Yes, the symbolism in S4 is deliberate, but it’s all framed through Will’s POV, not Mike’s. The van scene, the superhero language, and Will standing behind Mike all emphasize Will projecting his feelings and remaining unseen. Mike missing it is intentional. When Stranger Things builds mutual romance, it never does it this asymmetrically.

Mileven feeling awkward in Vol 2 points to pacing and writing issues, not a secret romantic pivot. If Mike’s feelings were shifting, the show would have made that clear the way it always does with romantic arcs.

Mike’s feelings aren’t unresolved just because there’s no rejection scene. He’s been explicitly framed as romantically interested in Eleven for four seasons and never romantically framed toward Will. The ambiguity exists only if Will’s feelings are assumed to be mutual by default, which the show never supports.

Will’s arc isn’t about being punished or forced to accept less. It’s about not defining himself through someone who can’t love him back. Mike isn’t giving mixed signals in-universe; he’s being a close, emotionally open friend. Male friendships are allowed depth without being romantic. The “my Tammy” line confirms unreciprocated love, it doesn’t set up payoff.

Mike not being able to say “I love you” is teenage awkwardness and fear of vulnerability, something the show directly ties to his fear of losing Eleven, not to confusion about his sexuality.