Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

37. He Needed Me For Me

(Sarah's Pov)

I averted my gaze and said, "To be honest, I was really irritated with you from that day onward. Even today, I was upset when you just walked away after seeing me. I thought you should have at least apologized. It was the least you could do. I knew it wasn't entirely your fault, but I wasn't expecting an apology to my father. My irritation eased somewhat when I saw you standing alone in that vast crowd, unable to find your smile amid the sea of faces."

He let out a sigh of relief and asked, "You can read my eyes?"

My stomach churned at his words. I struggled to maintain my composure. "You asked me to be honest," I replied, my voice wavering slightly as I tried to stay steady.

He chuckled, "But I never expected you to observe me so closely."

I responded trying to sound casual, "I didn't realize how much I'd been watching you since we first met. I need to keep an eye on my rival, anticipate every move. Maybe that's why we're rivals."

I received a phone call and said, "I'll go."

As I turned to leave, I felt a hand gently clasp mine. I spun around, startled to see him holding on. My heart raced wildly, and I tried to steady my breath. With a casual, almost nonchalant tone, he said, "How about we take a picture? You look beautiful today." His words, though light, felt charged with something more, making my pulse quicken even further.

November 28, 2016 ************************

In the quiet of the school infirmary, I stood before Ryan, whose face still bore the fresh marks of the fight. As class monitor, it was my job to record the incident, but I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d let it come to this. I asked, “So, you were the one who started the fight. But why did you hit Vicky?”

He shrugged, wincing slightly. “Because he's my best friend.”

I frowned, confused. “Ryan, that makes no sense. I have to report this to Sir.”

Before he could reply, Rima burst into the room. “Sarah, we really need you. Sir’s been asking for the records, and you’re the only one who knows about it.”

I glanced at Ryan, then back at Rima. “Alright, I’ll be there in a second.”

As I turned to leave, Ryan’s voice stopped me. “Wait… you’re just going to leave me here? Alone?”

Rima raised an eyebrow. “I can stay if you want. Or maybe Ankita? She’s pretty good with this stuff.”

But Ryan shook his head quickly. “No. I don’t want anyone else. Sarah, stay. Someone else can do the records.”

His words caught me off guard. For the first time, someone needed me, but not for academics.

I stayed by his side, arranging for someone else to take care of the records. A few minutes later, after stepping outside to answer someone calling me, I returned to find him still sitting in silence, his face troubled.

Ryan was the first to speak. “Is he okay? Vicky?”

I nodded, taking a seat next to him. “He’s fine. But that’s not what I’m concerned about. Why did you hit him? I know you, Ryan. You wouldn’t just lash out at your best friend without a reason.”

He avoided my gaze and muttered, “I don’t know… I just got so mad.”

I studied his face carefully. There was more to this, something he wasn’t saying. “What’s really going on? What are you trying to run away from?”

His eyes shot up, widening with shock. “Running away? What are you talking about?”

I didn’t let up. “You’re hiding here, in the infirmary. But it’s not just because you’re hurt. I can feel it -- there’s something bigger going on. What are you so scared of that you’d rather hide out here than face it? Why would you let things get so bad that you even broke your leg?”

For a long moment, he said nothing. Finally, he sighed, a heavy, tired sound, and looked away from me, his eyes clouded with something deeper than anger.

The bell rang, and I stood up, saying, "Rima will be here soon. Your medicines are in the drawer if you need them."

As I turned to leave, I felt his hand wrap around mine, stopping me in my tracks. A jolt of electricity shot through me, catching me off guard. My heart almost stopped.

He looked up at me, his voice softer than before. “I really don’t feel like dealing with anyone else right now.”

For a moment, I hesitated. Then, without thinking too much, I sat back down. It was the first time I’d ever skipped class for someone.

As I settled into the chair beside him, Ryan broke the silence. “I didn’t want to go to the seminar with my dad.”

I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “So, it was such a big deal that you broke your leg to get out of it? You could’ve just said no.”

He shifted away from me, turning his back. “I can’t.” His voice was quieter now, almost resigned. After a pause, he added, “I can’t say no to my parents.”

I was about to ask more when he cut me off. “Now shut up and let me sleep.”

I blinked in surprise. “What? I’m not here to babysit while you nap.”

He turned briefly, eyes half-lidded with annoyance. “Then leave.”

Before I could react, he rolled back over and closed his eyes.

Annoyed, I stood up, muttering, “Go to hell.” And with that, I stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me.

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