Hawkins is small, but its secrets are big.

Will Byers has always kept to himself — sketching in quiet corners, surviving on routine, and hiding from the chaos that seems to follow him no matter where he goes. Mike Wheeler has his own battles: trying to fit in, trying to be brave, trying to keep himself together when everything feels like it’s spiraling.

When fate (or recklessness) throws them together, they discover something neither expected: someone who sees them, someone who matters. But the quiet comfort of connection doesn’t last long.

A night out spirals into tragedy. Chrissy Cunningham, a friend, is found dead, and Eddie Munson — a boy who’s always been different — is accused. The town turns on him. Loyalties are tested. Friendships are stretched to breaking. And the lines between right and wrong blur with every step through the dark streets and shadowed woods of Hawkins.

As Hopper hunts for the truth, as Jason and his friends chase vengeance, and as Max joins the hunt to protect those she cares about, Will and Mike find themselves not only confronting danger but their own feelings, discovering what it truly means to trust someone — and to be brave enough to love, even in fear.

The Quiet Things We Hide is a tense, cinematic, small-town drama about friendship, first love, moral grey areas, and the costs of loyalty when everything you care about is on the line.

Disclaimer

This story contains sexual themes, strong language, and explores queer identities and relationships as a central focus. If you are homophobic, uncomfortable with LGBTQ+ topics, or sensitive to discussions of sexuality, identity, and emotional intimacy, this story is not for you.

Please choose to leave now.
This space is not up for debate.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GiJMyBk2PKgYK9SqqvvQXSX95zDoEHzhlKYirOuMAWM/edit?usp=sharing


Chapter 1 - Character Profiles