For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 23: "The Distance Between Us"

Note:
"I added Drama for y'all!!!!"

Warning:
Claire
Drama
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Chapter 23: "The Distance Between Us"

The weekend had given Ray too much time to think. Claire's venomous words had seeped into his mind, whispering doubts and fears he couldn't shake. She wasn't wrong about one thing-Matthew didn't need the chaos Ray brought into his life.

Maybe stepping away was the right thing to do, even if it felt like tearing himself apart.

---

Monday Morning

Ray arrived at school earlier than usual, slipping into class before anyone else. He kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with everyone. The plan was simple: stay quiet, stay invisible, and stay away from Matthew.

When Matthew entered the classroom a few minutes later, his eyes immediately sought out Ray. His usual smile faltered when he noticed Ray was sitting farther back than usual, his desk a deliberate two seats away instead of beside him.

Matthew frowned as he made his way over. "Morning, Ray."

Ray didn't look up, mumbling a barely audible, "Morning."

Matthew paused, confused. Normally, Ray would meet him with a small but genuine smile. This cold, distant version of his best friend felt... wrong.

"You okay?" Matthew asked, leaning slightly closer.

"Yeah," Ray said shortly, still not meeting his gaze.

The bell rang, cutting the conversation short. Matthew hesitated before sitting down, his concern growing. Something wasn't right.

---

Lunch Period

Matthew scanned the cafeteria, searching for Ray. He finally spotted him sitting at the farthest table, alone, poking at his food.

"Ray!" Matthew called, weaving through the crowded tables to reach him.

Ray stiffened, his grip on his fork tightening.

Matthew dropped his tray onto the table with a loud clatter. "What's going on? Why are you sitting here by yourself?"

Ray shrugged, still avoiding his eyes. "Felt like it."

Matthew sat down across from him, his brows furrowed. "Are you mad at me or something?"

"No."

"Then why are you acting like this?" Matthew pressed.

Ray's hands trembled as he set his fork down. "I'm just... tired, okay? Can we not do this right now?"

"Ray, you've been avoiding me all day. I don't understand what's going on," Matthew said, his voice softening. "Did I do something?"

Ray finally looked up, and the pain in his eyes made Matthew's heart ache. "It's not about you, Matt. It's me. I just... I need space."

"Space?" Matthew repeated, stunned. "Why? We've always-"

"Just drop it," Ray said, standing abruptly. He grabbed his tray and walked away, leaving Matthew sitting there, bewildered and hurt.

---

After School

Ray hid in the music room again, his usual refuge. The piano sat before him, but for once, he couldn't bring himself to play.

He hated this. Hated pushing Matthew away. But Claire's words rang in his ears, reminding him that he was a burden.

"You're nothing but dead weight."

The door creaked open, and Ray's heart leapt in panic. He turned, expecting Matthew, but it was Claire who sauntered in, her smile smug.

"Well, look who finally learned how to take advice," she said, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall.

Ray scowled. "What do you want, Claire?"

"Oh, I just came to check if you were actually going to stick to your word," she said, her tone mockingly sweet. "Matthew doesn't need you, Ray. You're doing him a favor by staying away."

Ray's chest tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Why do you even care so much? Are you that insecure?"

Claire's smile twisted into something colder. "Insecure? Hardly. I just know how to protect what's mine. Matthew doesn't need distractions like you're dragging him down."

Ray clenched his fists. "Matthew's not yours. He's not anyone's."

Claire laughed, the sound cutting through the room like ice. "Keep telling yourself that, Ray. But deep down, you know I'm right. You're only holding him back."

Ray didn't respond, his silence feeding Claire's smugness.

"Good talk," she said, turning to leave. "Remember, this is for the best."

As the door closed behind her, Ray sat back down at the piano, the weight of her words pressing heavily on his chest.

---

The Next Day

Matthew wasn't used to feeling ignored. Ray had always been there, no matter what, and the sudden shift was driving him crazy.

"Ray," Matthew called, catching up to him in the hallway.

Ray kept walking.

"Ray!" Matthew grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.

"What?" Ray said, his voice was sharp.

Matthew blinked, taken aback. "What's going on with you? Why are you acting like this?"

"I told you, I need space," Ray said, pulling his arm free.

"Space from what? From me?" Matthew's voice cracked slightly, frustration bleeding into his tone.

Ray didn't answer, his silence speaking volumes.

Matthew's chest tightened, a mix of anger and hurt bubbling to the surface. "If I did something, just tell me. Don't shut me out like this."

"It's not about you, okay?" Ray snapped, his voice louder than intended.

Matthew stared at him, his heart sinking. "It feels like it is."

Ray's resolve wavered, but he forced himself to stay firm. "I can't do this right now, Matt. Please."

Before Matthew could respond, Ray turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the hallway, confused and hurt.

---

That Evening

Matthew sat in his room, replaying the day's events over and over in his mind. Ray's distance was tearing at him, and he couldn't understand why.

Meanwhile, Ray sat on his bed, staring at his phone. His fingers hovered over Matthew's contact, the urge to call him almost overwhelming.

But Claire's words lingered, holding him back.

"You're nothing but dead weight."

Ray put his phone down, his chest aching with the weight of everything unsaid.

To be Continued...