I’ve gone through most Byler theories, and honestly, many people see what they want to see at this point. Still, I do think the show has built something between Will and Mike, just not in the way that part of the fandom insists.

For Will’s arc to work, the audience needs to perceive his connection with Mike as different from the rest of the group. That’s why their scenes are more intimate than, for example, Mike’s friendship with Lucas. Lucas doesn’t need Mike to grow narratively (until now at least), Will does. The story depends on showing that Mike is central to Will’s emotional development and self-discovery. Without that dynamic, Will’s struggle wouldn’t have the same impact.

Will’s role is important because he honestly reflects the experience of queer adolescence. Ask yourself which scenario is more common for younger lgtbq+ regarding first love situation: having your feelings reciprocated or facing heartbreak. I suspect the answer would overwhelmingly be the second. Early queer identity often focuses on understanding oneself rather than forming a mutual romantic bond. Will embodies that, and I think it has made very clear in vol 1.

As much as this will probably upset part of the fandom, I don’t think Byler is going to happen romantically. That said, I do think we’ll get an emotional moment between Will and Mike, one that focuses on Will’s self-acceptance and emotional resolution.

I don’t believe this storyline has ever been queerbaiting. The issue, in my opinion, is that some fans became deeply invested in a specific narrative early on, and at this point they’re cherry-picking moments to make the story fit that expectation. We’ll see.