13. Let's talk about it.

"If you don't know what to say about it__well, I know what to say about it," Tanner begins, his voice trembling slightly but firm with determination.

"I want to tell you how disappointed I felt when your mom walked in at that particular moment.

I want to tell you how much I wanted to pull away, but I couldn't.

I want to tell you how badly I wanted to tell you to stop, but I couldn't do that either.

I want to tell you how, deep down, I wanted that kiss to happen. I didn't know I wanted it so bad until when it didn't happen.

And now… I want to tell you how I think I might be developing feelings for you, Tyler.

Feelings that I can't explain or understand. And I want to know… what you think. Say something. Come on, I've given you a hint of what you could say."

Tyler stares at him, frozen in place. His throat feels dry, and his heart pounds against his ribcage like it's trying to escape.

"Tanner," he finally breathes out, his voice low and strained. "You're my sister's boyfriend."

Tanner takes a sharp breath, his eyes clouded with guilt but unwavering. "Does that make me a bad person to you? Do you think I'm some kind of pervert? Because I swear I'm not trying to be!

I know it's not an excuse, but I don't know what's happening to me. When I was in Paris, I was madly in love with your sister.

I dreamed about talking to her every night. But now, being here, it's like all of that just… faded. I don't feel the same excitement around her anymore."

Tyler shakes his head. "I never said I thought of you as a pervert. I… I also have a girlfriend, and yet this is happening to me too. No matter how hard I've tried to stop it, it's not working. So… I get it. I get that it might not be something we can control."

He feels the weight of his words settling heavily on his chest, guilt gnawing at him for not telling Tanner the full truth.

The thought of Tanner getting angry or cutting him off for "playing games" makes him sick to his stomach.

Tanner looks at him intently, his voice softer now. "If you feel the same way, then let's tell them the truth."

The words catch Tyler completely off guard. "What? No! We can't. You can't tell anyone, Tanner. My sister is madly in love with you. Do you know how devastated she'll be if she finds out you want to leave her? Especially because of me? It's all my fault. I did this to her. She's always been good to me, and all I ever do is hurt her!"

His voice breaks, and tears well up in his eyes. Tanner watches, his own guilt intensifying at the sight.

"How is this your fault? You haven't done anything wrong. So stop blaming yourself," Tanner says firmly. "Even if we keep this to ourselves, it's not going to help anyone. It might sound selfish, but trust me—it's the better thing to do. If we stay silent, we'll be lying to her, and we'll be hurting ourselves in the process… and her too."

Tyler considers his words for a long moment. As much as he hates to admit it, Tanner makes sense. Hiding the truth would only create more pain in the long run.

"Okay," he finally says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll talk to her. But don't say anything to her yet. Just act normal until I figure out a way to do it."

Tanner nods, though he still feels like a heartless freak for putting Tyler in this position. "Okay."

○°○

They walk back to the house in heavy silence, both lost in their own spiraling thoughts.

The moment they step through the front door, Rachael rushes toward them.

"Where have you two been?" she asks, concern flaring. "Tanner, you're not even feeling well, and you go out? Look at your eyes… they're red. Both of you—your eyes are red. What? Did something happen?"

"I was tired of sleeping, so I decided to join Tyler for a walk." Tanner answers simply.

Rachael narrows her eyes but doesn't press further. Instead, she turns her attention to Tyler. "Honey, did you already know? Is that why your eyes look like this? Have you been crying?"

Tyler stiffens. "Know what?" Tyler asks confused.

"Lexy."

"What about her?"

Rachael frowns, studying him closely. "Why do you look so down, then? Did you two fight while you were out? Is everything alright?"

"Mom, what are you trying to say?" Tyler's patience is thinning, his voice taut. "What's going on with Lexy?"

"She's here to see you."

They walk into the living room, and the moment Lexy sees Tyler, she runs to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders in a tight hug.

"Thank God you're here," she says, her voice soft. "You weren't picking up your phone, but I'm glad I can tell you this in person."

Tyler glances at Tanner, who stands frozen beside him, just as curious as he is.

"I'm so sorry," Lexy continues, pulling back slightly to look him in the eyes. "But my dad is moving out of the country, and we have to go with him.

I don't know all the details—he just ambushed us with the news. They're waiting for me now because our flight leaves in an hour. And I've been thinking Tyler , if we were this close but we kept fighting all the time, then what about a long distance relationship, it would be worse. And because of that… I think it's best if we end things on a good note."

"What?" Tyler stares at her, the words not fully sinking in. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I just found out a few hours ago," she says, guilt flashing across her face. "I tried to call, but you didn't pick up. I'm so sorry, Tyler."

Her phone buzzes in her pocket, and she glances at it quickly. "I really need to go," she says, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."

"You haven't done anything wrong," Tyler murmurs, his own guilt pressing down on him like a weight. "I'm the one who should be apologizing. I wasn't a great boyfriend to you."

"Maybe we just weren't meant to be," Lexy says with a sad smile. "And maybe the right people are waiting for us somewhere else." She hugs him tightly, and he returns the embrace.

"Bye, Tyler," she whispers.

"Bye. Have a safe flight," he says softly. "Let me know when you arrive."

She waves at the rest of the family before disappearing out the door, leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.

○●

Later that night, at midnight, the house is silent. Everyone is asleep—everyone except Tyler.

It's become normal for him now, these sleepless nights since Tanner arrived. Except for that one night when he stayed in Tanner's room.

His phone buzzes on the bedside table, and he picks it up. A small smile plays on his lips when he sees the message. As if glad to know that someone is awake too , thinking of him.

Tanner: I'm really worried about you to the point where I can't sleep. Are you alright? Are you asleep? I just need to make sure you're okay. If you don't answer, I'll assume you're asleep, and maybe I'll be able to sleep too.

Tyler: I can't sleep. Can I come to your room?

Tanner: Sure. You don't have to ask for permission.