FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 23

Ezra and Cyrus sat on the porch, the night's chill settling in. Cyrus leaned back, a casual smirk playing on his lips as he lit a cigarette. The soft glow of party lights flickered behind them.

"So, what's the deal? You've been quiet all night," Ezra asked, taking a swig from his beer bottle.

Cyrus exhaled a cloud of smoke, looking off into the distance. "I screwed up, man. Big time."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? What'd you do this time?"

Cyrus chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Tried to kiss her. She wasn't into it. I got pissed and... choked her. Not hard, but enough to scare her."

Ezra's expression hardened, but he kept his voice steady. "You serious? You can't just go around grabbing people like that, Cyrus. Even you should know better."

Cyrus shrugged, his face a mask of indifference. "She just wasn't listening. I didn't mean to hurt her. It just happened."

Ezra stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. "Man, that's messed up. You can't treat people like that, no matter how mad you get."

Cyrus flicked his cigarette away, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Yeah, I get it. Doesn't mean I have to like it. It's just... I'm used to getting what I want. Guess that doesn't work here."

Ezra leaned back, crossing his arms. "Look, you might be used to getting your way, but this isn't a joke. You need to fix this, and I don't mean just with her. You need to figure out why you thought that was okay in the first place."

Cyrus's eyes narrowed, irritation flashing briefly. "I know I messed up, okay? I don't need a lecture."

Ezra held up his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm not lecturing you. Just saying you need to think about this. You want to be that guy? The one who scares people off because he can't control his temper?"

Cyrus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No, I don't. It's just... complicated. I've always been like this, you know?"

Ezra nodded, softening his tone slightly. "Yeah, I know. But just because it's how you've been doesn't mean it's how you have to stay. You're better than this, man. Don't let one mistake define you."

Cyrus looked at Ezra, his tough exterior cracking just a bit. "I don't know how to make it right. She probably hates my guts now."

Ezra shrugged. "She might. But you've got to own up to it. Apologize, and not just because you're supposed to. Do it because you know it's the right thing."

Cyrus grunted, nodding reluctantly. "Yeah, maybe. I'll think about it."

Ezra clapped him on the back. "Good. Just don't go making things worse. You've got a chance to fix this, but only if you actually try."

Cyrus smirked, a glint of his old self returning. "Alright, alright. I'll figure it out. Thanks, man. I guess you're not entirely useless."

Ezra laughed, shaking his head. "Anytime, you idiot. Just try to keep out of trouble for once."

Cyrus flicked his chin up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "No promises. But I'll give it a shot."

Ezra watched as Cyrus got up, tossing his cigarette butt aside. "Good luck with that. And remember, you owe me a drink for all this unsolicited advice."

Cyrus chuckled, heading back toward the party. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get your hopes up."

Ezra smiled as he followed, hoping his friend would find a way to turn things around.

~~

Cyrus leaned back against the velvet couch in the dimly lit club lounge, the bass of the music thumping in his chest. A girl straddled him, her hands gripping his shoulders, her lips trailing along his neck. His mind was hazy, lost in the mix of alcohol and the girl's touch, yet something felt off.