take the pains away

"Yo, I'm back" he stood at the entrance of the lobby.

"It's Kevin!"

The second prince of Royalty high was back.

"OMG'' now the whole place was as noisy as hell.

"Who missed me?" He knows the answer but Kevin was known for his playfulness.

"We missed you " many girls started running towards while dome stayed put - no idea who he is in person, hated him or just didn't care.

He ignored the girls and walked to Chad who stood with Lily that looked irritated not because of Kevin's presence.

"Hey bro" he greeted his friend and gave him a hug.

"How have you been?"

"Good. But boring without my buddies" they both chuckled and released each other.

"Hello there, smarty" he turned to Lily who gave him a smirk.

"Hello trouble maker"

"Still haven't changed"

"Were you expecting me to?"

"Oh, i was" they smiled at each.

"Now, where Ryan boy?" Kevin looked around not seeing the shadow of Ryan anywhere.

"I haven't seen him today"

That was the reason why Lily was with Ryan I the first place. She knew Joy came to school but couldn't find her anywhere and also didn't find Ryan so she thought it only meant one thing. Not knowing that Ryan was also looking for the said Joy.

"Ryan!" A random girl screamed and everyone's ones eyes was locked on the two people holding hands and walking into the lobby.

Lily scoffed as she saw Joy. They made eye contact and Joy looked away, she owed Lily an explanation big time.

Still holding hands, Ryan walked to his friend without a smile. Kevin was honestly disappointed he expected something more.

"Hello kitty cat" Ryan's nickname that he loathed.

"Hello Mousie" their bond was special and was their way of greeting each other after two years of not seeing each other.

"And who is this---"

"Go" Ryan cut in telling Joy to go. That was an attitude that made Kevin smile.

"Whoa" the three of them walked to their special couches and sat down.

"So, tell me. Who's she?"

Mischievously, Kevin asked.

"We haven't seen each other for so long and thats the first things you're asking?" He shook his head " I'm disappointed".

"Your disappointment is rich, considering the underwhelming welcome I received. It's surprising you'd expect more from me when you didn't set the bar high to begin with."

"Am I right?" He turned to Chad.

"He owes me an explanation but that can wait. Now spill"

"Yeah, Mousie" Ryan smirked at the playful boy in front of him.

"Chicago was amazing, but I have to admit, the cold was no joke! Despite the chilly weather, I had a blast exploring the city and experiencing all it had to offer. However, as fun as it was, something was missing. Honestly, it just wasn't the same without you guys by my side.

I really missed you all so much. Your presence would have made the trip truly unforgettable. I found myself thinking about the laughs we would have shared, the memories we would have created, and the inside jokes we would have cracked.

Even with all the excitement and attractions Chicago had to offer, my heart felt a little empty without you guys. I couldn't wait to get back and share my stories with you, and hear about what I missed while I was away"

"What a speech" Ryan patted his shoulder "we missed you too" he said honestly. Chad nodded.

"Now tell me what you were doing with Joy" Chad turned serious as he asked Ryan

"Nothing " he simply said.

"That didn't seem like nothing " still wearing his playful smile. "You don't hold hands with any girl, kitty cat "

"Meaning?" Ryan knew what exactly he was doing but also didn't know why he held hands with Joy for so long without even knowing he was still holding her hand.

"Well, if you aren't together, I'll take her. She seems interesting " he stressed the word interesting.

"Don't you dare. She's mine"

"Really? Let's see then"

***************************************

"You have to understand me. I wasn't with him till a hour ago"

"So you're saying you saw him a hour ago and was somewhere hiding because you didn't want...." Lily was trying to comprehend what was going on.

Was Joy avoiding her? Didn't she want to be friends with her ?

"Look, tell me if you no longer want me hovering around you and I'll leave" those words didn't feel right.

"No. Let me explain. Lily wait...wait" Lily walked away not wanting to hear Joy break their friendship.

She could only blame Ryan.

Joy stood there as tears rolled down her cheeks. Everything was going wrong.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

She broke down in tears and fell on her knees.

She let the tears she'd been holding for so long take over her.

What did she do to deserve it?

Why did the universe always find ways to mess with her?

Minutes felt like hours as she just knelt there crying and her heart out...

***************************************

Ryan didn't tell Chad about what happened.

He'd never told him anything since the beginning.

He was kicked out from his parents house but was relieved he wouldn't have to go through another round of hell.

Aside the thoughts about his parents, he couldn't stop think about what Joy told him. Everything she'd been through. No family, no friends, bullied....it wasn't right.

He was angry and for some reason, wanted to take the pains away.

"Ryan?" Kevin snapped his fingers in front of Ryan who was lost in thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"What are you thinking?" He looked worried.

He expected Ryan to be goofy and excited but he didn't get any of that.

What was going on?

"What's up buddy?" He looked at Ryan's eyes looking for answers.

"I'd rather not talk about it" he exhaled.

"You've been hiding things lately" Chad spoke this time not looking at Ryan.

"Tell me when you're ready" he knew that whatever it was, it was serious and didn't want to pressure his best friend.

Ryan nodded at him but a certain guy looked angry and disgusted.

He thought he wouldn't feel it again, the thing he felt right then but it came rushing back and it made his stomach twist.