Beyond the Canvas || BYLER || ⚠️ INCOMPLETE ⚠️

4.

5 days later

It was a pleasant Saturday, and Mike had been blatantly avoiding Will and their friends at school for the past week. Almost seven days had passed since their last interaction and Will still couldn't figure out why Mike was deliberately dodging him. Eventually, he accepted the reality that they would never become lovers, or even remain best friends. Mike had been his closest friend, but now he found himself spending more time with Robin, simply because Lucas and Dustin were either too busy or uninterested in spending time with him. Robin had been a steady source of comfort for Will, offering words of encouragement and reminding him of his self-worth.

Meanwhile, Mike was feeling terrible about himself and how he had pushed Will away when he knew deep down he didn't want to. In an attempt to distract himself, he started painting more often even though painting reminded him of Will. Mike found solace in the creative process, which allowed him to express the emotions he couldn't verbalize. He understood why Will found comfort in painting, as it provided a sense of comfort and self-expression. Determined to keep his mind occupied, Mike had spent the entire week painting, producing a total of 17 pieces. His latest creation was a portrait of Eleven, a melancholic tribute to her death. As he painted, he had tried to convince himself that his love for Eleven was genuine, that he was mourning the loss of a loved one, but deep down, he knew it was just a facade. As he stepped back to admire his work, Mike's critical eye picked up on a flaw. "It looks a bit off.." he thought to himself, his mind racing with doubts. Suddenly, he wished for Will's opinion, knowing that his approval was the only validation he truly craved. Mike's thoughts were dominated by Will, and he couldn't shake the feeling that his art was incomplete without his input. After looking at the painting for a while, Mike reluctantly set the painting aside, joining the others he had deemed unsatisfactory, awaiting the day when he could share them with Will and seek his approval.

As he scanned his room, searching for a distraction, his gaze landed on a pile of treasured items in the corner. Among them was the painting Will had given him in California. Mike's heart skipped a beat as he walked over and picked it up, his hands trembling slightly as he unrolled it. His eyes widened, just as they had when he first laid eyes on the painting. Memories flooded his mind, and the truth hit him like a tidal wave. Mike stood there, mesmerized by the artwork, his focus solely on the depiction of him and Will. It was as if the scales had fallen from his eyes. In that moment, Mike realized he couldn't deny his feelings any longer. All his attempts to ignore them had been futile. He knew who he was, and what he wanted. And this time, he wasn't going to run away from it.

Mike quickly rushed to the nightstand and hastily dialed Will's home number, his grip on the painting tightening as he waited for an answer. The phone rang a few times before it was picked up. "Will!" Mike exclaimed, his voice laced with anxiety and desperation. "Mike? Will's not home right now." Joyce replied, her voice calm and gentle. Mike's expression changed, his worry and desperation intensifying. "What?! Where's Will? I need to speak to him. It's very important!" he asked, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Uh- Mike, what's going on? Will's out with Robin.." Joyce informed him, her tone soothing. Mike's eyes widened in surprise, a pang of unease settling in his chest. "Robin?! Why is he with Robin?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of possessiveness. "I-I don't know, Mike. But I can't talk right now, I'm busy. I'll tell Will you called, alright?" Joyce said, her tone firm but polite, before hanging up the phone. "Wait!-" Mike exclaimed, but the line was already dead, the beeping sound echoing in his ear. He slammed the phone back onto the cradle, frustration and desperation etched on his face. "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Mike muttered, hitting his forehead in exasperation. He felt overwhelmed, his mind racing with thoughts of Will and Robin together. The only thing he could do now was wait, his patience wearing thin as he lay on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

The night had fallen, and Mike was drifting off to sleep when the phone's shrill ring jolted him awake. He snatched the receiver, his heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. "Hello..?" Mike said, rubbing his eyes to shake off the sleep. "Mike.." The single word was enough for Mike to recognize Will's voice, and he was instantly alert. "My mom said you called..?" Will's tone was hesitant, laced with a hint of uncertainty. Mike's anxiety dissipated, replaced by a rush of emotions. "Oh! Yes- Yes, I did. Will, I-.. I'm sorry. Really sorry. I didn't mean any of what I said that day. I was being stupid and I was going through a hard time... a-and... Oh gosh... I'm such a jerk.." Mike let out a soft sigh, covering his face with his hand in embarrassment. "Mike.. It's- It's okay. And- you're not a jerk. I know you've been through a lot.." Will's words were reassuring, his voice trembling slightly. A wave of relief washed over Mike, and he knew he had to make things right. "No, no.. No, it's not okay. The other day, when you came to see me paint.. I said I was being a dick- but I realised I still am. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that. You didn't deserve it. Any of it." Mike's words poured out, his priority to make amends and prioritize Will's feelings. Mike held his breath, waiting for Will's response. The silence stretched out, and just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, Will spoke up, "Mike, I- I don't know what to say.." Mike's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly interjected, "You don't have to say anything, Will. And by the way.. do you- perhaps maybe wanna come over tomorrow?" His anxiety spiked as he waited for Will's response. "Y-yeah. Sure. I'd love to come over," Will's reply was laced with a nervous chuckle, and Mike smiled, knowing he was one step closer to making things right. Mike felt a sense of hope he hadn't felt in weeks. He was ready to face his feelings, to be honest with himself and with Will. No more hiding, no more denial.