For Him, I Stayed

Note:
"I haven't been posting some chapters lately because of school work and some sickness I've got. Apologies."

Warning:
ME/jk
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Chapter 34: "Flickers of Truth"

The third year of high school was in full swing, and the once-familiar rhythm of classes, assignments, and hallway banter now carried an underlying tension for Ray and Matthew. Though the two weren’t openly at odds, their conversations remained stilted, weighed down by the unresolved emotions between them.

Ray’s friendship with Jarren continued to grow. Jarren had a knack for knowing when to press for details and when to simply exist in someone’s space. It was a kind of companionship Ray hadn’t realized he needed. Yet, no matter how much he appreciated Jarren’s easygoing presence, the ache of what had been left unsaid between him and Matthew lingered.

---

Morning, in the cafeteria

Ray sat with Jarren and Mary, their table near the corner of the bustling cafeteria. Mary was explaining something about an art project, her enthusiasm contagious, but Ray’s gaze kept drifting toward another table—Matthew’s.

Matthew was sitting with Leo, the two laughing over some shared joke. Ray couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that flared in his chest. It wasn’t as though he resented Leo. It was the ease in their interaction that hurt, a reminder of what he used to have with Matthew.

“Earth to Ray,” Jarren said, snapping his fingers in front of Ray’s face.

Ray blinked, startled. “Huh? Sorry, what?”

Mary smirked. “You were zoning out hard. Thinking about someone in particular?”

Ray flushed, quickly shaking his head. “No, just tired.”

Jarren exchanged a knowing glance with Mary but didn’t push further. Instead, he leaned back in his chair. “So, are you going to tell us what’s going on between you and Matthew, or are we just going to keep pretending it’s nothing?”

Ray froze, his eyes widening. “I—what? There’s nothing going on.”

Jarren raised an eyebrow. “Ray, come on. You think I haven’t noticed the way you look at him? Or how you avoid him whenever he’s around?”

Mary chimed in, her tone gentler. “Jarren’s right. We’re your friends, Ray. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

Ray sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s... complicated.”

Jarren shrugged. “Everything is complicated. Doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out.”

Ray wanted to respond, but the sight of Claire approaching their table made his blood run cold.

---

Later, near the lockers

“Ray,” Claire called out, her voice sickly sweet.

Ray stopped mid-step, his stomach twisting. “What do you want, Claire?”

Claire leaned against the lockers, a smug smile on her face. “Oh, nothing. Just thought I’d check in on you. You know, since you’ve been so... distant from Matthew lately.”

Ray gritted his teeth. “That’s none of your business.”

Claire tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Of course it is. After all, I’m only looking out for Matthew. Unlike you, I actually care about him.”

“Cut the act, Claire,” Ray snapped. “I know exactly what you’re doing.”

Claire’s smile turned cold. “And what am I doing, Ray? Telling Matthew the truth? That you’re nothing but a burden to him?”

Ray’s fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to take a deep breath. “Say whatever you want. I don’t care.”

“Really?” Claire said, stepping closer. “Then why are you still here? Why haven’t you just disappeared like you should have?”

Ray didn’t answer, his jaw tightening as he turned and walked away. But Claire’s words echoed in his mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.

---

After school, by the music room

Matthew stood outside the music room, hesitating. He hadn’t spoken to Ray properly in weeks, and the distance between them was becoming unbearable. He needed to fix this, to find a way back to the friendship they’d shared.

As he stepped inside, the sound of the piano filled the room. Ray was there, his back to the door, playing a melody that was both haunting and beautiful.

“Ray,” Matthew said softly.

Ray froze, his hands hovering over the keys. “What do you want, Matthew?”

“I want to talk,” Matthew said, stepping closer. “About us.”

“There is no ‘us,’” Ray said bitterly, standing up from the piano. “Not anymore.”

Matthew flinched at the words but didn’t back down. “Why are you doing this? Why are you shutting me out?”

“Because it’s easier!” Ray shouted, his voice cracking. “It’s easier than pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s easier than watching you get closer to someone else while I—” He stopped, shaking his head.

“While you what?” Matthew pressed, his heart pounding.

Ray looked away, his eyes glistening. “Just leave me alone, Matthew. Please.”

Matthew hesitated, his own emotions threatening to spill over, but he nodded. “Okay. But I’m not giving up on you, Ray. Not now, not ever.”

As Matthew walked away, Ray sank back onto the piano bench, his hands trembling. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep this up.

---

The next morning

The arrival of the new transfer students created a buzz around the school. Jarren and Viviane quickly found their footing, each charming in their own way. Mary, with her sharp wit, drew attention effortlessly, while Leo’s quiet confidence made him a magnet for curiosity.

Ray noticed Jarren making his way toward him during lunch.

“Hey, mind if I sit here?” Jarren asked, his tone casual.

Ray nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Sure.”

Jarren grinned, plopping down beside him. “So, what’s the deal with this school? Everyone seems... intense.”

Ray chuckled despite himself. “You’ll get used to it.”

Jarren’s presence was a comfort, a reminder that not everything in his life was falling apart. But even as they talked, Ray couldn’t help but glance at Matthew’s table, the unspoken words between them a weight he carried everywhere he went.

---

To Be Continued...