FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 13

Ryder's POV:

After Ita left, Neil returned, and I felt suffocated by shame. I had hurt and misbehaved with him, trying to protect him from Jacey's wrath. How could I face him now?

Author's pov

As Neil entered the room, Ryder summoned the courage.

"Neil, I... I..." he stuttered.

Neil turned toward him, his gaze attentive.

"I'm sorry," he continued, his voice cracking. "I just wanted to keep you out of this mess. Jacey could hurt you, the others, or Ita if you all get involved. That was my only intention. I'm sorry, bro... Please talk to me." he pleaded.

Neil remained silent, then moved toward him and enveloped him in a warm hug.

"I'm sorry too, Ryder," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I shouldn't have spoken those words to you. You don't deserve any of this. I've been by your side for over a decade, but I still didn't understand you. I'm sorry, Ryder."

After exchanging apologies, a weight lifted off their shoulders. The tension dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief. 

"Now, Ryder, I'll be straightforward," Neil continued. "I don't know what you've decided, but I won't leave Jacey. Do you get me? I will—"

Ryder interrupted, a funny look on his face. "Neil, Neil, I'm ready to file a lawsuit against her. Okay, relax now, take a deep breath. Yes 1, 2.."

Neil's expression transformed from determination to frustrated scowl, and he punched Ryder playfully in the arm. "Seriously huh?"

Ryder chuckled, and Neil joined in, their laughter filling the room. Neil was internally relieved that Ryder isn't uptight anymore and is more relaxed. 

Ita's pov 

Ever since I heard about Ryder's scandal, worry had consumed me. People might find it ridiculous, but as a die-hard fan of Rhythmic Spectrum, I couldn't help but feel invested. There were days when their music was my only solace, my anchor in a sea of despair. I'd cry myself to sleep, their melodies echoing in my mind. Even in crowded spaces, their videos made me feel less alone. To me, they were always different – authentic and genuine. My heart had always held onto that. Attending their concert and meeting them was my ultimate dream. And now, in a surreal twist of fate, two of the band members were almost like friends to me. 

But the way Ryder cried felt deeply personal. I shouldn't be reacting this way; my body's response was unnerving. He's my idol, my friend – nothing more. I shouldn't be this restless. I should be asleep right now rather than thinking about him. I'm helping him, aren't I? I should be at peace. All those times I thought they were suffering, and now I'm here, able to help in real life, not just posting hashtags on social media. So why this unsettling feeling in my heart? 

Author's pov

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Ita finally drifted off to sleep, the first light of dawn creeping into the sky.

Next morning

Ita notified Neil that she had scheduled a video call meeting with Mr. Ross at 11 pm. Neil promptly requested that she join the call as well.

She agreed to join the call and soon found herself sitting alongside Neil and Ryder in his cozy living room, with Ethan's face beaming through the FaceTime screen.

Ryder's nervousness was palpable, etched on his face and evident in his restless movements. Neil attempted to soothe him, but to no avail. Ita, sitting to Ryder's left, noticed his fidgeting and hesitantly placed her hand on his shaking leg. The touch seemed to freeze Ryder in place.