Hollow - In Real Life/Drew Ramos *ON HOLD*

Chapter Nineteen - Sign of the Times

"We don't talk enough
We should open up
Before it's all too much"
~ Harry Styles (Sign of the Times)

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What just happened, did Brendan just kiss me? Maybe if I close my eyes and count to three I'll wake up from this bizarre dream.

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Nope, he is still there. As I look into his hopeful eyes I try to formulate a sentence but I can't seem to find the words so I stand up from the couch and start pacing. Brendan's face drops as he sees my distress, obviously picking up that I wasn't as happy about what just happened. I take a deep breath and stop pacing, "Bren you know I love being around you but I just don't see you in that way. I'm actually sort of seeing someone else" I say softly.

Brendan puts his head in his hands, "I am such an idiot, I can't get anything right" he says in frustration before storming out. I try to follow him but he's already walking down the corridor towards the exit. I try to keep up but my stupid short legs are not helping, "Brendan, please stop" I call out but to no use. He is already gone.

"Oi, where are you going?" a voice behind calls out, causing me to jump in surprise. "Dammit Jace you almost gave me a heart attack" I scold him as I hit his shoulder. "Wow someone needs to get laid" he mutters under his breath. I roll my eyes and lightly shove him before walking back to the change rooms to get out of my performance clothes.

After getting changed back into my normal clothes I join the other contestants in the minibus back to the hotel. "Hey are you okay?" Riley asks from the seat behind me as he rests his chin on my shoulder. "Yeah just thinking" I say and pat his head. "Try not to get lost in your thoughts" he tells me before leaning back in his seat. Too late.

As we exit the bus I head straight to my room to have shower and clear my mind. After changing back into some comfy clothes I check my phone to see a missed message from Drew.

From: Drew

Hey beautiful, I didn't see you after the show but you were amazing tonight I'm so proud of you. Want to hang out tonight? x - D

I sigh as I look his message. What do I tell him? What if he hates me after I tell him what happened with Brendan? I shake my head a reply to him.

From Sam:

Thanks babe. I'm pretty tired so I might just head to bed early but I'll see you tomorrow x -S

Immediately he responds

From: Drew

No worries. Goodnight love x - D

Seriously what did I do to deserve this?

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I take a deep breath before knocking on door, feeling the anxiety throughout my body. Brendan slowly opens to door until he meets my eyes and freezes. He goes to close the door but I stick my foot out to stop him. "Bren, we need to talk about this" I tell him. He runs his hand through his hair before nodding and opening his door to let me in.