Chyan

9

Chad is absolutely positive that things are getting worse.

And it's all Ryan's fault.

Okay, that's not a hundred percent true, it's also partially Chad's fault for him not being able to simply talk to Ryan about his feelings for him. To say he was getting distant would be an understatement. He was losing his mind about the entire situation, and it didn't help that Zeke and Jason were now watching his every interaction with Ryan. And then there was Ryan.

Coming out of nowhere to playfully scare Chad at random intervals, teasing him constantly, and always flashing that damned smile of his.

How dare he.

"I give up," he finally groaned during his lunch break, burying his head into his hands. Taylor glanced at him before sighing and rolling her eyes.

"Oh come on, Chad. You're not even trying," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Yes I am," he huffed, sitting up and leaning back in his chair.

"If you were, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"I didn't ask to have this conversation."

"Neither did I. And yet here we are."

"Well, what do you want me to do, Taylor? Sit him down and go "hey, I know we just became best friends and all, but I have this major crush on you and every time I see you I just want to-"

"Okay, maybe don't be so bold," Taylor interrupted, grinning at the look Chad shot her.

"Alright then what do you suggest I do?" He asked, folding his arms.

"The obvious; tell him how you feel." She sighed as he shook his head. "C'mon Chad you can't hide from this forever. Sooner or later you're gonna have to face the music." She stated.

"I can sure as hell try," he mumbled softly.

***

Ryan stared absentmindedly at his phone as he ran his thumb over the screen. Sharpay was going on about something from her seat atop the piano in their living room which Ryan was leaned over. He obviously wasn't listening, too focused on the phone in his hand. He rested his chin on his free one, debating if he should call Chad or not.

Lately, it was as if he had been avoiding him to a sense. Ryan couldn't even remember the last time they had just sat down and talked. There was always something else whenever he wanted to hang out. And now there also seemed to be something going on between him, Zeke, and Jason. The thought made Ryan frown. From the times he had interacted with the two, he couldn't possibly see a fight happening between the three. Troy was more understandable, but they just seemed so close. But if they did have a fight, Ryan wanted to be there for him. Especially if it had been about something serious.

"Ryan!" Sharpay's voice snapped him back into reality. He blinked and looked up at her, sighing at the irritated look she was giving him.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" She eyed him carefully before shaking her head and sighing.

"Forget it. You should worry about calling your boy toy." Ryan blushed and frowned as he narrowed his eyes at her.

"He's not my boy toy."

"Whatever," Sharpay replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "But seriously, call him if it'll get you to stop moping."

"I am not moping."

"Mhm," she hummed as she hopped off the piano and headed towards the kitchen. Suddenly, a thought struck Ryan as he stood and followed after her.

"Hey, has Zeke been acting weird lately?" He asked, leaning against the unopened door of the fridge.