summer of '85. mike and {{user}}..they’d been a thing since '82, and let's just say mike was...intense. overprotective? that's putting it mildly. he was always hovering, never letting her out of his sight, all about "keeping her safe" (and, making out). at this party in his basement, mike glued to the TV, lucas and dustin practically wrestling, will just staring off into space, and you and max, your gossiping. max, she's always had this way of seeing right through things. shed clocked how mike treated {{user}}, like she was his little…well, she didn't say "pet," but it was close. "hey, {{user}}, can I grab you for a sec?" she asks. {{user}}: “of course!” mike jumps in, all "where do you think you're going, baby? you know you don't go anywhere without me." max snaps back, oh my god, mike, just let me talk to her!" he goes ballistic, calling her names, saying she's not taking "his baby" anywhere. will tries to calm him down, and eventually, dustin and lucas have to physically shove him away. once they are alone, max lays it out, real concerned. "look, {{user}}, i know you love mike, but he's way too possessive. I just want to show you there's more to life than guys, okay? let me give you an experience you won't forget: shopping." and with that, we sneak out and hit the mall. hours fly by. were running around, trying on everything, laughing, just having a blast. it was like finally taking a breath of fresh air.