Connection

Tyler stood outside Logan's bedroom door, hesitating for a moment. After Logan's grandfather had let him in, he felt a mix of determination and nerves. He raised his hand and knocked softly.

"Come in," Logan's voice came, quiet and slightly strained.

Tyler pushed the door open and stepped inside. Logan was lying on his bed, an ice pack balanced over his ribs and stomach. His face was still battered, the bruise beneath his eye a dark purple, and his nose faintly red from the bleeding it had endured.

Tyler crossed the room, his movements measured, and sat on the edge of Logan's desk, just a few inches away from the bed. He set his bag down and leaned forward slightly.

"How do you feel?" Tyler asked, his tone gentler than usual.

Logan shifted slightly under the blanket. "A bit better," he said, though his voice betrayed the discomfort he was clearly still feeling.

Tyler nodded but didn't look convinced.
"What happened?"

Logan froze for a split second, avoiding Tyler's gaze. "Nothing," he mumbled. "I just .. had a bad fall, that's all."

Tyler raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "A fall? Really? Logan, come on. That doesn't explain why you look like you went a few rounds with a brick wall."

Logan shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just tripped .. and then someone might've accidentally bumped into me. It's not a big deal."

Tyler's expression hardened, his brows furrowing. "Logan, don't lie to me. I'm not stupid. Who did this to you?"

Logan shook his head quickly, his voice growing defensive. "No one, Tyler. Just leave it alone, okay?"

"No, I'm not leaving it alone," Tyler shot back, his voice firm but not angry. "You don't get to brush this off like it's nothing. You're hurt

Logan rolled his eyes, though his expression softened. "It's not as bad as it looks. I promise."

Tyler didn't seem convinced, but he decided not to push anymore. Instead, he pulled out the materials they needed for the project, setting them on the desk. "Alright, let's get started. We've got a lot to cover, and I don't want you overexerting yourself."

Logan sighed, glad that conversation was over with "Are you my nurse now?"

Tyler shot him a mock glare. "Maybe. You'd better listen to me, or I'll call Ashlyn and tell her you're being difficult."

Logan laughed, a real laugh this time, though it was cut short by a wince. "Alright, alright. No need for threats. Let's get to work."

As they worked through the project, the tension slowly eased, their usual banter filling the room. But in the back of Tyler's mind, the image of Logan's bruised face lingered, and with it, the nagging feeling that he needed to do something to protect him.
_______

For the next hour, the two of them worked side by side, bouncing ideas back and forth. Logan still winced every now and then, but the tension in the room eased as they fell into an easy rhythm.

At one point, Tyler looked up and caught Logan smiling—a real smile, not the fake ones he'd been using all day.

"What?" Logan asked, catching him staring.

"Nothing," Tyler replied, shaking his head with a soft grin. "It's just nice to see you smile."

Logan's cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked away, fiddling with the edge of the ice pack. "Thanks, I guess."

Tyler reached over, giving Logan's shoulder a light, reassuring squeeze. "Hey, for what it's worth, you're not alone. Whatever's going on, I'm here, okay?"

Logan glanced up, his eyes meeting Tyler's. There was something unspoken in the air—a quiet understanding, a moment of connection.

"Thanks, Tyler," Logan said softly.

"Anytime," Tyler replied, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile.
The silence between them lingered for a moment, comfortable, but Tyler couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off. He wanted to ask more, to press Logan about the fight, but he didn't want to push him too hard.

Instead, Tyler stood up and stretched, breaking the stillness. "Alright, I think we've made good progress. You're doing alright?"

Logan nodded, though his face was still a bit pale from the bruises. "Yeah, I'm good. You're a good study partner, you know that?"

Tyler snorted. "I thought you'd never say that. But don't get used to it."

Logan chuckled weakly, but his smile faded slightly as his thoughts seemed to drift. Tyler couldn't help but notice the change. There was a heaviness in the way Logan's shoulders tensed, a quiet sadness that hadn't been there before.

"You sure you're alright?" Tyler asked, his voice more serious now, the teasing tone gone.

Logan hesitated before responding, eyes lowering to the ice pack. "Yeah, just .. tired. And I'm sorry for snapping earlier. I just .. don't want to talk about it."

Tyler leaned forward again, softening his expression. "Logan, you don't have to tell me everything. But if you ever want to talk, you know I'm here, right?"

Logan finally looked at him, his gaze intense for a brief moment before he dropped his eyes again. "I know. Thanks. I'm just not ready yet."

Tyler gave him a small, understanding nod. "Whenever you are, I'm here. Don't forget that."

The room grew quiet again, the weight of their unspoken words hanging between them. But it wasn't uncomfortable. It was a quiet kind of understanding, the kind that needed no explanation.

After a few moments, Tyler cleared his throat and grabbed his bag. "Alright, I should probably head out. Don't want to keep you from resting."

Logan smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth lifting. "Yeah. Thanks for sticking around today."

Tyler smiled back, a warmth in his gaze. "Of course. Take care of yourself, okay?"

Logan nodded, settling back into his bed. "I will."

Tyler turned and walked toward the door, but before leaving, he hesitated and glanced back at Logan, who was already starting to drift off to sleep, the weight of the day's events finally catching up to him. Tyler wanted to say more, but he knew Logan needed his space.

With a final glance, Tyler left the room, closing the door gently behind him. As he walked down the hallway, the image of Logan, vulnerable yet strong in his quiet way, stayed with him. Tyler's heart tightened with the need to protect him, to make sure Logan knew he wasn't alone, no matter what.

The door to Logan's room might be closed for now, but Tyler's promise remained open—one he would keep, no matter the cost.