Twisted journey

Sarah's Pov

It was 2 am, I went to the kitchen to drink some water, I heard some faint sounds from Ryan's room. I went to his room and gently knocked.

"Ryan! Is everything okay?"

But there was no response. I slightly opened his door. Ryan was sleeping. But his jaw clenched, hands tightened in a fist, sweat all over his face, tears rolling from the corners of his eyes. He was not moving but it seemed that he was struggling to move. I rushed inside his room. I held his hand and shook him to wake up. But he didn't listen. I nudged his shoulders but he didn't respond.

I finally yelled at him.

"Ryan are you okay? Are you having a nightmare?"

He opened his eyes with a gasp. His eyes were blood red, he needed someone with him, his eyes blinked furiously and he scanned his surroundings but his eyes stopped on me. He immediately hugged me. I was startled for a moment from his sudden action but I felt him. I know the urge of hugging someone when we are alone, fighting with ourselves, fighting with pain. I remember when my cousins bullied me. And when I complained it to my aunt she would slap me and accuse me of lying. She would sometime starve me or close me inside the bathroom. At that times, I always wished to have someone to hug, to share my sorrows. I used to hug my pillows... strange how things can provide comfort that people can't. 

I hugged him back and caressed his hair. His shoulders visibly relaxed under my touch, and I was glad I helped. It felt right... Right comforting someone. Giving comfort to others which I never got.

We stayed like that for a few more minutes. He pulled back from the hug. I don't know why but I missed his warmth.

"Sorry... I was a little overhelmed." He uttered avoiding my gaze.

"Oh.. no.. no don't apologise.  Friends help each other when they feel low. I understand."

He gave me a sad smile. He wiped his tears. I somewhat felt bad for him. He just acts as a strong man but deep inside he is still a child afraid of something I don't know. Everyone has their own stories, own barriers.

We all are just sad souls with a mask of happy faces.

"Actually I have nightmares sometimes. This is very common for me honestly, but I deal it myself. You didn't have to come for me. Anyways thanks for your help." He uttered with a sad chuckle but I could feel the sadness behind it.

How much he hates having this, how much he hates being vulnerable, how much it scares him, how much he hates the fact this is common and how much he hates that he had to deal this by himself. And there is this strange tendency that appeared in me to never let him deal with this by himself.

"Don't worry from now on I am just a room away. I will always come to you whenever you'll have a nightmare again." I said proudly knowing that he needs this... He needs a person... He needs me.

He didn't reply anything as if he was thinking something. He seemed so emotional, so fragile, so vulnerable. He was searching for something in my eyes, trying to figure out something.

"Okay then good night." I said to  break the silence. I stood up and was about to go when he held my arm.

"You said you'll help me. Stay here till I sleep."

I didn't have a word. I just nodded my head. I sat back. He laid back and put his head on my lap, he closed his eyes. He held my hand and said

"Pat my head."

I followed his orders and trailed my fingers in his black curls. His curls were very soft. I didn't realise when I also slept in the same position resting my head against his.

Morning 7:00 am

Sunlight shined in my eyes. I moved a little bit in discomfort but something blocked the rays. I could feel a stare on me. I opened my eyes slowly and then realised I was in Ryan's room. Yesterday's flashbacks came to my mind.

Ryan was still on my lap. I was leaned over the headboard of the bed. He was blocking the sun rays with his hands. He was glowing in the sun. He looked so fresh even he just wake up. Ryan looked awfully handsome. He was staring at me.

"Good morning sweetheart." Saying this he sat beside me. My legs feeling the emptiness of him.

I stretched my limbs feeling sore, staying in an awkward position all night.

"Good morning to you too. Don't you wake up daily one hour before and workout daily. Why are you late today?" I asked feeling curious.

"I woke up an hour before only." He stated.

"Then what were you doing here?" I pointed at my lap.

He smiled genuinly without a smirk.

"I was admiring you but didn't realise it was from an hour ago. You look angelic when you are sleeping, sweetheart." He said with sparkly eyes. I turned away to hide the red hue over my cheeks.

I cleared my throat.

"Okay. Let me wash up." I stood up and left his room.

"Are you blushing? Are you being shy?" He shouted from his room with a smile.

Why is he flirting with me this early? My heart was pounding in my chest. It looked like a drama scene. I cant deny but he is so much boyfriend material.

Chill sara. Come back to your world!

I washed up myself. I wore a hazel colour crop top and paired it with a a black wide legged jeans. I left my hair open as it was a good hair day for me. I don't apply makeup unless it is a special day. I didn't even know to apply makeup a few months ago as aunt didn't allowed me to. My cousins were always jealous of me that I would look more pretty than them if I wore makeup. Only a month ago I learned it from an online tutorial but still I only know basics. I applied some lip balm, moisturiser and some sunscreen.

I saw Ryan in the kitchen already dressed. He was making avocado toasts. He is literally an all rounder. He is so much boyfriend material.

"Come sit.. your coffee and breakfast is ready."

"Aww. What did I do to deserve a roommate like you!"

He smiled looking at me. And served me the breakfast. I was about to take a sip.

"Wait... it's hot. Blow it a little."

"Aww..  why don't you have a girlfriend when you are this much boyfriend material."

I finally said it.
Sarah your straightforward talks will make you pay one day!

"Okay so you think I am boyfriend material?"

"Hmm." I nodded.

"Then why don't you make me your boyfriend?"

I choked my coffee and started coughing. He quickly gave me some water and tissue.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

He chuckled which made me smile. We both had our breakfast as we walked over to college.

One thing I noticed from the first day was he was cold with everybody even with people he don't know. But he never showed his that side to me. He is a caring friend. He always holds hand when crossing the road, always protect me from the bully boys. Why does he treats me differently than others?

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