Bound By Shadows 3 | Will Byers x Reader (Fem)

~ 7 ~

My cheeks warned instantly, I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, trying not to grin too hard. "Joyce..."

"What? I can tell. He's been happier, bubblier. It's nice to see."

I busied myself picking at the hem of my shirt, cheeks heating. "Maybe he's just getting more sleep."

Joyce hummed like she didn't buy it for a second but didn't press, just gave me that mom-smile and disappeared back into the kitchen.

When Will returned ten minutes later, he looked better — fresh t-shirt, denim shorts, shoes tied properly for once, and fixed hair. He smiled faintly, like he couldn't quite stop himself around me.

We rolled our bikes down the driveway side by side. The sun was high, the air shimmering.

"Thanks for waking me up," Will said as he kicked his bike stand back, rubbing at his eyes like he still wasn't fully awake.

I grinned, bumping his handlebars with mine. "Someones gotta drag you into reality."

He looked over at me then — really looked — his eyes narrowing just slightly, like he was trying to figure out what I wasn't saying. His gaze lingered longer than usual, sliding from my face to my lips before darting back up.

"You enjoy bossing me around way too much," he said finally, voice soft, almost teasing.

I smirked, pedalling just far enough ahead to make him chase. "Well, you're pretty easy to boss around"

He caught up easily, riding close beside me, that faint grin tugging at his mouth, "that's just with you."

*****

There was something about starcourt in the summer that felt fake and magical at the same time. Neon buzzing overhead, glossy tile floors that reflected everything like a mirror, and synth-pop bouncing off the walls so loud it rattled in my chest. The air smelled like popcorn, perfume samples, and the greasy fries from the food court.

Will and I wheeled our bikes to the rack outside and stepped into the blast of air conditioning. I shivered instantly, goosebumps crawling across my arms after baking in the sun.

Max and Lucas were already waiting at Scoops Ahoy, leaning against the counter like they owned the place. 

She had her sunglasses perched on her head, sipping a coke through a straw while Lucas was trying to balance a sample cup on his forehead.

Behind the counter, Steve spotted us. His shoulders stiffened, and he ripped off his sailor hat like it had personally offended him. His hair was flat from the cap, which only mad his scowl deeper.

"Oh, great," he muttered. "Just what I needed to ruin my day."

Robin elbowed him without even looking up from the register. "Relax, the better Harrington has arrived."

I gasped dramatically, hand pressing to my chest. "Thank you!"

"Don't- encourage her," Steve groaned, running a hand through his hair like he could fix the hate damage.

I leaned right over the counter and snagged one of the mini spoons. "So... what do we have today?"

Robins eyes lit up, she handed me a cup without hesitation. "Triple decker extravaganza."

"Oh my god," I almost cried after the first bite. "This is amazing."

Steve pointed his scoop at me like it was a weapon. "You're not suppost to abuse six different flavours, Y/N."

"...family perks?" I said sweetly, grabbing another spoonful.

He narrowed his eyes. "Family perks? Since when?"