For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 26: "Fractured and Mending

Note:
"So uhmm... I don't know about what's going on rm.. I'm going insane like what is happening to me-
But... A reminder where the transferred students' names were already known, bad English, I know..."

Warning:
Drama
Claire being Claire
______________________________________

Chapter 26: "Fractured and Mending"

The days rolled into Chapter 26: "Fractured and Mending"
weeks, and the tension between Ray and Matthew remained unresolved. Ray’s avoidance was no longer subtle—it was deliberate. It left Matthew hurt and confused, though Claire's words about Ray being "manipulative" still gnawed at him. Despite her efforts, Matthew’s loyalty to Ray hadn’t wavered completely, though doubt began to creep in.

The new transfer students—Leo, Mary, Vivianne, and Jarren—had quickly made their presence known. Jarren, in particular, had taken a keen interest in Ray.

---

Monday morning, in the cafeteria

Ray sat at his usual corner, his tray untouched. The muffled sounds of chatter filled the room, but it all seemed like background noise to him. His focus was on the book in his hand, though the words blurred as his mind wandered.

Jarren approached with a confident stride, balancing his tray of food with practiced ease. “Hey,” he greeted, plopping down opposite Ray without invitation.

Ray glanced up, startled, then sighed. “What do you want, Jarren?”

“Good morning to you, too,” Jarren said with a grin. “You always sit alone?”

Ray shot him a look. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

Jarren leaned back in his seat, undeterred by Ray’s sharp tone. “Just figured you could use some company. You know, you’re not as scary as people think.”

“I’m not scary,” Ray muttered, returning to his book.

“Exactly,” Jarren said, snapping his fingers. “That’s my point. But people don’t bother getting to know you. Their loss, honestly.”

Ray stared at him for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Jarren’s sincerity was disarming.

“Why are you even talking to me?” Ray asked finally.

“Because I want to,” Jarren replied simply. “You seem like someone worth knowing.”

Ray blinked, surprised by the straightforward answer. “That’s... weirdly nice of you.”

“Get used to it,” Jarren said with a smirk. “I’m persistent.”

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cafeteria

Claire was sitting with Matthew, her voice low and conspiratorial. “I’m telling you, Matthew, Ray’s been avoiding you for a reason.”

Matthew frowned, his fork paused mid-air. “Claire, we’ve already talked about this. I know Ray, and—”

“Do you?” Claire interrupted, her tone laced with false concern. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like he’s been using you. Think about it—why else would he be acting this way? He got what he needed from you and now—”

“That’s enough,” Matthew said sharply, his voice louder than intended.

Several heads turned in their direction, but Matthew didn’t care. He was done listening to Claire’s poison.

“Ray’s my best friend,” he said, his voice firm. “And nothing you say is going to change that.”

Claire’s expression faltered, but she quickly recovered, her smile tight. “I’m just trying to help, Matthew. You deserve better.”

Matthew didn’t respond. Instead, he stood up, grabbing his tray and walking away.

---

Later that day, in the music room

Ray was at the piano, his fingers moving across the keys in a gentle, melancholic melody. It was one of the few places where he felt at peace.

“Mind if I join you?”

Ray turned to see Jarren standing in the doorway, his smile easy and genuine.

“How did you even find this place?” Ray asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Lucky guess,” Jarren said, stepping inside. “You’re good, by the way. That song—did you write it?”

Ray hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. Just something I came up with.”

“It’s beautiful,” Jarren said, sitting down on the bench beside him.

Ray glanced at him, surprised by the compliment. “Thanks.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Jarren spoke again.

“You know, you don’t have to shut everyone out,” Jarren said softly.

Ray stiffened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think you do,” Jarren said, his tone was kind but firm. “Whatever’s going on with you, you don’t have to face it alone.”

Ray’s hands hovered over the keys, his heart aching at the truth in Jarren’s words. But he wasn’t ready to open up—not yet.

“Thanks,” Ray said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m fine.”

Jarren didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back, giving Ray the space he needed. “Well, whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”

For the first time in weeks, Ray felt a flicker of hope.

---

After school, outside the building

Matthew was waiting by the bike racks, his gaze scanning the crowd. When he saw Ray, his heart clenched.

“Ray!” he called out, jogging to catch up with him.

Ray froze for a moment before turning to face Matthew. His expression was guarded.

“What do you want, Matt?” Ray asked, his voice distant.

Matthew hesitated, searching for the right words. “I just... I want to know what’s going on. Why are you avoiding me.”

Ray looked away, his jaw tightening. “I’m not avoiding you.”

“Yes, you are,” Matthew said, his voice laced with frustration. “And I don’t understand why. Did I do something wrong?”

“It’s not about you,” Ray said, his voice cracking slightly.

“Then talk to me!” Matthew pleaded. “We’re best friends, Ray. Or at least, I thought we were.”

Ray’s heart ached at Matthew’s words, but Claire’s voice echoed in his mind. You’re just dragging him down.

“I can’t do this right now,” Ray said, turning away.

“Ray—”

But Ray was already walking away, leaving Matthew standing there, his heart heavy with confusion and pain.

To be Continued...