Beyond the Canvas || BYLER || ⚠️ INCOMPLETE ⚠️

2.

Ever since that fateful day, the last time Will had visited to observe him painting, Mike had been unable to shake the memories of it – the moments they'd shared, the tension between them, replaying constantly in his mind. Mike couldn't bring himself to accept it, to accept what he was – who he was. It had been a day since Will's visit, and Mike was now reclining in his bed, gazing intently at the painting he'd completed the previous day – the majestic mountains, the expansive sky, the serene landscape. As he stared at it for a while, his expression gradually soured. Abruptly, he got up from his bed and set out to find a towel, or at least something sufficiently large. After searching through the bathroom, he found an unused towel and carried it back to his room, utilizing it to cover the entire painting. The painting, now covered, could no longer taunt him with its presence, a presence that had begun to feel like a constant reminder of Will. Mike was feeling uneasy, hating himself for having these feelings. He tried to brush off his feelings for Will, telling himself he was just feeling sick. He dived right back into his bed, the mattress bouncing beneath him and laid there, staring at the ceiling for an extended period of time, his mind filled with self-loathing thoughts. He was lost in his thoughts, but Nancy's sudden entrance broke the silence, bursting through his door, announcing, "Breakfast is ready. Come down." as she vanished down the stairs. Mike hesitated, pausing for a moment, before reluctantly making his way down to the dining table. Mike slumped into his chair, clearly uninterested in eating the waffles that had been prepared, as he wasn't hungry. His bad mood was quite obvious. Karen noticed and asked, "Mike, honey, you look grumpy. Didn't sleep well?" Mike sighed before replying, "No, I slept just fine, Mom. I'm just... not hungry. That's all." Karen looked concerned, while Nancy kept glancing from her waffles to Mike, listening intently to the conversation. "Well, if you say so." Karen murmured, sounding unconvinced, but unwilling to press the issue. "If you're not gonna eat your waffles, son, mind giving them to me?" Ted asked, and Mike handed the plate over. Nancy couldn't contain herself any longer. "Okay, what's wrong? Come on, you can tell me. I'm your sister," she blurted out. Mike glanced at her, then looked away, indicating he didn't want to talk. Nancy sighed and returned to eating her waffles, leaving Mike alone. Deciding he'd had enough, Mike got up and headed back to his room, still preoccupied with the confusing feelings he had for Will, unable to shake them off.

Mike laid on his bed, his gaze fixed vacantly on the air as his mind swirled with thoughts and emotions,  centered around Will. Suddenly, the telephone on the nightstand beside his bed rang, shattering the silence. Just as he was about to pick up the phone, he realized it could be Will calling, and a wave of nervousness washed over him. He hesitated, allowing the telephone to ring a few more times before reluctantly picking it up. "H-hello?" Mike answered, his voice laced with a mix of anxiety and fear, secretly hoping it wasn't Will on the other end. "Hey, Mike! I was just wondering if I could come over again..." A familiar voice said, and Mike's heart sank as he recognized Will's tone. "O-oh! Um... Well- nervously chuckles I'm sorry, Will. Today's not a good day.. Maybe next time?" Mike lied, his words tumbling out as he struggled to gather his composure, unwilling to confront his feelings, let alone face Will. "Oh... Uh, I see.. I guess I'll call another time. See you then, Mike..!" Will responded, his voice tinged with disappointment and hurt. "Yeah.. Bye, Will.." Mike said, his words barely above a whisper, as he hung up the telephone. He collapsed back onto his bed, sinking into his original position, and let out a heavy sigh. A part of him regretted lying to Will, while another part yearned to see him, but Mike believed that seeing Will was a distraction, the reason for the confusing and disturbing emotions swirling inside him. For a moment, he considered calling Will back, but ultimately decided against it. "But it's wrong... to feel this way..." Mike thought to himself, aware of the societal norms and expectations that surrounded him, and the potential shame that would follow if anyone discovered his true feelings.

Meanwhile, Will was at home, replaying their phone conversation in his mind. "Did I do something wrong...? I just don't understand, he's never refused to let me visit his house before!" Will thought to himself, his brow furrowed in confusion as he gazed at the telephone on the wall, debating whether to call back and check in on Mike. He hovered his hand over the phone, lost in thought, until Johnathan walked in, startling him slightly. "Hey, are you using the phone? I need to call Nancy, it's... important," Johnathan asked, and Will withdrew his hand, shaking his head. "Oh, no, I wasn't..." He muttered, his eyes darting away as he left the room. Johnathan watched him go, a hint of concern etched on his face, before picking up the telephone. Will wandered aimlessly until he thought of calling Robin. He quickly turned back to the telephone, but it was already occupied by Johnathan. He waited impatiently for Johnathan to finish, and as soon as Johnathan left, he quickly dialed Robin's number. "Robin! Hey! Um, are you free to hang out? Like, today?" Will asked, his voice laced with hope and eagerness. "Wha- Um... Wow, like, right now? I just woke up, Will-" Robin replied, her voice trailing off into a yawn. "No- Not now, like later at 1:30 or something..." Will interjected, his words tumbling out as he waited anxiously for her response. "You sound like you're in a rush- slight chuckle But um, Yeah! I think I'm free. I mean- I should be free." Will's face lit up with a smile as he heard her reply, "Oh, great! Meet me by the lake!" Will exclaimed, hanging up the phone with a grin. After some time, Will and Robin met at the lake, and Robin greeted him with a cheerful "Hey, buddy!" Will returned the greeting before Robin asked, "Sooo- Why did you wanna meet me?" She raised an eyebrow, curiosity etched on her face. "It's about.. Um.. Mike.." Will uttered nervously, his gaze drifting away, avoiding eye contact. "Oo.. Anything new? You guys dating now?" Robin teased, a light chuckle escaping her lips. Will smiled, his eyes flickering to hers before glancing away. "Well, no.. But- Yesterday, I was with him the whole day at his place.. The things he said to me.. The signals.." Robin listened attentively, nodding after every sentence. "And now.. Today, he said he was busy and I couldn't come over when I called. Which is weird because he never refuses to let me come over!" Will looked at Robin, and she gave him an understanding nod. "That is.. weird, may I say. Maybe he's actually busy? Who knows. But what I really wanna know is what he said to you yesterday." Robin encouraged Will to continue, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, first he told me that I inspired him to paint. Then after he finished his painting — I was at his house watching him paint the whole day — Basically he painted a scenery of mountains, and told me he wished to visit the mountains- Y'know, in real life." Robin let out a thoughtful "Mhm", urging Will to finish. "Then that was when he said he wanted to go there.. With me." Will ended, his eyes shining with hope as he thought about the possibility of Mike reciprocating his feelings. "Wow. That's- Romantic. Very romantic," Robin said, her voice filled with warmth. "You know what I think? I think that maybe Mike does like you. Just as much as you like him." Robin gave Will a reassuring smile, and Will's eyes lingered on her, hoping that what she said was true. "You really think he does?" Will asked, seeking confirmation. "Yeah," Robin smiled. "But! If he doesn't, then I- guess his way of showing love to his friends is something. But hey, it's alright if things don't work out. As long as you love yourself." Robin's words were comforting, reminding Will to prioritize his own well-being. Will nodded, though he couldn't help but hope that things would work out with Mike.