Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

138. Always There For Me, Even In The Name Of Rivalry

His words took me by surprise. I looked at Vicky, my thoughts swirling, but I tried to keep my voice steady. "You said you respected me, and I appreciate that, I really do. But I never thought of you as more than just a classmate."

Vicky nodded slightly, as if bracing himself for that response. Then, after a moment of silence, he sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I guess it's time I told you the truth too," he began, his voice lower now. "Ryan... he was serious about you, Sarah. Eight years ago, his confession wasn’t just some playful banter. It wasn’t easy for him; he really had feelings for you."

I felt a jolt of surprise at Vicky's words.

"I wanted to tell you how I felt before Ryan did," Vicky admitted, his tone soft, almost regretful. "But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. So instead, I made that stupid joke, saying I’d tell his dad everything. I had no idea you were listening at the time. But... part of me was relieved when you overheard it all. I was scared of what could happen if you chose him. But I didn’t realize the damage I caused. You closed your heart after that."

I looked at Vicky, recalling the painful memory as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. "Do you remember the mid-semester exam?" I began slowly, my voice tinged with bitterness. "When the whole class turned against me? Nobody talked to me, and you all planned not to share notes, just so I'd score the lowest. I had no idea what was happening. The day before, everything was normal. Then suddenly, that morning, everyone’s attitude shifted. I was completely alone, even though I was surrounded by people."

I paused, letting the weight of that memory settle between us. "During lunch break, Ryan came to me and told me about the plan -- how all of you wanted to see me crumble. But he gave me the notes anyway. He told me that he didn’t want to compete against someone who was weak. He kept his friendship with me, quietly helping, while pretending to be distant in front of everyone else."

Vicky looked down, guilt shadowing his expression. I continued, my voice steady but filled with emotion, "I don’t know what was going through your mind back then, but you were no different than the rest of them. You only started treating me differently after the reunion. Do you know why I could never hold a grudge against Ryan, even after everything? Why, despite all that happened, I kept falling for him again and again?" I paused, allowing my words to sink in. "It's because when no one else was there for me, he was. Even in rivalry, he made sure I never felt completely left out."

Vicky gave me a small, almost wistful smile. "And it took you two eight years to finally accept your true feelings," he said softly. "I knew what your answer would be. I came here to make things right... to fix the mistake I made back then. I betrayed Ryan more times than I care to admit, but despite all of that, he still treats me like his best friend."

I looked at him, slightly confused. "So... what do you need from me?" I asked cautiously.

He met my gaze, determination flickering in his eyes. "I need your help," he said, his voice firm yet sincere.

He placed a blank application form on the table between us. "Ryan’s incredibly good at video games," he began, his tone serious. "He gave it all up because he was afraid of his dad's reaction, but this... this is a rare opportunity. If anyone can convince him to pursue it professionally, it’s you." He leaned forward slightly, eyes filled with hope.

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The next day, I made my way to the hospital, my heart pounding as I walked into Ryan’s office. He looked up, surprised to see me.

"Sarah, you're here?" he said, his tone curious.

Without saying a word, I placed the application form Vicky had given me on his desk. My voice came out a little bitter, but firm, "Let’s see who overcomes their fears first."

Ryan’s eyes shifted from the paper to my face, confusion turning into a faint smile. "Okay," he said, leaning back in his chair. "If that’s how you want to play it." He paused, studying me with interest. "What’s the reward, though?"

I didn’t flinch. "Soon, you’ll get the divorce papers," I said, my tone colder than I intended.

Ryan chuckled, a low, knowing sound that grated on my nerves. "Alright," he replied with a bitter smirk. "Let’s make a deal. Whoever wins first ... will be the first to sign those divorce papers."

I nodded, determined not to let his calm demeanor shake me.