For Him, I Stayed

Note:
"My characters be getting better love life's than me😔"

Warning:

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Chapter 45: "Crossroads and New Beginnings"

The summer before college was supposed to be a time of relaxation, a time to unwind before the challenges ahead. But for Ray, it was a time of reflection, of deep thought about what he wanted for his future, and about what being with Matthew truly meant. He had learned so much in the past few months—about himself, about his feelings, and about the kind of man he wanted to become.

Matthew had been a constant, a steady anchor in the storm of uncertainty. And now, as they stood on the brink of college life, it felt like they were both ready to take that next step, together.

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The sound of waves crashing against the shore was soothing, the rhythmic motion of the ocean offering a sense of peace Ray hadn’t realized he needed. It was late afternoon when Ray and Matthew, both with beach towels slung over their shoulders, sat on the warm sand. The air was thick with the salty scent of the ocean, and the sky had taken on a pastel hue, the sun slowly dipping toward the horizon.

“So,” Matthew started, tossing a stone into the water, “how are you feeling about everything? College, life, us?”

Ray looked at Matthew, taking in the way his hair tousled in the breeze, the glint of determination in his eyes, and the small, contented smile tugging at his lips. There was so much they hadn’t talked about, so much they’d left unsaid over the past few months. But this felt like the moment—this moment in time where everything was right.

“I feel…” Ray paused, searching for the right words. “I feel like I’m not alone anymore. And that’s a huge change for me.”

Matthew’s eyes softened, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “Ray, you were never alone.”

Ray laughed softly, his voice tinged with both gratitude and sadness. “I guess I didn’t know that. But you’ve been there for me in ways I didn’t expect.”

Matthew’s fingers brushed lightly against Ray’s, their hands connecting in a soft, comforting gesture. “I’ll always be here. You don’t have to worry about that.”

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Later that night, after a simple dinner at Ray’s house, Ray found himself alone in his room, lying on his bed and staring at the ceiling. The quiet hum of the evening surrounded him, and he felt a sense of peace settle in his chest. But even as he felt content, a lingering feeling of unease tugged at him. College was approaching, and with it came change.

He couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold for them. Would they be able to keep their relationship strong when things got harder? Would college life pull them in different directions? The questions were endless, and Ray didn’t have all the answers.

Just as he was lost in thought, his phone buzzed. He grabbed it quickly, hoping it was a message from Matthew.

It was.

“I’m thinking about everything we talked about. And, just so you know, I’m not going anywhere. I’m all in.”

Ray smiled, his heart beating a little faster. The words were simple, but they were everything. Matthew’s reassurance, his unwavering commitment, was exactly what Ray needed. He wasn’t facing the future alone anymore, and for the first time in a long time, that thought didn’t scare him.

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The days passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was time to pack up and leave for college. The emotional goodbyes were bittersweet—Ray’s friends from high school, even Claire, who had finally come to terms with their relationship, all shared words of encouragement, teasing Ray about being “the college guy now” and wishing him well on this new adventure.

But through it all, Matthew remained by Ray’s side. They said their goodbyes to their families, to their old lives, and together, they set off for the unknown. It was both exciting and terrifying, but they had each other, and that made all the difference.

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The first few days on campus were a blur. The overwhelming newness of everything—the dorms, the professors, the endless sea of new faces—was both exhilarating and a bit disorienting. Ray had always been a little more reserved, and the hustle and bustle of campus life was a bit much at times. But whenever Matthew was there, it felt like home. They stuck together, learning the ropes of college life side by side.

It didn’t take long before Ray found his rhythm. He began making new friends, starting to find his place in the chaos, and feeling the freedom that college offered. But no matter how many new experiences he had, the one constant was Matthew.

They had late-night study sessions, their hands brushing occasionally under the table. They made plans to explore the city together, the excitement in their eyes matching their energy. They laughed, they argued, they confided in each other, and every day felt like another step forward, together.

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One night, a few weeks into the semester, as they were walking back to their dorms, Ray turned to Matthew. They were close enough that their shoulders brushed with every step.

“Matthew,” Ray began, his voice softer than usual. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I just want you to know… I’m not afraid anymore.”

Matthew stopped walking, looking at Ray with a mixture of surprise and warmth in his eyes. “Ray…”

Ray took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “You’ve made me feel like I’m not broken, that I can do this. And, for the first time, I feel like I can handle whatever comes my way. As long as we’re in it together.”

Matthew stepped closer, his eyes locked on Ray’s. “I feel the same way. We’re in this together, always.”

Ray smiled, his heart swelling with affection. For the first time, it wasn’t just about the challenges or the uncertainty. It was about the certainty that they had found something real, something worth holding onto. And with that thought, Ray felt ready for whatever came next.

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t afraid.

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To be Continued...