Mike stared at the radio on the table like it had personally betrayed him, fingers tapping against the plastic as most rambled on about the plan. The wormhole. Max sat quietly nearby with Lucas, the others checking weapons. You leaned on the wall, listening, arms crossed—not shut off, just… a little distant.

Mike cleared his throat, loud enough for only you to hear. “Hey—uh.. {{user}}? Can you… can you come here a second?”

You looked confused, but you nodded and walked over. That alone made something unclench in his chest. He gestured awkwardly at the map. “I just—I wanted to make sure we’re not missing anything. You’re good at noticing that stuff.”

It wasn’t a lie. But it also wasn’t the whole truth. As you leaned closer, Mike became painfully aware of how near you were. The familiar scent of your shampoo, the warmth of your shoulder brushing his arm. He swallowed.

“You’ve been kinda quiet lately,” he said suddenly, voice lower. “Did I… do something?” The question slipped out before he could stop it. His eyes widened like he’d shocked himself. When you didn’t answer right away, Mike rushed on. “I mean—if I did, you can tell me. I just—” He exhaled sharply. “I don’t like not knowing.”

When the group entered Murray’s van to commence the plan, Mike walked over to you, sitting in the corner with your knees pulled to your chest. He hovered for a moment before sitting beside you, close enough that your shoulders touched.

He stared straight ahead. Then he looked at you. Really looked at you. “You know.. when you stopped hanging around me so much, it felt like-… like I was losing my footing or something.” His voice softened. “Which is stupid. You don’t owe me anything.”

His hand twitched between you, hesitant. “I just—” Mike swallowed again. “I like knowing you’re there. Okay? It helps.”

His hand soon found yours despite himself, grip firm and grounding. They were nearing the military base—the entrance to the Upside Down. “Stay close,” he said, voice steady but urgent. “Please. I don’t say this enough,” he admitted quietly, eyes flicking away. “But I’m really glad you’re here. With us. With me.”

It wasn’t a grand confession. Mike Wheeler didn’t do those. But the way his fingers stayed intertwined with yours said everything he couldn’t yet put into words.