Risk it for the biscuit || Roadtrip

Chapter 75

The loud sound of talks and laughs pierced the restaurant room as Rye's parents were talking about their son's early childhood embarrassing moments. Everyone has been sitting together for good 3 hours, eating and enjoying each other's company. Belle, with her luck, had to sit next to Ryan who seemed to give himself a challenge of being as close to her as he practically could. She could feel his leg touching hers from time to time, his whispers by her ear every time he had to say something about their plan. He also looked at her, almost boring his eyes at her every time she was the one who was talking. She knew it's a game, but it didn't stop her body reactions and redness on the cheeks that appeared every time one of the family members gave them a cheeky look.

"... and then the girls came down and Andy managed to smash my favourite tea cup" Ryan laughed, telling everyone about the time Amanda and Rose came to the UK.

"Oh, so that look you gave me wasn't because you cared if anything happened to me; you cared about a tea cup!" Andy said half annoyed half amused. It was obviously a joke so no one got offended.

"It said 'the boss' on it, of course I loved it!" Rye nearly screamed, changing his voice in a funny way making everyone giggle. Belle being no different let out a laugh too, causing Rye to suddenly look at her. She sent him a happy look, not changing her face expression. In that moment she decided to ignore everything that happened between them and act like his friend again. The boy just smiled back, realising he haven't heard her laughing in ages. He missed it. He missed her face lightening up; her eyes full of sparkles and her mouth moving up, showing her happiness. He wished she could smile like that more often.

"It's time to go home, they're closing the restaurant in 10 minutes" Jack said, cutting the weird connection between Belle and Rye. Everyone just nodded and separated, heading to their homes. Belle was just about to say goodbye and leave, when Andy stopped her. "They think you live with us. You need to come to the flat" he whispered and Belle just dropped her shoulders letting a quick sight. She had a wonderful time, but she knew she couldn't get attached to what was happening now as it was all fake. It was all a game that was going to finish as soon as Rye's family leaves.

"We have our train in 2 hours. Can we stay in your flat for now?" Robbie, Rye's older brother asked, decreasing Belle's mood even more. She was meant to go and give Rye his present, then leave straight away. Whereas now, she'll have to sit with them and act like she lives there.

"Ugh, what a long day" she whispered, getting a little giggle from Andy who stood next to her. Everything seemed to push Rye and Belle together. What a coincidence.
————
"Rye, can we go and speak for a second?" Belle said gently, after everyone came back to the flat. They boy just nodded, leaving his family who didn't pay attention to him anyways, talking with Blair about boys and Belle potentially moving out soon. They both walked to the corridor, where Rye saw two packages - one bigger and one smaller one. "I have a present for you. For you birthday I mean" Belle said embarrassed. "Happy Birthday by the way" she added, mentally slapping herself for lack of any manners.

"Emm, you don't have to. Like I know the situation..." Rye started, but was soon cut by the girl. "I brought it for you in November. I don't want it to go to waste. I understand if you'll want to throw it away, but it's yours" she said, passing him two nice wrapped packages and turning around straight after in intentions to go back to the room as quick as possible.

"Belle" Rye's voice stopped her by the door. She looked at him quite nervously, scared at what he'll think of her after the present. Was it too much to give after such a huge argument? However, her thoughts had been quickly demolished by the boy's next words, that she knew she'll never forget.

"I just want you to know I won't throw it away, whatever it is" he started, clearly wanting to add something. However, it looked as if he wasn't sure whether to say it so Belle made a step towards the room. This caused Rye to make a quick decision and reveal what was going on in his head. "I still like you. I really do" he whispered.