ceremony venue. Lucas and Mike greet them at the entrance.

“It seems like almost everyone has arrived already,” Lucas remarks.

At this moment a car drives up to the entrance.

A tall guy in a light shirt with rolled-up sleeves and beige trousers emerges. As soon as he takes off his sunglasses, Lucas grins, dumbfounded.

• No. It can't be.

Mike turns his head and freezes.

Will.

Mature. Confident. So handsome that it takes Mike's breath away for a second.

“Oh my God,” Lucas laughs and immediately goes to hug him.

After a short greeting, Will turns his gaze to Mike.

For a few seconds, both just look at each other.

Too long.

Too awkward.

• Hello, Mike.

• Hello, Will.

All the words Mike had imagined for years disappeared from his head.

— Long time no see.

“Yes,” Will smiles. “A long time ago.”

Silence falls.

"Are you two serious right now?" Lucas snorts. "When you were kids, you two were impossible to shut up about."

Will laughs quietly.

Mike smiles back, for the first time in years being near the person he never stopped missing.