The enemy of my heart [BL]

Storm

The race began as everyone jogged their way around the field. Slowly but surely, I crept my way to first place, leading the pack. By the second and final lap, I noticed a figure trailing behind me. "Ronin?" I exclaimed, increasing my pace, but to no avail. He slowly passed, leaving me in the dust.

"Jesus, the new guy is fast, isn't he?" James exclaimed casually, chilling besides William.

"James, when I said we're going to run laps, that included you," William scolded him.

"I can't. I need to keep my composure to remain cool. Why don't you run?" James chuckled.

"I can't with you," William admitted defeat.

How is he faster than me? He's better in English, video games, now fucking running. No way, this doesn't make sense. "I can't give up now," I thought aloud, running faster and faster. Pain struck my legs as I ended right after Ronin.

"Fuck, that hurts!" I yelled aloud, holding my right leg. It felt like I sprained it; I could swear they were on fire from how fast I was running, yet someone happened to be even faster.

"Stop overreacting, Liam," William spat, wearing that devious smirk of his. "Perhaps coming second will force your lazy ass to improve your skills," he chuckled.

"Are you okay?" Ronin whispered, holding his hand out.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" I yelled aloud. Now he's having mercy on me? What bogus. I won't let my pride be diminished.

"Can you stop embarrassing me already?" I snapped, frustration boiling over.

"Liam, you're embarrassing yourself," Ronin yelled out, the first time he showed any emotion. I could see William and the other guys crack up, which only fueled my humiliation.

*

James held his hand out, pulling me up, as he gave Ronin the stink eye.

After a few warm-ups, we practiced kicks. Who would've guessed Ronin broke my record for the most successful kicks back to back? Without much of a word, I left the field. I felt so fucking humiliated. I just knew they were talking shit behind my back, especially William.

"Liam, what's your problem? Why are you being all bitchy?" William's voice echoed as I left the school gates.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, unable to find the courage to look him in the eye.

William grabbed my collar, holding me up. "What's with this attitude from you? You're usually so cool-headed."

"I'm surprised to hear that a narcissistic prick who's head is stuck far up their ass could notice that," I yelled.

"Says the guy who throws a tantrum when someone's better at something than them. Fucking grow up. I'm not telling you this as the head boy, but as your cousin," William yelled back.

I couldn't stand this anymore. Pushing him away, despite being taller than him, his words ate at me and made me feel small.

"Leave him alone," Ronin appeared, wearing a stern face. He grabbed hold of William, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned around, exiting the school gates. "One more fit and you're off the team," William yelled after me, his words ringing in my ears as I walked away.

Eventually making it home, I immediately flopped underneath my Barney blanket feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. The sound of rain tapping against my window matched my mood perfectly. "What's going on with me? Am I really that jealous of Ronin?" I said aloud, my voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.

"Honey, what's wrong?" My mom barged into my room, her gentle voice giving me some relief.

"Because of the rain, William called off the rugby practice, and Ronin had to do errands. He'll be here soon," I excused, not wanting to share these confusing feelings with her.

"That's strange; he barely knows the time. But I doubt anyone would dare to kidnap him," she giggled.

"The rain is really coming down, so I'll be making chicken soup, your favorite," she continued, trying to lighten the mood.

*

I felt the bed bump as she sat down beside me, and I slowly removed the blanket from my head as she held me close.

"That's a pretty terrible lie, calling rugby off because of the rain?" she said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, I'm really sorry about lying," I sighed, feeling guilty.

"Don't be. I won't ask; just know I'm here for you, alright?" she said, wiping the tears from my cheeks. Her comforting presence was just what I needed in that moment.

Shortly thereafter Ronin popped into the room, as soon he opened the door I closed my eyes pretending to be asleep. His practice uniform alongside his hair was drenched in Rain.

I felt him stomp around in the room finally hoping onto his bed. The silence would've been unbearable if it wasn't for the rain.

"I'm sorry if I upset you, it wasn't my intention at all", his usual cold tone taking a soft turn.

Still feeling a mix of emotions through everything, I didn't know what to answer what I knew was he stood up for me against William.

"I just overreacted it's aight", was the only few words I could muster.