The enemy of my heart [BL]

Aftermath

"Are you still beating yourself up over what happened a few days ago?", Ronin's voice was filled with frustration and laced with concern.

"It's not that simple", I collapsed onto my bed, doubting Ronin would understand my feelings.

"Than tell me, Ronin kneeled infont of my bed taking my hand as he held it tightly, his eyes sparkled with concern.

"I'm alright", I excused not wanting to continue the conversation any longer. "How do I even explain this", I thought to myself.

"Liam you need to understand that everyone's, worried about you. You can't shut yourself in here forever"

"I...I..", his voice trembled.
"I want to be around you always, but I can't if you're just shutting yourself in here. I miss our stupid competitions, hanging out, cuddling", Ronin let out a nervous chuckle.

"I can't bare to see you like this", I sighed sitting behind Ronin as he laid back towards me. With gentle strokes I cressed his hair.

"Liam help me understand, William is gone we don't have to watch our backs anymore.

"I thought us busting William would be the end of all of our problems".
"But the things he said, are bothering me.

"I'm responsible for all of this, creating a person like him".

"You didn't create, anything. He was the win who became obsessed with you and all. "It's unfair for you to beat yourself up over that", Ronin cried out.

"If only people didn't think I was this perfect guy, fuck if only William didn't think so...

"You perfect give me a break", A voice echoed behind the door, as the door slowly opened.

"James, Evelyn and Elliott", I yelled aloud.

"You're an emotional mess, whitout us you would be seven feet under by now" Evelyn snickered as she sat besides me.

"If I had a coin for every smart thing you've said, I'd have no coins, James added.

"Pft besides your rugby captain skills definitely need an approvement especially since you're taking over the helm from William", Elliott smiled.

"You're supposed to be meaner babe", James whispered into Elliot's ear.

"None's perfect, Liam. Everyone who thinks that about you definitely doesn't know the real you," Evelyn said, gently placing her hand on my shoulder.

"Plus, you fell for an supposedly straight guy", Ronin let out a small chuckle as he gently drew patterns on my hand.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me, surrounded by everyone's support, which helped lift the burden of guilt from my shoulders, despite the occasional teasing.

"I love you guys!" I exclaimed, my voice choked with emotion.

*

"Group hug!" James called out, prompting everyone to gather around for an embrace.

"Now that that's settled, we need to get you dressed up," Evelyn said, opening my closet and rummaging through my clothes.

"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely puzzled, as she sorted through my wardrobe.

"Liam, seriously, do you ever listen?" James sighed, placing a hand on his forehead in mock exasperation.

"I had a lot on my mind, cut me some slack," I chuckled, playfully pushing James.

"Why does everyone pick on my boyfriend?" Elliott sighed in mock despair.

"Well, at least your boyfriend didn't have a psycho chasing after him," Ronin added with a smirk.

"Too soon," Elliott replied, his expression turning serious.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Ronin apologized.

"Anyway," James interjected, eager to change the subject, "the Sprucewood Winter Ball is still happening today."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Today? I completely forgot!"

"We've got you covered," Evelyn said, pulling out a sleek suit from the depths of my closet. "You're going to look amazing."

"Thanks, guys," I said gratefully, feeling a rush of excitement. Maybe attending the ball with my friends was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits and leave my worries behind, at least for one night.

"Please have a seat, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez," James said calmly, handing each of them a glass of wine.

"James, what's all this about? And isn't this our own wine?" Liam's mom asked, looking perplexed, while James froze in fear.

"Uh," he squeaked, caught off guard.

Just then, to grab everyone's attention, Elliott strutted down the hallway. "Behold the designs curated by Sprucewood's number one fashion designer, Evelyn!" he announced flamboyantly.

"That's our cue," Evelyn nudged Ronin and me as we followed Elliott into the room.

"This is so ridiculous," I muttered to Ronin as we walked.

"Come on, lighten up," Ronin chuckled.

"Easy for you to say. These pants are not made for walking," I grumbled.

"But they do make your ass look good," Ronin teased, giving my butt a playful squeeze.

My face turned crimson, and I was momentarily speechless. Ronin had a way of disarming me with just a gesture.

"Now that's better," he said with an innocent smile, as if nothing had happened.

We entered the living room, where my parents sat with surprised expressions.

"You guys look fantastic!" my dad exclaimed.

"Yes, we definitely need to take some pictures," my mom added, giggling.

I wore a white dress shirt paired with a sharp black suit, a classic combination, complemented by a pair of sleek black shoes. The brown tie I wore added a touch of warmth to the ensemble, though I couldn't remember when we I got the suit—perhaps explaining why it felt a bit snug.

*

Ronin looked incredible in his navy blue suit, which perfectly complemented his complexion and highlighted his athletic build. He wore a crisp white dress shirt underneath, emphasizing the richness of the suit's color.

"We'll be getting dressed as well, see you there and don't be late!" Evelyn exclaimed as our friends left.

With them gone, I figured it was a good time to come clean. Ronin and I had discussed this with Evelyn while we were getting dressed.

"Mom, dad, I've got something to tell you guys," I said, giving a quick glance to Ronin, who nodded supportively.

"Is something the matter, honey?" my mother asked, her tone tinged with concern.

"No, well..." I took a deep breath. "Me and Ronin are boyfriends." I braced myself for impact, but instead, I was met with a few snickers.

"Oh honey, tell us something we're not already aware of," she laughed alongside my dad.

"But wait, you guys knew? How?" Ronin asked, a hint of confusion in his frown.

"You boys aren't as sneaky as you think," my dad chuckled, sipping his wine. "These walls aren't as thick as you imagine. Next time, just close the door properly when you're... occupied."

My face flushed red with embarrassment, but beneath it all, I felt relieved. I glanced at Ronin, whose expression was unreadable. "Is something wrong?" I wondered.

"I hope you boys use condoms before engaging in... The devil's tango," my dad teased.

"Oh god," I exclaimed, mortified.

"Honey, stop teasing him. He's already red as a tomato," my mom interjected, amused.

"Yes, we're careful," Ronin said confidently, to my dismay.

I felt a pang of shock inside. Yes, we were careful, but why did Ronin have to admit it?

Besides it's only him that uses a condom anyways.