Don't Be A Dingus; Byler ??

5- Corrupted

"Just be yourself," Robin winked, "If we do what we did today, I'm sure she'll see what she's missing."

Will nodded, eager to help Robin with her scheme, "You got it! I'll be the best 'boyfriend' ever," he chuckled.

The pair exchanged a knowing look, their friendship deepening as they set out to help one another with a shared understanding of their goal, they high-fived, sealing their commitment to the plan:

Protect Will

And help Robin win Vickie's heart.

MIKE POV-

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, in the dimly lit basement that was Mike wheeler's house, the group of friends sat on the old couch. Max sprawled herself out on a bean bag, munching popcorn. The atmosphere was tense, with a cloud of frustration hanging over them. Mike was the only one standing, pacing back and forth, his face flushing with anger, his words tumbling out.

"This is all bullshit!" the ravenette seethed, "Robin is corrupting Will, and it's like he doesn't care! And she's making him act all... weird!"

Max didn't move, taking another handful of popcorn, shovelling it into her mouth as if watching a movie; her eyes fixed on Mike but saying nothing. Dustin shifted uncomfortably on the old couch, glancing at Lucas who simply shrugged not knowing what to say to calm him down. Suzie and El quietly watched Mike, both bored of his antics but allowed him to complain if that would shut him up afterwards.

"She also came late today; she doesn't care about him!" the ravenette continued, his tone bitter. "And then look at him! Acting all mature and stuff, giggling with her; she's got him under her thumb."

His frustration knew no bounds as he recounted the changes he observed in Will today; the way he dressed, the way he acted, his closeness to Robin and the total oblivious to Mike's feelings. It was all Robin's influence. He described how Will was distant, spending more time with Robin today then the rest of the party and how the brunette was acting completely different to impress her.

"And now he doesn't want to hang out with us!" Mike grumbled, running a hand through is hair in frustration, "He never would have done this before; I bet Robin was the one who was telling him what to do,"

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence; no one knew exactly what to say. They didn't understand why Mike was acting so... possessive over this. Why did he even care to this degree?

Max let out a sigh, being the first to speak up since no one else was willing to, "Mike! Will is a grown-up. This is his girlfriend; his first girlfriend! It's just a phase... he's excited."

"But he's being pretentious with all his 'romantic' crap! I ought to go over to his house and tell him to break up with her!" The ravenette exclaimed.

"That you are not going to do!" Lucas scolded, adding to his girlfriend's point, "When you first met El we didn't see you for an entire month!"

Mike shot him down immediately, "Don't even try! This is completely different! This is wrong!"

"And why is that?" Suzie questioned, a hint of annoyance in her eye from the incoherent babbling, but honestly invested at this point.

"She's older than him! She's obviously just using him!" the tall boy replied, "I've read about this online, the older kids going for the younger ones who don't know any better!"

"Mike, you're overreacting. Will's hardly a clueless freshman!" Dustin attempted to reason with the ravenette once more, cautiously saying, "He's a sophomore and she's a junior!"

"I can't stand this! She's breaking us apart!" Mike accused, placing both hands on his hip.

"Robin?" El questioned with a furrowed brow, attempting to follow the conversation.

"See! El is taking my side!" the ravenette stopped his pacing, gesturing to her with a smile,

"Um... I actually like Robin! She's funny and Will likes her! Maybe you should get to know her first?" The doe-eyed girl suggested.

"JUDAS!" Mike proclaimed, "How could you take her side? You're all traitors!"

Before anyone could respond, Max broke the silence, honestly tired of this nonsensical rambling, "Mike!" she began, her voice firm and commanding, "This was fun for the first five minutes, but you've been complaining for over half an hour!"

"But-" The ravenette attempted to argue back.

"Don't interrupt." The redhead continued, cutting him off, her voice unwavering, "Will is happy; isn't that enough? He's just excited to have a girlfriend and you, as his best friend, shouldn't judge Robin so harshly, you only met her once!"

Mike knew any further he would continue this argument would only lead to them going around in circles. His frustration simmered beneath him, pretending as though Max's words really resonated with him. "Yeah, yeah, you're right." he muttered, though the words hung in the air around him.

But then, just as it seemed as though the storm of Mike's anger may be calmed and peace may finally envelope them, the ravenette's agitation got the better of him. Unable to hold himself together, another barrage of words escaped his lips,

"But you guys don't know Will like I do!" The tall boy exclaimed, his voice raising once more, "What if his grades start slipping because of her? And what if he starts smoking? And what if-" continuing to list many hypotheticals, subjecting his friends to hear him.

The rest of the group, who initially believed that Max's intervention had put an end to the storm, groaned audibly, slumping in their seats. It became apparent that Mike wouldn't stop talking about it any time soon; he was relentless in his ranting.

The party exchanged glances... this was going to be a long night. 

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1939 Words

Stay Safe <3