Invisible String

Chapter 2

Iyaara/Ryker

Iyaara

After another exhausting day at school, I collapsed onto my bed as if it were the only thing keeping me alive. My whole body ached with relief the moment I sank into the sheets. I closed my eyes, ready to let the world fade away-until my phone suddenly buzzed beside me.

"Ava," the screen flashed.

I sighed and picked it up. "Hey," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

"Heyyy!" Ava practically shouted through the speaker. "Are you coming to the fresher's party tonight? I heard there are going to be so many people-it might actually be fun!"

I groaned, pressing the phone against my pillow. "You can go without me. I'm way too tired."

"Oh, come on! Please?" she begged. "It'll be fun! Maybe we'll even make some new friends."

I stared up at the ceiling, my eyelids heavy. "Ava, I'd rather sit at home and watch a movie than deal with a room full of fake smiles and small talk tonight. I'm sorry. I just can't make it."

There was a small pause before she sighed. "Okay then... I guess I'll have to go without you." Her voice sounded softer now, disappointed.

When the call ended, I tossed my phone aside and pulled my laptop closer. The familiar opening credits of Ten Things I Hate About You lit up my screen, and I smiled faintly. I curled up with a mug of hot chocolate, the warmth seeping into my hands.

Honestly, what could be better than this? A cozy bed, a comfort movie, and absolutely no need to pretend.

Ryker

"Dude, are you coming to the fresher's party tonight?" Kairo's voice buzzed through the phone, full of excitement. "I heard there are gonna be so many girls tonight."

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Nah, bro. I'll pass. You know I'm not the party type."

Kairo laughed, teasing. "What's the worst that could happen? You talk to three people? Or is that too hard for Ryker, the iceberg?"

I froze for a moment. "Seriously? You're challenging me?" I said, my voice calm but sharp. "You really think I can't handle a stupid... whatever this party is?"

"Exactly," Kairo said, grinning audibly through the line. "Prove it."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

I swung my legs off the bed, grabbed a black shirt-one button undone-and slid into dark blue jeans. Staring at my reflection, I muttered under my breath, "Just one hour."

I stepped into the party hall, telling myself over and over that it was just for an hour. Just one hour, I thought.

"Dude! You seriously came?" Kairo's voice rang out, a mix of surprise and amusement.

"I was forced to," I teased back, rolling my eyes.

Before I could protest further, Kairo grabbed my arm and dragged me through the crowd. We passed clusters of laughing students, until we stopped in front of a group of random girls sitting together.

"Seriously, bro?" I groaned, my voice low.

"What!?" Kairo asked, raising his eyebrows.

Before I could answer, one of the girls sauntered over, her voice dripping with flirtation. "Heyyy! Wanna drink and have some fun?" she asked, like she'd been practicing her entire life for this moment.

"Sorry. Not interested," I said coldly, cutting her off and turning to walk away.

"Seriously, bro?" Kairo muttered beside me, shaking his head.

I could hear her muttering something under her breath, but I didn't care. I moved to a quiet corner, away from the noise and the crowds, and scrolled endlessly on my phone. Time passed slowly, but steadily, and gradually, people began leaving for home. I waited for Kairo, just as he had told me to.

When he finally appeared, he was a little drunk, a little sober, leaning on me for support. "Bro, you're gonna have to book a cab," he slurred

I nodded silently and called one. Once inside my apartment, utterly exhausted, I slipped into some sweatpants and a soft t-shirt and collapsed onto my bed. I didn't even notice how I fell asleep-one moment I was staring at the ceiling, and the next, I was gone.