
wdym by this? cause it lowkey was it just wasnt romantic and neither of them understood that. mike “liked” will because it gave him purpose. protecting will made mike feel strong and needed. he then transferred that feeling onto eleven when they met will liked mike because he thought he needed him for multiple reasons, will thought he was weak and that mike (someone he viewed as strong and confident) liking him back would mean he could finally like himself. he got over that in that flashback
before harnessing his powers. he saw memories of when he felt confident (his moms approval, mikes friendship, his brothers love) and realized robin was right. he had everything he needed to accept himself but both boys did feel differently abt each other than anyone else, that parts true its just that mike found a replacement earlier