Most viewers are focused on how Eleven and the rest of the characters defeat Vecna, as well as on the massive character deaths included in the finale. The character group that includes Will, Mike, Jonathan, and Argyle returned in volume 2 after they were completely absent from the finale. As Will talks about how hard it has been for Eleven in California since she is different, it is clear that Will is also talking about his own experiences and feelings of missing Mike. Will will have a major role in the show's final season, as his ability to sense Vecna/The Mind Flayer and what the villain is feeling will be incredibly valuable.
Romance will still be in the air thanks to Eleven and Mike, Joyce and Hopper, the likely love triangle of Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve, and Lucas and Max possibly rekindling their feelings. Will has a chance to explain why Eleven cares for him and that he is not a dumb nerd after Mike tells him that Eleven loves him and will need him. It would be disappointing if the show went with his sexuality instead of Will's. The socially awkward teen returned to his friends to learn how different the group dynamic had become after he became the target of the Mind Flayer. Will's understanding of his feelings for Mike is lost on his best friend at the moment. There is a sense that they both know that Will is gay and Mike is in love with him. He doesn't come out as gay in the show, but the show does confirm that he loves Mike.
The question about how this will impact season 5 looms large now that it has been confirmed that Will Byers is gay.
Will's painting was one of the mysteries of the first volume of the show. His emotions show that he feels the same way, that she's better for being different and that gives her courage to fight on.
The answer to whether or not Will Byers is gay appears in the second volume of the season. The biggest tease comes a few minutes into episode 8 when Will and Mike are talking in the back of a pizza truck. Fans were hoping that this would be the time when the show confirmed what had been suspected. They were last seen standing next to each other in the finale of the fourth season of the show. It's likely that viewers will pick up on this, which will lead to a good conversation between the brothers in the finale. After learning that Robin is a lesbian in season 3, her hopeful love life took a bigger role in season 4. Mike is depicted as the leader of the group in the artwork.
Ever since Will and Mike fought, viewers have wondered if Will is gay. The failure to develop Will as a gay character would be unfortunate. Will might come out as gay to Mike and his friends next season. It is the most definitive confirmation that Will Byers is gay.