Chyan

11

Tomorrow was the night of the talent show and everybody was feeling the pressure. Even Ryan was feeling slightly nervous, and he had done shows like this all his life. Currently, they were finishing up one last rehearsal. As Ryan watched them he felt a sense of pride course through him. They all looked great and happy. He was glad they were doing this. Seeing them all enjoy themselves like this made him feel so elated. He signaled for them to stop as he went over to turn off the music. He congratulated them all, grinning as he watched everyone cheer and embrace each other. He nearly fell as Chad hugged him abruptly, feeling crushed in the tight hug. He laughed and hugged him back as best as he could.

Chad pulled back and smiled at him, eyes bright with happiness. Ryan smiled back and felt his stomach clench as he met his gaze. Chad pulled away and watched everyone start to disperse and Ryan noted how he kept his hands on his waist. Not that he was complaining.

"Everyone looks great, man. The show's gonna be awesome," Chad stated, looking back at Ryan.

"I hope so. Everyone's been doing good. Even you," he teased, poking his side. Chad flinched and playfully swatted his hand away.

"Ryan!" Sharpay's shrill voice caused the two of them to pull away and look towards the entrance of the room. She stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips, her face holding a pissed visage. Sensing the tensity envelop the room and the signs of an argument waiting to happen, he turned towards Ryan and told him he'd see him later. Ryan nodded and squeezed his hand goodbye before Chad turned and left.

He sighed and turned to gather up his things as Sharpay came storming towards him.

"How could you!" She snapped. "I said keep an eye on them, not turn them into the cast of Grease!" Ryan chuckled and turned around to face his sister as he threw his towel over his shoulder.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Sharpay scoffed in surprise as she stared at her brother in disbelief.

"Do you want us to lose the Star Dazzle Award to a bunch of dishwashers?" She exclaimed.

Ryan frowned and narrowed his eyes at her. Remembering how days ago she had simply brushed him aside just so she could perform with Troy, leaving him alone and in the dark. And now he was going to perform with his friends and actually have fun, and she had the nerve to judge him.

"Those "dishwashers" are my friends. Along with your boyfriend. And as far as I can remember there was no "us" when you chose Troy over me." Sharpay stared at him in disbelief and folded her arms.

"When did you become...one of them?" Ryan grinned and huffed out a humorless laugh.

"You know what I'll take that as a compliment. But you and Troy have a good show, sis." He brushed past her, making his way towards the door to leave before Sharpay spoke up again.

"I can't believe you, Ry. Does this have something to do with Cha-"

"No!" Ryan interrupted, turning to face her. He glanced over at the boy in the corner who had yet to leave. The boy looked up from his notes and quickly scrambled for his things before leaving. Ryan sighed and looked back at Sharpay.

"This has nothing to do with him," he stated.

"Oh really? Because ever since you two started hanging out it's like he's all that you care about."

"He's my friend, Shar. And, yes, I care about him. But my feelings for him have nothing to do with you being selfish."

"Selfish? Ryan we've been winning this award for years! You know how much this means to us and mom and dad. But you're the one about to ruin it all over a boy." Ryan felt his jaw twitch as anger bubbled inside of him.