Love Her, Not Me

Chapter 13: "The Night Unfolds"

Note:
"Erm... So uh.. my chapters are getting shorter... I'm so sorry for that. Very much..."

Warning:
Wholesome Best friend moments
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Chapter 13: "The Night Unfolds"

By the time they reached Ray’s house, the rain had tapered off to a light drizzle, leaving the streets shimmering under the glow of the streetlights. Their clothes were still soaked through, and their hair dripped water onto the porch as they stood in front of Ray’s door.

Ray hesitated, fumbling with his keys. “You should head home before it gets colder,” he said, his voice quiet.

Matthew shook his head, crossing his arms. “Not a chance. I’m not leaving until I know you’re okay—and that you’re not going to catch hypothermia.”

Ray rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Matthew shot back, smirking.

Ray’s hand froze on the doorknob. The words were playful, but they struck deeper than Matthew probably intended. He forced a laugh, shaking his head. “Come inside before you drown on the porch.”

---

Once inside, Ray handed Matthew a towel and disappeared upstairs to change into dry clothes. When he came back down, wearing a loose hoodie and sweatpants, he found Matthew sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, wrapped in the towel like a cocoon.

“You look ridiculous,” Ray said, leaning against the doorframe.

Matthew grinned. “Ridiculous but warm.”

Ray snorted, grabbing a second towel and tossing it at him. “Here. Dry your hair before you get the floor all wet.”

Matthew caught the towel and ruffled his hair with it, the action making him look even more boyish than usual. Ray tried not to stare, but it was hard not to when Matthew’s smile was so unguarded.

“So,” Matthew said, breaking the silence. “What’s the plan? Are we just going to sit here and shiver all night, or are you finally going to tell me what’s been eating at you?”

Ray tensed, his shoulders stiffening. “Matt, I—”

“Don’t say it’s nothing,” Matthew interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. “I know you, Ray. You’ve been carrying something heavy for a while now. And I know I don’t have the right to push you, but... I just want to help.”

Ray sank onto the couch, running a hand through his damp hair. “It’s not that simple, Matt. I don’t even know where to start.”

“Then start anywhere,” Matthew said, moving to sit on the couch beside him. “I’m not going anywhere.”

---

For a long moment, Ray didn’t speak. The weight of everything he’d been holding back felt suffocating, but Matthew’s presence was steady, grounding.

“I guess I’ve just been... scared,” Ray admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Matthew frowned. “Scared of what?”

Ray hesitated, his hands twisting in his lap. “Of losing you. Of ruining everything. Of feeling too much.”

Matthew’s expression softened, and he reached out to gently touch Ray’s hand. “You’re not going to lose me, Ray. And you’re not going to ruin anything. I promise.”

Ray looked up at him, his eyes searching Matthew’s face for any hint of doubt. But all he saw was sincerity, unwavering and raw.

“Why?” Ray asked, his voice breaking. “Why do you care so much?”

Matthew smiled, his thumb brushing lightly against Ray’s knuckles. “Because you’re worth it. Because you’re my best friend. And because, whether you realize it or not, you’ve always been the one person I can’t imagine my life without.”

The words hit Ray like a tidal wave, leaving him breathless. He wanted to believe them, but the fear of being let down again held him back.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Matt,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Matthew’s grip on his hand tightened, his gaze unwavering. “Then let me help you. Let me prove to you that I’m not going anywhere.”

---

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft patter of rain against the window. Ray didn’t know how long they sat there, but when he finally spoke, his voice was steadier.

“Okay,” he said softly. “I’ll try.”

Matthew’s smile widened, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Ray felt a flicker of hope.

As the rain continued to fall outside, they stayed on the couch, side by side. It wasn’t a perfect resolution, but it was a start.

And for Ray, that was enough.

To be continued...