Something In The Way-SYLUS X MC X ZAYNE

Chapter 27 "Something In The Way"

The door to Zayne's hospital room closes softly behind me, and I take a deep breath, letting the heavy silence of the hallway sink in. My mind feels like it's caught in a whirlpool...conflicting emotions, unspoken words, and the aching heaviness of the conversation I just had with Zayne. I let out a shaky sigh, my fingers trembling slightly as I start down the corridor. But then I see him.

Sylus is leaning casually against the wall, his eyes piercing into mine the moment I turn the corner. I freeze, my heart skipping a beat in shock. I blink, almost convinced that my mind is playing tricks on me. His expression is unreadable, a mix of intensity and calm, but there is something in his gaze that makes my breath hitch—a longing that matches my own.

"I know you don't want anyone from Linkon to see us together," he says, his voice low and careful, "but I wanted to make sure everything was okay."

His words make something shift inside me. Before I even realize what I'm doing, I'm moving toward him. Slowly at first, hesitant, but then my pace quickens, and before I know it, I'm wrapping my arms around him, pulling him close. The feeling of his warmth, his presence—it's like a weight being lifted off my chest.

"I'm glad you're here," I whisper, my voice cracking slightly.

For a moment, Sylus stands still, his body rigid in surprise. His eyes widen as I press myself against him, but then they soften, and he wraps his arms around me, his hand settling against the back of my head. He holds me tightly, his embrace filled with a tenderness I never imagined from him.

We stay like that for a long moment—no words, just the comfort of each other's presence.

He's the one to break the silence, his voice cautious. "Is he...?"

"He's okay," I reply, my voice muffled against his chest. "Wounded... but okay."

"I'm really glad to hear that... truly," he says. There is sincerity in his voice that makes my heart ache. "I know how much he means to you."

I hug him tighter, almost afraid of letting go, but eventually, I pull away, my hands slipping from around him. I look up into his eyes, knowing what I have to say.

"About that... I know you know that I have romantic feelings for Zayne."

I see Sylus's jaw tighten slightly, and he takes in a sharp breath. It's the kind of vulnerability he rarely shows, and it makes my chest tighten.

"I can't lie to you for some reason," I continue, my words shaky, "nor do I want to." I struggle to find the right words, the right way to explain the whirlwind inside me. "You've completely unraveled my mind, body, and heart. And even though I know I should stay away from you, I've grown to admire you—as a man, as a person."

He stands there, staring at me, his eyes intense as they search mine. The silence stretches between us, thick with unspoken words and unshed emotions.

"I know the words you want me to say," I whisper, my heart pounding. "And I feel it, I do... there's just..."

"Something in the way," he finishes for me, his voice hollow. "And that something—or perhaps someone—is Zayne."

I nod, feeling the weight of my confession settle between us. My feelings for Sylus are undeniable—a fierce pull that I can't ignore—but there's something that keeps me tethered to Zayne, a part of me that refuses to let go.

"I want you," I say, my voice trembling. "I choose you."

He studies me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. "Have you really though?"

The question lingers in the air, and I feel my heart twist painfully in my chest. I step closer, my eyes never leaving his, aching to bridge the distance between us, to kiss him—to show him that I mean it. But before I can, he takes a step back, putting space between us.