The Side Character ?

Chapter 29 - Let's step inside.

"Tell me what kind of a person he was," I softly say as I snuggle closer to him.

Some would think that I'm being cruel, making him remember his brother on the day it's going to haunt him most.

But, to be honest, that's what I'm trying to change.

So the memories don't haunt him, but rather make him smile.

I don't see it but I know he's smiling too. Because of course, he gets what I'm trying to do.

Huh. Seems like I'm beginning to understand him too.

Just when I think he won't answer, surprising me, he begins.

"Aaron was a charmer. He always joked and fooled around. Pranking people was his hobby, picking up girls was his passion and failing classes was his speciality," he lets out a breathy chuckle.

I laugh along with him, somehow the sound of his husky laugh sent delightful shivers down my spine.

"He seems like a person I would have loved to meet." I smile fondly against his chest.

I can hear him rolling his eyes, "God that would have been a nightmare. You two would be like Fred and George Weasley."

Chuckling I kick him slightly, "That better be a compliment."

"Mmhmm. Sure."

I glare at the side of his head but decide to drop it since an even more pressing matter is at hand.

Why he always denied if there was something between us.

Biting my lip, I think about how to bring up the subject more subtly right now.

Aha!

"Ryder?" I muse, "If your brother met me, how would you introduce me to him? I mean, what would you say I was to you?"

Please say girlfriend, please say girlfriend, please say girlfriend.

Please say girlfriend, please say girlfriend, please say girlfriend.

Wow, will you look at that? My sub conscious is finally agreeing with me!

"What would you like me to say?" he asks instead in a smug voice that clearly says that he already knows everything.

Good job in being subtle, Lisa.

Eh, you already said it once before, rather embarrassingly may I add. So what's stopping you from saying it now?

Taking a deep breath, I finally blurt it out.

"What am I to you?"

It's silent for a moment.

"A human being?"

I kick his leg.

"An American citizen?"

Angrily I punch his shoulder and sit up. "Not funny Ryder! You obviously know what I want to hear. Stop playing around! I'll ask again. Do. You. Like. Me?"

My heart pounds rapidly inside my ribcage just like I've always read in stories. My palms are sweaty and my face is flushed.

My chest is heaving up and down angrily as I glare down at him. He doesn't look away from me but just stares into my eyes with a slight smirk on his face.

"No," he smirks. "I don't like you."

Suddenly breathing becomes impossible. I recoil back with shock as I hear those words I've been dreading.

I knew it.

"I love you."

No one could-