WILL POV-

---- March 22nd 4:54 PM ----

"All our rockers and hard-core skaters, off the rink unless you're looking for love," the speaker began "It's time for the couples' skate." The colours of the roller rink changed, the once bright yellows and blues replaced by a deep red, symbolising love and deep passion.

This was when Will's day got worse.

He couldn't say he was enjoying himself before, but right now, he hated all of it. Initially, he thought it would be fun to go to the roller-skating rink, he loved skating despite only going a few times before; he always fell but that was part of the fun; perhaps leaving with a few bruises were customary. It was also a change from spending the entire day in Mike's basement; sure, Will loved his basement but at a certain point he also wanted to go out like other kids his age did. That's why they were here.

A side point of being in public was that he hoped his friends wouldn't be constantly interested in their significant other, however it seemed as though the brunette had made a fatal error by bringing them skating. Now they were only glued to each other's side, worried the other might fall despite being on many dates to the roller rink before; it was one of the only fun dating trips to do in Hawkins; it was either this, bowling, the mall, or to make-out at Lovers Lake.

The rink was nicely decorated at least; it felt very 80's, even the songs they played came from the 80's. Will couldn't complain, the songs were damn good but still...

The party had to sit between two tables, and obviously, as if by some unlucky dip, he was forced to sit on the table with El and Mike. He wasn't annoyed because he hated seeing El and Mike happy. He loved El like a sister, nor was it the fact that he had a crush on Mike. It's just... they were always making out; it gets sickening to watch. Like a mama bird feeding her chicks it's... something that should be private. Will wished he could wash his eyes with only the strongest of bleach.

The brunette couldn't help but feel like an outsider in his own friend group, being the only one 'stuck in the past' and without a girlfriend, he felt his joy begin to wane. He did a few laps of the track but started to get bored when his friends quickly lost interest sitting on the side, jokingly flirting with one another.

When the announcement for the couples' dance emerged all his friends got up immediately rushing to the skating floor,

"Hey Will," Mike called as he stood up from his seat, his fingers intertwined with El's, helping her up, "Could you watch our stuff for a bit?"

The small boy forced a smile, his voice carrying a hint of sorrow as he replied, "Sure, no problem."

"Thanks man," the ravenette exclaimed; his attention then turning to the doe-eyed girl, "Come on El!"

He was the third wheel, and he knew it, his only job was to watch the happy couples skate on the track. Max and Lucas sprinted to the front; despite their competitive nature, they held hands swaying together in perfect harmony, gliding across the track.

Suzie and Dustin, despite their clumsy approach to roller-skating eventually got the hang of it, able to go a full minute without falling, sharing laughter in those intimate moments. They held a tight grip with one another, falling in unison yet always picking each other back up.

El and Mike skated a few meters behind them, fingers intertwined as they stared into each other's eyes, not even focusing on the track as if they were the only two in the world; no one else existed. The world faded for them, leaving Will feeling like a distant observer at his own birthday party.

He sat alone at his table; his gaze fixed on the couples gracefully twirling before him. The world around him was alive, rejuvenated, excitable, and yet... he felt empty.

The romantic song playing around him from the speakers amplified his feelings, its lyrics a painful reminder of his longing for something he couldn't attain. Will tried not to show any emotions, not now; not today!

Minutes stretched into an endless void as he sat there, unnoticed and unacknowledged, merely just here to take care of his friends' belongings.

His eyes casted to Mike and El, his best friend and his sister; more specifically he focused on the ravenette, analysing the way his hair bounced in the wind of his movements, the smile plastered on his face and his chiselled cheekbones. Will's eyes travelled to Mike's hands and then his own...

Not only did Will wish he could be with Mike on that skating rink holding hands as they skated blissfully with the music surrounding them, but he also wished he could be cared for in that moment. Even if he did move on from the ravenette and find love in some form, he wouldn't be able to publicly display affection like that; even in a perfect world where Will was loved, he couldn't skate with his partner or go on dates in public... all because he was gay. He wasn't sure his friends and family would still accept him.

