PLEASE COME BACK

CHAPTER 9

"What do we have in common, Ryan?" Andrea asked as they walked home together. Ryan paused, genuinely considering the question, but nothing immediately came to mind.

"Oops, I forgot you have an empty brain. How could you even think?" Andrea teased, her laughter ringing out. "Well, both of us have a long pinky," she added, wiggling her pinky finger at him.

Ryan laughed, realizing the absurdity of their shared trait. "Oh yes, I just noticed—wait, what did you say?? ANDREA, COME BACK!" he shouted, playfully chasing after her as she darted ahead.

The comfortable banter between them was a testament to how close they had become in such a short time. Andrea’s playful teasing and Ryan’s willingness to join in the fun showcased their growing bond. When you're comfortable with someone and love getting pampered, you tend to act more childishly around them. It's a sign of being able to be yourself, letting your inner child out without fear of judgment.

Ryan, known as the heartthrob of the university, had always maintained a polished, almost aloof persona in front of others. It was a façade he upheld to protect his reputation. He concealed his true self, his inner child, behind this mask, afraid that showing his real personality might tarnish his image.

However, within a month of knowing Andrea, things began to change. Ryan started feeling comfortable around her, realizing that she wasn’t like the other girls who might judge him for his more childish or vulnerable moments. She accepted him for who he was, quirks and all.

This newfound comfort allowed Ryan to open up, revealing his true self to Andrea. He loved spending time with her because he could be carefree and secure, free from the constraints of his public persona. Whether they were tending to their plants, collecting fruits, or simply walking home, Ryan found joy in these moments where he could be genuinely himself.

One evening, as they walked home after another day at Berry Place, Ryan decided to share more about himself. "You know, Andrea, I’ve never felt this comfortable with anyone before. I always felt like I had to put on a show, be someone I’m not, just to keep up my reputation."

Andrea looked at him, her blue eyes filled with understanding. "You don’t have to do that with me, Ryan. I like you for who you are, not for the image you project."

Her words touched him deeply, reaffirming his decision to let her see his true self. Yet, despite this growing comfort, a part of Ryan still felt insecure. He worried about how others would perceive this new side of him if it ever came to light. His insecurities lingered, whispering doubts and fears, but Andrea’s presence made them easier to bear.

They continued walking, talking about everything and nothing, laughing and teasing each other. For Andrea, these moments felt surreal, like a dream she was afraid to wake up from. Her crush was now her friend, someone she spent almost every day with, sharing secrets and building memories.

For Ryan, these moments were a breath of fresh air. He had found someone who didn’t judge him, who allowed him to be himself without any pretenses. It was liberating, and he cherished every second of it.

Their friendship grew stronger with each passing day, rooted in mutual respect and genuine affection. They supported each other, shared their dreams and fears, and found joy in the simplest of things.

Yet, beneath the surface, Ryan’s insecurities remained. He wondered how long he could keep up this dual existence, balancing his true self with the persona he showed the world. But every time he saw Andrea’s smile, heard her laugh, or felt her unwavering support, those insecurities seemed a little less daunting.

In the end, it was Andrea’s acceptance and understanding that gave Ryan the courage to continue being himself, slowly chipping away at the walls he had built around his heart. And for Andrea, being able to see the real Ryan, to share in his vulnerabilities and joys, was the greatest gift she could have ever imagined.
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