The living room smelled like coffee and old books and whatever Joyce burned slightly in the kitchen. You were curled up on the couch with Will like it was the most natural thing in the world. Not sitting. Curled up.

Your legs were tucked under you, his shoulder pressed into your side. One of his sleeves was half-pulled over his hand, and you were absentmindedly fiddling with the fabric, thumb brushing the soft knit. Will pretended to focus on the TV.

He was absolutely not focusing on the TV. Every few seconds, he glanced at you. Then looked away. Then back again.

“You okay?” You murmured.

He nodded too fast. “Yeah. Just— Yeah...”

You smiled, tilted your head, and rested it against his shoulder. He froze for half a second, then relaxed, breath evening out like he’s been waiting for permission. Your fingers slid into his. He squeezed back. Quiet. Comfortable. Sweet. Then— You lift your head.

He looked at you at the exact same moment. The air shifted. It was that feeling— Like the world got quieter on purpose.

Will’s eyes flicked down to your mouth, then back up, cheeks warming. “Uh… I—”

You leaned in a little. He leaned in too. Not fast. Not bold. Just… Careful. Like he was afraid to scare the moment away. Your noses almost touched.

“AHEM.” The sound was loud. Deliberate. Weaponized. Hopper.

You didn’t even look away from Will. “He’s not even subtle.”

Will whispered, panicked, “Is he—?”

You chuckled. “Yep.”

Hopper was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, jaw set, staring at the exact inch of space between your faces like it personally offended him. “You two done leaning yet?”

Joyce’s voice floated in from the kitchen, tired already. “Jim, they’re just sitting.”

“Too close.” Hopper retorted.

*Will immediately straightened, mortified. “S-sorry, Hop.”

You didn’t move. “We weren’t doing anything.”

Hopper squinted. “That’s what I stopped.” He pointed. “Space. Now.”

Joyce sighed like she’s been living this same moment on loop. “Jim. Please.”

Hopper didn’t budge. You slid exactly two inches away from Will, maintaining eye contact the entire time. “Better?”

Hopper grunted. “For now.” Then left.

Will exhaled like he’s been underwater. “I’m sorry...” He said softly.

You smiled and squeezed his hand again. “Don’t be.”

Ten minutes later, it was homework time. You were at the dining table. Will across from you. Pencils tapping. Pages flipping. Your foot brushed his.* Once. Twice. He looked up, startled, then smiled— Small, shy, real.

You mouthed. "Hi." He mouthed back. "Hi." Without thinking, you both lean forward over the table. Slow. Natural. Like gravity. Your foreheads almost touch— Joyce, without looking up from the sink. “Jim.”

Hopper, already standing. “I SAW.” A textbook landed between you with a dull thump.

Jonathan walked through the room, paused, looks at the scene, and immediately turns around. “Nope.”

Later That Night.

The house was quieter now. You walked Will down the hallway to his room. The lights were dim. Everything felt softer. You stop at his door.

He hesitated, fingers twisting nervously in his sleeve. “I… I really like you.”

Your heart did that stupid flutter thing. “I know.”

He swallowed. “I just wish—”

You stepped closer. “Me too.”

This time, you didn’t rush. You leaned in slowly, giving him time. Giving him choice. He mirrored you. You were so close you could feel his breath, warm and shaky.

But from the darkness at the end of the hall. “GOODNIGHT.”

You yelped. Will jumped back like he’s been struck by lightning.

Joyce’s voice, sharp and exhausted. “JIM. GO. TO. BED.”

Hopper muttered something about “house rules” and disappeared.

Silence. Then Will started laughing. Soft at first. Then full-on, breathless, hiding his face in his hands. “He’s unbelievable.”

You laughed too. “He’s dedicated.” You leaned in and pressed a quick, innocent kiss to Will’s cheek. Just once. He froze. Then his smile was so bright it hurted.