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Chapter Thirty Four

Ryan grumbled in disbelief.

~~~

After a few minutes, Ryan and I made it to the parking lot, where we quickly scarfed down the two croissant sandwiches (though I finished much earlier than he did). They were satisfyingly fulfilling, and after lingering in the parking lot for a while to waste some time, we headed towards the school's gym.

A few of the photographers asked us if we wanted to take prom photos and buy them, which we politely declined. Heading into the gym, I winced at how loud the music was. Maybe it was because of my music attribute and whatnot, but my head pounded, and I felt the sound waves traveling into my body through the ground. Ryan helped cover my ears until we made it to the far corner of the gym, hiding with a few streamers and balloons. I saw the crowd of people circling the DJ, screaming suggestions and dancing with their friends or partners.

"It's way too loud in here," I commented, shrinking into the corner as my hair tangled itself with the pink streamers. "People need to stop screaming, oh my god!"

Ryan laughed at me, and I punched his arm lightly, annoyed by it. "That's unlucky for you, isn't it?" He snickered out. "Karma does its job well!" I punched him again, this time a little bit harder. "Ow! Hey!"

"What do you mean by that?!"

An hour or so passed of us walking around the gym, with Ryan greeting a few of his other friends as they waved at him with their partners. They appeared a little confused and perplexed as to why Ryan was with me at the prom, but he clarified that we were only there as friends. Every so often, we'd go by the drinks table and have a cup of fruit juice and water. Little conversations made or way here and there, where we made fun of Linda's peacock-inspired dress and heels. Soon, it was nearing the end of the dance. I could only tell because the food tables were retreating, and the music became slow.

I was sitting on a table that one of Ryan's friends had used to set up for food earlier on. Ryan managed to convince him to leave it behind until later that night, because we were tired and there were no seats around.

"It's almost midnight," I said, looking up at the clock as my legs swung off the table. "We should probably go soon, hmm?"

"Hold on."

I peered up at Ryan, and he put his hands in his lap, as if nervous. He didn't try to meet eyes, which was unusual, because he was always talking about his habit of making too much eye contact with people, which I also noticed much often.

"What's up?"

"I think there's something I need to say to you," Ryan replied, turning to me, but like before, he didn't meet eyes with me.

I blinked, puzzled by what he said. Why isn't he making eye contact..? It worries me. "You think?" I asked, trying to sound as serious as I could. "What do you mean?"

"It's not really something I need to say to you," he mumbled, his eyes lowering their gaze to the floor. Confetti and streamers were below on the floor, and I saw the glint of purple and pink lights against his eyes. "But it's something I feel like I want to say to you."

I nodded, feeling a little less nervous by his words. "Oh. Okay. Then, shoot."

His hands clasped together, and I noticed the cold sweat glistening on his forehead. That immediately made me feel as if I should've been nervous, and I leaned toward Ryan, protruding into his line of sight. He's hesitating. His eyes caught mine, and he looked a little taken aback.

My eyes hardened, and trying to hold back on the motherly tone, I said sternly, "Ryan? What is it?"

"Sorry."

I suddenly sat up straight at the abrupt apology, my nerves freezing. Ryan didn't move at all, adding into the changing atmosphere. My eyes widened a little when I realized what he said, and, feeling conflicted, my hand unconsciously pulled my hair behind my ear.

"What do you mean 'sorry'?" I asked quietly, my voice barely louder than the sentimental music.

Ryan's gaze flashed to the couples dancing together, staring blankly. "I mean sorry. As in, I'm sorry for all the shit I did to you from sophomore year to a few months back."

I let an awkward little laugh, feeling my legs tingle at the tense mood in the air. "What's with the sudden apology though? I really didn't mind it much." Following his gaze, I added in, "To be honest, I expected the worst for me, because being the daughter of two elite heroes is dangerous. I was warned from a young age too." I smiled, turning to look at him. "Besides, you're my friend now. To me, that makes up for it."

"I'm sorry, still..." he murmured, his voice raspy at the end. I felt his arm wrap around me, and I held him up as he leaned over for a hug. "Every time I think about how much of a piece of shit I was to you, I know that I made a mistake. A huge one. And I didn't mean it because I didn't know how important you would be to me."

My arms were wrapped around Ryan now, with my head on his. A faint smile was on my lips, and I whispered softly, "Well, I'm glad that I'm important.. You really don't have to worry about it." After a while, I let go of him, and he reluctantly pulled away, his eyes watery. "We're friends now. What happened in the past has been atoned for. I forgive you, Ryan."

Ryan's eyes flickered slightly, as if hesitant to believe my words. He let out a soft sigh, almost as if defeated, and mumbled, "You know, up until now, I thought I saw you as a potential soulmate of some sort." The word "soulmate" struck me like a lighting bolt, and I froze again. "But, after all that— after you forgiving me so easily and how poetic your words were— I think I was wrong." He placed a clutched fist onto his chest as it glowed, saying, "You're like a sister to me. And now, I'd do anything to protect you from anyone."

I felt my cheeks heating up at his words. I never knew.. what he was thinking in that brain of his. My heart pounded as I grabbed his hands, holding them in mine. He looked up at me, a little bewildered by the sudden intimacy. I should take into consideration his feelings and emotions more often. Letting out a small huff, I smiled brightly at him.

"Then, as a sister and one of the most powerful people in the world, I will do the same," I replied gently. My hands gripped his tightly, and I leaned forward, resting my head on his chest. I heard him inhale sharply. "That's the deal, okay..?" Pulling away, I looked up at him.

Ryan smiled, a little frailness to it. "Yeah. Deal."