Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Extra: Matthew Droney

Joy's POV

6 years ago...

Eyeing the crowd of fellow schoolmates, I searched for a particular person－A guy. The same guy who never complains whenever he is paired up with me, the guy who doesn't mind if I suddenly stopped talking, the guy who doesn't care if everyone else thinks I'm a freak . . . The only guy I can consider as a friend in this hell hole.

I quickly distinguished his tall physique and saw him walking towards his locker, evading the people in his way while constantly having to greet them with a nod or a smile.

He opened his locker and I took it as a cue. I slowly approached him, my heart throbbing in my chest. I decided to ask him out. I'm not one for things like this, but I decided to make my move. I have read novels and watched movies, I have seen people fall in love and I want to experience it. I'm not doing this because I merely want to know what it feels like to be in a relationship－No, it has to be him.

"H-Hey, Brendon . . ." I meekly greeted, appearing beside him.

"Oh, what's up?" He beamed, momentarily looking at me as he grabbed his things from his locker.

"Do you . . . do you want to hang out some time?" I finally said something I've been practicing since yesterday. "I-It doesn't matter where, but－"

Suddenly, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder, "Well, look at that!" A familiar voice emerged. I glanced at saw one of the guys who made it a daily habit to mentally torment me and who also happened to be one of Brendon's friends. I immediately felt dread and froze. "You asking him out, Psycho?" He said, loud enough for the entire pack of students to hear.

"I-I'm not . . ." My voice began to shake as I lowered my head.

Another one of Brendon's acquaintances came closer, "Isn't that great?" He sarcastically said, patting Brendon, "You're getting laid tonight!"

Brendon turned to him with a blank look, "Dude, quit it." He muttered, shoving the guy away from him.

"What?" He laughed, "Are you seriously considering it?"

Brendon glanced at me before averting his gaze, "'Course not." He replied.

I felt eyes on me as I remain frozen, unable to speak up for myself nor walk away to salvage what is left of my dignity. The laughter began, blocking whatever thought that crosses my mind.

Amidst the humiliation tearing me to pieces, I tried to talk to him, trying to ignore them. "But . . . I thought－"

"You obviously thought wrong." I heard a distinct voice and instantly knew who it was. I looked up and saw Matthew Droney, the guy who started everything, shaking his head at me, "Just walk away."

My eyes began to tear up. I bowed my head and ran towards the main doors of the school, pushing through the throng of people, helplessly wishing I never tried in the first place.

As soon as I stepped out of the building, the tears began to fall. I ran to the back of the building to hopefully regain my composure. I can't go home like this, I would never let my parents see me like this. It would only be another thing for them to worry about. They already have enough in their hands.