For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 33: "New Bonds, Old Wounds"

Note:
"Sorry if it's short, I tried my best.."

Warning:
None.
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Chapter 33: "New Bonds, Old Wounds"

The days of their third year marched on, but the atmosphere among the group was anything but settled. Relationships were shifting, some mending and others growing more strained. Ray and Matthew's fragile truce hung by a thread, Claire seemed more vindictive than ever, and the new transfer students were beginning to carve out their places in the social web of the school.

---

Morning, at school

Ray arrived early, heading to the library. It had become his safe haven, a place where he didn't have to worry about running into Matthew-or Claire. Jarren found him not long after, sliding into the seat across from him with a grin.

"Morning, Ray," Jarren said, tossing his bag onto the table.

"Morning," Ray replied, looking up from his book.

"You're hiding out again?"

Ray sighed, closing his book. "Not hiding. Just... avoiding unnecessary drama."

Jarren chuckled. "Fair enough. Though, I'm pretty sure drama's going to find you no matter where you are."

Ray smirked. "Probably."

---

Elsewhere in the school, in the courtyard

Matthew sat on a bench, staring blankly at his phone. Leo nudged him.

"Still hung up on Ray?" Leo asked.

Matthew sighed, shoving his phone into his pocket. "I can't help it. He's... different now. He's so closed off, and I know I'm the reason why."

Leo leaned back, crossing his arms. "You messed up, yeah. But you're trying. He'll see that eventually."

Matthew frowned. "What if it's not enough?"

Leo shrugged. "Then you keep trying. Or... maybe give him some space. Let him come to you when he's ready."

Before Matthew could respond, Claire appeared, her ever-present smile hiding her sharp intentions.

"Matthew! Leo!" she greeted, her tone cheerful.

"Claire," Leo said flatly, clearly unimpressed.

"Don't be so grumpy," Claire said with a mock pout before turning to Matthew. "I just thought you should know-I saw Ray and Jarren in the library this morning. They looked pretty cozy."

Matthew's expression darkened. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing," Claire said innocently. "Just that maybe Ray's moving on. I mean, he doesn't seem too bothered by avoiding you, does he?"

"Claire," Leo interrupted, his tone firm. "Enough."

Claire raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. Just thought he'd want to know."

As she walked away, Matthew clenched his fists, his mind racing.

---

During lunch

Ray and Jarren sat at their usual table, talking about anything but the lingering tension in Ray's life. Viviane sat nearby, sketching quietly, while Mary chatted with a group of her new friends.

Leo spotted Ray from across the cafeteria and nudged Matthew. "Now's your chance. Go talk to him."

Matthew hesitated, his heart pounding. "What if he doesn't want to see me?"

"Then you'll know. But you won't get anywhere if you just sit here and mope," Leo said, pushing him to his feet.

Reluctantly, Matthew crossed the room, ignoring the curious stares of their classmates.

When Ray saw him approaching, his smile faded.

"Hey, Ray," Matthew said cautiously.

Ray glanced at Jarren, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Matthew," Ray said, his tone neutral.

"Can we talk? Alone?" Matthew asked, his voice low.

Ray hesitated, then stood. "Okay."

Jarren gave Ray a reassuring look before turning back to his lunch.

---

In the hallway

Ray leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "What do you want, Matthew?"

Matthew sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to apologize. Again. For everything."

"You've already apologized," Ray said, his voice clipped.

"I know. But I feel like I haven't said enough," Matthew said, his tone earnest. "I don't want us to keep pretending everything's fine when it's not."

Ray stared at him, his expression unreadable. "What do you want me to say, Matt? That everything's forgiven? That we can go back to how things were?"

"No," Matthew said quickly. "I just... I miss you. I miss us. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Ray's jaw tightened. "It's not that simple."

"I know it's not," Matthew said, his voice breaking. "But I'm not giving up on you, Ray. You're my best friend-"

"Stop," Ray interrupted, his voice sharp. "Don't call me that. Not when you don't mean it."

Matthew's heart sank. "I do mean it."

"Then why does it feel like I'm the only one who cared?" Ray's voice cracked, his emotions spilling over.

Matthew stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "You're not the only one, Ray. I swear."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension between them palpable.

"I don't know if I can trust you," Ray finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Then let me prove it to you," Matthew said, his tone firm. "Please, Ray. Just give me a chance."

Ray looked away, his heart aching. "I don't know."

"That's okay," Matthew said softly. "I'll wait as long as it takes."

---

Later that day, in the music room

Ray sat at the piano, his fingers hovering over the keys. He couldn't bring himself to play, his emotions too raw.

The door opened, and Jarren stepped inside.

"Thought I might find you here," Jarren said, sitting on the edge of the stage.

Ray didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the piano.

"Let me guess," Jarren said. "Matthew got to you."

Ray sighed. "He's trying to fix things. But I don't know if I can let him."

"You don't have to decide right now," Jarren said. "Take your time. Figure out what's best for you."

Ray looked up at him, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "What if I never figure it out?"

"Then you keep moving forward," Jarren said simply. "One step at a time."

Ray smiled faintly, grateful for Jarren's unwavering support.

As he played a soft melody, the weight on his chest lifted just a little. For now, that was enough.

---

To be Continued?