Something kept tingling inside Ryan. He couldn't wrap his head around it at all.
It's been two weeks since the dance night and this just doesn't leave his head at all. Why? Even he wants to know why. That's why he is still wide awake on his bed at 2:30 am. He turns around to see his roommate soundly sleeping.
For once he takes a good look at him, his black hair is all messy and his lips have a small pout. You can tell he is quite a messy sleeper. But that wasn't the case for Ryan. The only thought that came into his head was how peacefully he is sleeping. Who would tell that this is the same man who has ice cold eyes and a aloof nature?
Because right now in Ryan's eyes, he looks like an angel who probably suffered a lot before they met, probably he is still suffering but hides it. And Ryan can't help but think,
There must be someone really close to Ash and his friends. Someone really close and something must've happened.
But what? What happened?
-
"Wow can you believe that it's already November?" Emma says with disbelief, well time really doesn't wait for anyone right?
"Yeah and our performances are coming up soon! I'm already feeling so nervous". Liam says which makes Michelle giggle. "Come on Liam, I'm sure your band is gonna perform great".
"Well we can't wait for your film club to film everything! I mean they have an amazing director in their team". Ash smirks which makes Michelle roll her eyes. "Come on, I'm not such a professional you know".
"Oh please, you can make a trash bag look cinematic". Liam laughs, earning a punch from her.
"Well most importantly, Michelle needs to record Ash and Ryan's performance perfectly!! We're so close to seeing your guy's act". Emma exclaims with excitement, making Ryan blush at their eagerness to see their performance.
"Well the dance instructor finally seems satisfied with our practice but still wants more perfection. God knows what she wants". Ash groans, recalling all the lectures he and Ryan had to listen for their performance.
"But studies is a pain in the ass. I completely forgot that we are here for a degree". Michelle says with agony in her voice as she remembers just how much she despises studies.
"Btw Ryan, no offense but you really don't look like the businessman types. Why are you majoring in business?" Emma asks which makes Ryan slightly uncomfortable.
He is only doing it because he has no choice since his brother got kicked from the family and only he can take over their parent's wealth.
"Just...survival I guess? I have to take over my parents company one day so that's about it". He sadly smiles at the fact that he can't even do things he likes. He wanted arts but instead was shunned to study something he doesn't like.
"hmm, in all honesty, business really doesn't suit you. Maybe try changing your course? it's not like your parents will know-
"I wish I could but the price of the performing arts course is different than the one I'm currently in right now. It's okay guys, I can still dance on the side right?"
All of them felt bad for the poor boy. Well almost all, Ash did feel pity but his thirst for revenge and his hatred overpowered everything. He honestly couldn't care less and was going with his plan.
His plan? Letting the boy find out that because of his own blood, he had to suffer with his friends. He wants to see that same broken and betrayed face on Ryan that was once on his own face. Since he cannot directly cause damage to his parents, why not use him instead?
Maybe even make the guy fall for him and then leave him to suffer?
He wants to ruin this family. Just like how he was ruined.
-
"You can't be serious Ash. I mean I'm still mad at the past but-
"No Michelle. I almost let my guard down but this time no. Let him suffer the consequences of his parents actions. Even he should know the kind of blood he has".
"But what makes you think that he is also like them? Can't you see his efforts? He is trying his best to let go of what he has been taught".
"It doesn't change the fact that we lost someone. And it's because of him". Ash growls, making Michelle confused.
"What do you mean it was him? How is Ryan connected to all this?"
Ash takes a deep breath, "because he was the one who told his parents about him. His reality and....they had taken him away from us".
Michelle felt the ground slip. She couldn't function.
"W-What....there's no way! Ryan would never do that! You know he was under the influence of-
"It doesn't matter. Influence or not, the damage has been done". His voice goes low at the end, feeling tears in his eyes.
What they didn't really know that there was someone listening. And you could hear the sound of his heart breaking.
-
The dorm was unusually cold and silent. Ryan was impatiently waiting for Ash. He was going to demand answers. He has to know.
The door opens and Ash enters the dorm and immediately Ryan stands in front of the tall boy. Ash rolls his eyes, "what do you want? It's already past bed time. Go sleep".
"No. I have questions and I demand answers".
For fuck sake.
"Ask your questions tomorrow. I'm tired-
"Are you using me?" His voice cracked at the end, feeling heavy.
Ash didn't expect this. He wanted this slow and steady but he didn't mind. The fast the better right? If he so badly wants to know then let him.
"Why? What makes you think I'm using you? You're straight right. So I can't make my move on you anyways though you're damn pretty".
Ryan gritted his teeth. He was being unserious right now. "No! What is your problem with my parents huh?! I get that they're not the very best but-
"Your parents are a piece of shit". As simple as that. Ash didn't hold back this time.
"Don't say that! You are the only shitty person here! Trying to use me against my own parents?! How disgusting-
Before he could even complete his sentence, Ash has him pinned on the couch. Hovering over him with his wrists pinned to his sides.
"Get off! What do you think you're doing!" He growls at him, trying his best to get away but the grip was too strong.
"You and your parents are scums. You are the reason why our lives are ruined. If it weren't for you, we all would be happy right now! Why the fuck did you appear in front of us huh!"
Ryan felt his tears rolling down his cheeks and the sight made Ash's heart crack a little.
"W-Why a-are you d-doing this....I-I'm t-trying my best to understand you guys....i-is that not e-enough..." He sobs. Ash was really in a fix. Before all this, he was determined to get back at him but now seeing him like this was breaking his heart.
Does he actually like him? No. But...UGH! WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT.
All his anger goes away the moment Ryan starts sobbing loudly. Ash got taken aback and immediately let go of him and sat up straight on the couch. Ryan slowly got up, sobbing.
Ash sighed before gently grabbing the boy and pulling him onto his lap. Ryan cutely punched his chest multiple times, trying to get off but ultimately gave up and gave into the warm embrace.
"I'm sorry sugar. I shouldn't have done that. It's all my fault. Please, please look at me".
Ryan weakly looks up at him, tear stained cheeks and puffy cheeks. He looked like a defeated puppy.
"I understand that you still hate me. But please don't bring my parents into this...I-I still rely on them. Whatever you have against them...take it out on me....I-I deserve it".
Why are you making this so hard for me sugar? One moment I want to kiss you and hold you and the next, I want to see those crumbled into shred because of the damage they did to us..
Unfortunately you too contributed to it.