For Him, I Stayed

Note:
"I got lazy... I was tired, so I kept the chapter short."

Warning:

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Chapter 40: "A Love That's Finally Ours"

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the campus in hues of amber and gold. Ray and Matthew walked side by side, their steps in sync but their silence punctuated by the weight of everything they had been through. It had only been a few days since they had finally decided to embrace what had always been simmering beneath the surface-a love they had both denied, fought against, and, ultimately, surrendered to.

Ray was the first to break the silence. "Do you think people will... notice?"

Matthew glanced at him, his lips curling into a soft smile. "Let them. I don't care what anyone thinks."

Ray's cheeks flushed, a warmth spreading through his chest. It was strange, hearing Matthew say something so resolute about them. He wasn't used to this-this certainty, this openness. It was a stark contrast to the boy who had rejected him three times, the boy who had once been too afraid to admit what he felt.

They reached the edge of the courtyard, where a cluster of students milled about. Matthew's hand brushed against Ray's-a subtle, tentative gesture. Ray glanced up at him, searching his face for any sign of hesitation. But Matthew met his gaze with steady confidence, and in that moment, Ray felt his heart swell with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude.

"You're staring," Matthew teased, his voice low enough that only Ray could hear.

Ray rolled his eyes, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. "Shut up."

Matthew chuckled, but the sound was cut short as Claire approached them, her expression as sharp as ever.

"Well, isn't this cozy," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't think I'd see the day."

Ray stiffened, his shoulders tensing, but Matthew placed a hand on his arm-a grounding, calming touch.

"Claire," Matthew said evenly, "if you have something to say, just say it."

Claire's gaze flicked between them, her eyes narrowing. "I just hope you know what you're doing, Matthew. Because when this falls apart-and it will-you'll regret it."

Ray opened his mouth to retort, but Matthew beat him to it.

"I won't regret a single thing," Matthew said firmly. "And honestly, Claire? What happens between Ray and me is none of your business."

Claire's jaw tightened, her mask of indifference slipping for a fraction of a second. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her frustration palpable.

Ray let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "That was... intense."

Matthew shrugged, his hand still resting lightly on Ray's arm. "She'll get over it."

"Will she, though?" Ray asked, raising an eyebrow.

Matthew grinned. "Okay, maybe not. But I don't care. I'm done letting her opinions dictate my life."

Ray smiled, a small, private smile meant only for Matthew. "Me too."

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That evening, they found themselves at Ray's house, curled up on the couch with a movie playing in the background. Skyler and Avilian had gone out for the night, leaving them with the rare luxury of privacy.

Ray rested his head on Matthew's shoulder, feeling more at peace than he had in a long time. "This feels... normal," he said quietly.

Matthew tilted his head to look at him. "What do you mean?"

"Just... us. Being together like this. It doesn't feel scary anymore."

Matthew's expression softened. "It doesn't have to be scary, Ray. We're in this together, okay?"

Ray nodded, his heart full. For the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn't waiting for the other shoe to drop. He wasn't bracing himself for rejection or heartbreak. He was just... happy.

And for now, that was enough.

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To Be Continued...