A Rainbow Shining Through

It was the next day and the basement was cluttered with soda cans, snack wrappers, and half-finished D&D character sheets. Lucas and Dustin were arguing over something stupid while Max tried to tune the old radio for music.

Mike and Will sat close on the couch, a little quieter than usual. Their hands brushed occasionally, almost accidental touches that neither seemed to pull away from.

Lucas noticed first. He was the most observant out of them all. He paused mid-argument and glanced over.

"Hey, uh...you guys okay?" Lucas asked, eyebrows raised.

Mike looked up, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth, "Yeah, we're fine."

Will nodded, though he avoided Lucas's eyes.

Dustin, the second most observant when it came to his friends, leaned in, "You two are acting weird..."

Max smirked, "Or maybe you're hiding something."

Mike laughed softly, a little nervously, "Nothing we want to talk about right now."

Lucas exchanged a look with Dustin—something between suspicion and curiosity.

"Well, don't leave us hanging forever, alright?" Lucas said, trying to keep the mood light.

Will finally looked up and met Lucas's gaze.

"We will," Will said quietly.

Dustin grinned, "Good. 'Cause you know we're your best friends. We'll be here no matter what."

Mike's smile grew, warmth spreading in his chest, "Thanks, man...that means a lot."

They all settled back into the game, the tension easing just a bit.

But beneath it all, things had shifted.

And none of them would ever forget the quiet moment when Mike and Will's friendship started to change, slowly, carefully, into something new.

But it was only the beginning...