He debated leaving, contemplating on whether to make an excuse to go home early but he couldn't bring himself to do so and spoil his own birthday party.

As the romantic song came to an end, the group rejoined Will, their laughter and flushed faces evident that they enjoyed their time on the rink. It was clear they had a good time and the atmosphere was still buzzing with excitement.

Mike hobbled over with El by his side, leaning both arms on the table, "Hey guys, El has to go." he said, his voice not sounding apologetic in the slightest.

"Wait what? Seriously? You're leaving already?" Will felt annoyance spark within him. It was his birthday party and he expected it to last longer even if he wasn't having the best time.

Mike's response was curt, and it was clear to everyone of his intentions, "Curfew!" he said, tapping his watch, leaving no room for negotiation.

The small boy pouted, he knew the ravenette was lying; he and El are siblings and had the same curfew. That excuse did not make sense at all!

He couldn't believe what he was hearing; sure, perhaps he was being a brat about being alone, but he didn't expect his best friend to be so eager to leave on his birthday, "Can't it wait? I mean, it's still my birthday; I was hoping we could go to the arcade or something."

Mike however, remained unmoving. He shrugged, clearly prioritising his time with El, "Sorry, Will. We'll catch up later; I swear." he replied, his voice authoritative.

"Fine, whatever." the small boy sighed. He couldn't be bothered arguing with Mike, it was no use; it wasn't some personal attack on him or anything, he did the same at both Lucas and Max's birthday parties.

Will rolled his eyes, picking up his bag as everyone else did the same; looks like this birthday party is over. Making his way to the counter, collecting his shoes along with his friends, he walked behind the rest of the group; would they even notice if he disappeared?

The moment they stepped outside, El and Mike wasted no time hopping on their bike before pedalling away shouting one last goodbye.

Max scoffed as the rest of the group crowded around Will forming a small circle engaging in conversation.

The redhead spoke first, "Sorry, but I have to head out too in a bit, Billy's being a bitch." she rolled her eyes grabbing Lucas's arm, who spoke, "Yeah, sorry man, but we had a blast skating with you." he smiled.

Suzie, despite being new to the party quickly fit into the group- she moved to Hawkins about a year ago, yet Dustin fell absolutely smitten with her. Will liked her, she was fun and knew everything to do with computers while also being knowledgeable in D&D. She spoke, "Your birthday was fun, thanks for inviting us, Will!" she cheered.

Dustin, ever the joker, tried to lighten the mood, "Next time, we'll make sure we stay at the roller skating rink for longer."

Will couldn't help smiling at his friends' efforts to make amends, "Thanks guys." he said, his frustration lessened slightly, "I appreciate it."

Lucas placed a hand on the brunette's back and Max gave him a playful punch on the arm, "No problem, dude," Lucas said with a grin, "We'll hang out soon, and we'll make sure to keep El and Mike far away from one another," he winked.

The small boy chuckled as Suzie checked her watch, exchanging a glance with her boyfriend. Immediately she spoke, "Oh shoot. Dusty, we need to go."

"Oh really?" The curly haired boy furrowed his brows, "Guess we're also going now! See you next time Byers."

"Take care Will," Suzie added, her voice filled with warmth.

Will watched as all his friends, one by one began walking in opposite directions, "Happy Birthday Byers!" Lucas yelled as Max dragged him away, waving at Will with the other hand.

The brunette watched his friends gradually disappear into the distance; the loneliness and disappointment weighing heavy once more. He couldn't shake the sense that his birthday party fell short of what he expected.

With a heavy sigh, he mounted his bike pedalling his way home. The sun shone bright in the sky, illuminating his way home. Each pedal felt like a burden as Will's thoughts churned with frustration. Why did all his friends leave so abruptly? Why did it seem like he was always the odd one out? Why was he left behind? What was wrong with him?

