Crazy Over Him

25: That's Confidence, Baby

Ryan's morning routine was simple: wake up, brush his teeth, wash his face, take a quick shower, and put on his school uniform. But recently, there's been a few additional steps. After changing his clothes, he'd spray cologne, put on a necklace and a ring or two, then gel his hair—all habits adapted under Bambam's influence.

"Don't listen to what Jackson says. Every week is Paris Fashion week," Bambam told him. "Every part of the outfit matters," he stressed, "Accessories like rings, watches, necklaces, earrings even, and shoes and socks. They all matter if you want to make the best out of a shitty school uniform."

Every morning when Ryan looked in the mirror, he looked good, he felt good, and he smelt good. Life was good. It was finally good.

Downstairs, Ryan went to the kitchen to grab his lunch from the fridge but he bumped into his parents who haven't left for work yet. He would usually say a quiet hello and make his way out the door but today, his parents decided to speak on the changes he's made to his appearance.

"Jihun-ah," his mom called. "Did you wash you hair? It's still wet."

"Um, nah, that's hair gel," he replied.

"Why aren't you wearing your uniform properly?" she asked and went to button up the collar than Ryan purposely unbuttoned to show off his necklace.

"Actually, I did this on purpose."

"You what? Why would you do that on purpose?"

"I'm trying a different style."

"Just let him do what he wants," Ryan's dad said. "You look great, son. Does Bambam still drive you to school?"

"Yeah. He does." Ryan was confused why his dad would ask him about that suddenly.

"Wouldn't you rather drive yourself?"

"I don't mind riding with Bambam."

"Why don't I just buy you a car and you could just go to school on your own?"

It wasn't the first time his dad offered to buy him a car, their family had the money to, but Ryan liked going to school with Bambam. It gave them more time to discuss Ryan's social life and recently, Ryan's dating life.

"His own car?" his mom asked with judgment on her face.

"It's okay, dad. I don't need one."

"Come on, Ryan. Other kids would die for their own car. Let me get you one. You could be the one driving others to school."

"He doesn't need a car. Don't pressure him," his mom replied.

"I wasn't pressuring him. Ryan, was I pressuring you?"

"You're pressuring him to answer the question right now!"

"Ryan, tell you mother, was I pressuring you?"

Ryan looked between his parents and it seemed like no matter what he said, the tension would snap like a twig.

"Uh... I gotta go now," Ryan said and quickly made his way to the door.

"You were clearly making him uncomfortable," he heard his mom say.

A sigh came from his dad. "I know it's because you still can't get over the time he accidentally scratched your car. I seriously can't deal with your pettiness anymore," his dad replied as Ryan shut the front door.

He took a deep breath and blocked out the yelling that began after he closed the door. He walked down the driveway and waved to Bambam in the driver seat before getting in.

"Woah, good morning, handsome," Bambam flirted. Then he started sniffing the air around Ryan who only smiled in amusement. "God, I'm such a good influence. Look at you wearing cologne and gelling your hair."