The weight of his emotions bore down on him, his journey feeling like an eternity. And then when it seemed like his day couldn't get worse, disaster struck. There was a sudden, sharp pop, and his bike tire deflated rapidly.

Startled, the small boy lost his balance falling to the ground with a thud, his bike lay toppled beside him, anger and despair bubbling up inside him. But from the corner of his eye, he spotted someone familiar in a sailor uniform walking across the street- Robin Buckley; Steve Harrington's weird best friend and work colleague. Embarrassment washed over him, realising he must have looked quite pitiful, lying on the pavement with a deflated bike.

His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he scrambled to his feet, hoping she couldn't tell it was him as he covered his face, yet by the way she stopped, passing an empathetic smile, he knew she saw the whole ordeal.

Yet, he clung to hope; he just wanted to get away from her gaze, but it seemed as though the world had one final twist in store for him. A car zoomed past, splashing water on him; this was the last straw,

Will stood drenched and disheartened but he clenched his jaw. Robin saw everything. She really saw his sullen state before the brunette inhaled a sharp breath walking away, determined just to get home without looking her in the eyes and prolonging the embarrassment. He trudged along the path. His house was far, but he was so sure he could make it.

---- 6:02 PM ----

After a long walk home and a humiliating journey. Every step carried the weight of his feelings, unable to shake the sadness clinging to him like an unrelenting shadow.

His house came into view as he climbed the porch tossing his bike to one side in frustration. His day just kept getting worse. It was his birthday;

His birthday

And yet, it seemed everyone else was having a better day then him. He wanted to escape from it all. The keys jingled as he removed them from his pocket using it to unlock the door; walking inside, the lights were off, no sign of life. Calling for his mother and brother, he heard no response, the only sound being his own wobbly footsteps. Will didn't even bother calling for El, he knew she was at Mike's despite her being on a supposed 'strict curfew'.

Taking off his jacket, he tossed it in the wash basket taking a seat on the couch, throwing his backpack to the ground; he wanted to cry or scream, breaking down into a ball feeling more isolated than ever.

Just then, the doorbell rang, startling him; who could that be? Will hesitated for a moment, approaching the door while wiping his eyes. Through the peephole, he saw Robin standing there and he wasn't sure what to expect.

He opened the door cautiously, after all they are friends. Robin greeted him with a playful tone, holding a large box of pizza with drinks and fries atop it, "Pizza delivery for a Mr William Byers," she quipped, a small smile on her face. "Can I come in? I have food," she softly chuckled.

Will blinked in surprise but allowed her inside, closing the door behind her. The blue-eyed girl stepped into the house, settling the food and a mysterious silver bag on the kitchen table. The brunette watched her, still taken aback by the sudden visit; he didn't know Robin well, they were 'friends' but that only went as far as their shared nods of appreciation when sneaking into the cinema using the Scoops Ahoy halls to get to the back.

Will sniffled, feeling the tears from earlier brimming his eyes, his voice dejected, "I didn't order a pizza," he replied sarcastic, quietly confused and a little annoyed.

The blue-eyed girl's smile softened as she shrugged, turning to face him, "I know... I thought you could use a friend," she said in a more serious tone, her eyes filling with empathy,

Will sniffled, his heart was touched by the words, tears threatening to spill over, Robin immediately rushed over, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "I'm gonna kill whoever hurt you," she whisperingly chuckled, patting the boy on the back, not the best at comforting, "Let's get some food and water in you... and you can tell me everything, okay?"

The small boy nodded against her shoulder, his sniffling apparent. 

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2467 Words

I debated so hard whether to have the fake dating person be Robin or Jennifer Hayes but ultimately had to go with Robin.

This is just the pilot chapter for the new book... I'm just testing the waters with this idea! So I hope this chapter wasn't too boring.

Remember to check out my other books, 'Panic in the Movies', 'Project Playdate', 'Comic Catastrophe', 'Siren' and 'Road Rage'

:)

Stay Safe <3