Chapter 82: Chapter 82

Ryan's POV

It was not my plan to confess to Slyvester immediately after rejecting Terban. It was to respect my childhood friend who came to meet me again after many years. But things just happened.

"So, you and Terban met when you were kids?" Slyvester asked.

Sitting on a bench outside of the company building near a convenience store, we were shaded from the sun by a large tree. Despite his earlier mistake, I felt compelled to share my story with Slyvester about Terban. Although, I still value Terban as a dear friend. Despite the possibility of appearing selfish, my boyfriend needs to understand this aspect of my life.

"Hmmm," I nodded, then stared at my feet. "When I was young, I was shy and didn't speak."

"Really? It's hard to believe you're shy," Slyvester commented.

"It's harder to believe if you say you were shy as a child," I teased.

"I'm timid," Slyvester lied. Then we both chuckled.

I continued to talk while looking at the clouds dancing gently in the sky.

"I didn't want to receive affection as a kid because I was afraid of being abandoned eventually. Even though I never met my birth parents. I was really lonely back then. But Terban came."

I saw that Slyvester looked at me through peripheral vision. But I stayed looking up.

"This is the most shocking fact. Do you know Terban was very different when he was a child? He's very energetic. He always makes jokes to make me laugh. Everyone loved him because he was a bright kid. He was my first friend."

"..."

"I was heartbroken when I learned that he was going to leave the country, but he made a promise to me. He said that when he returns, we will meet at the school we both know so well from far away. At the time, we were just kids, and the promise was just a silly joke, but as I grew older, I became determined to fulfill it. I worked hard and even moved into a boarding house with some boys so I could attend college and hopefully see him again."

"He's actually the reason you're staying with us," Slyvester whispered.

"Hmmm." I nodded my head. "That's why I'm so surprised that the skinny, grumpy man I've been with is the childhood first love I've been waiting for so long."

"That's why when he found out that you were his childhood friend, Terban treated you differently. That's when he started to like you, Ryan," commented Slyvester.

When I looked at him, he was looking down, pouting.

"I suddenly feel bad," he added. "If it weren't for me, your story would have had a happy ending."

This is why I hesitated to tell everything to Slyvester. He may blame himself when he finds out about my history with Terban.

"But I won't blame myself," Slyvester suddenly said as if he could read my mind. "Because Kyle, Vincent, and Chaylen will still like you even if I wasn't there."

Actually, I should be held accountable. I fell in love with Slyvester. But, like him, I have no regrets.

"Speaking of them, shall we say that we are a couple now?" Slyvester asked while holding my hand.

I am still trying to think of it. I have talked to them in the past, so everything should be fine. Also, I'm leaving the boarding house soon. It would be better to fix it earlier than later.

"But if wanted more time, then we can..."

"No," I said.

"Hmmm?"

"Let's do it. Let's say this to everyone."

This is too sudden, I know. But certainly, it is for the best.

** **

Third Person's POV

"Surprise! I'm here again!" Segi announced. He raised both hands and looked around at the three men in different corners of the boarding house.

Vincent was getting ice cream from the fridge. Chaylen was watching a soccer game in the living room. Kyle, on the other hand, was watering the indoor plants. None of them even looked at the visitor.

"So, no one will pay attention to me?" Segi murmured as he put his hands down.

Who would be so happy about his visit? Ryan's parents sent Segi to observe them. Moreover, he knew they all liked Ryan, who was living with them under the same roof.

"Not really?" Segi repeated.

"Kyle," Vincent called his friend after getting his ice cream.

"Huh?" Kyle looked at his behavior.

"Do you hear anything?" Vincent asked.

Since Kyle is very kind, he thought about talking to Segi. But another demon spoke.

"What he means is, just pretend, Kyle, that you don't hear anything," Chaylen explained. "You shouldn't feel guilty and treat us as examples."

Kyle nodded like a student who had learned a new lesson from his evil teachers. Then he continued watering the plant.

"You are terrible," Segi clicked his tongue. "All right, just keep it up." He crossed his arms. "I will never tell you which boarding house my cousin is moving to."

The three looked at him at the same time. They all know about her moving to another boarding house. But Ryan doesn't want to say where she will move because they will visit her.

"Okay, I'm sorry I didn't see you right away. I was focused on watering," Kyle suddenly said.

Vincent came over and then gave him ice cream. "That's tasty. Have it." He said, forcing a smile.

"H-Hey!" Chaylen called in, panicked. He did not know what to bribe. But soon got an idea. "I'll introduce you to the beautiful chicks!"

"Brother!" Segi pointed to Chaylen. "You win!"

"Yes!" Chaylen punched on air.

Even though the three hate Segi, they cannot do anything regarding Ryan. Unfortunately, Segi can use their weakness well.

The boarding house door opened while Chaylen was celebrating, and Ryan and Slyvester went in. Kyle was the first to greet the arrival.

"You are he..." He was about to greet the two. Only when he saw their hands.

"Is Ryan there yet?" Chaylen asked. Kyle was in the way, so he didn't immediately see them. So, he stood up and hurriedly peeked. But, like Kyle, he was also stunned.

Even Vincent, staying silent as he watched Slyvester and Ryan, was distressed.

Sylvester grasped Ryan's hand tighter. If only Kyle, Chaylen, and Vincent didn't like Ryan as a woman, Slyvester would feel relieved to introduce Ryan as his girlfriend. However, he wasn't oblivious that he felt guilty about displaying his relationship openly in front of his friends, who shared the same feelings for Ryan.

"W-What does this mean? Y-You two...!" Segi shouted. His reaction was so excessive that Chaylen almost punched him.

Slyvester forged a couch. "Ahem." He looked at them and then took a deep breath. "Guys, from now on, Ryan and I are..."

Vincent pulled Ryan's hand from Slyvester's.

"Ahhh!" Slyvester and Ryan shouted in unison.

Vincent hit hard to separate their hands. "F*ck it," he cursed before leaving the boarding house.

"H-Hey! That hurts!" shouted Slyvester. He was worried that Ryan's hand was red, so he immediately took it and caressed it. "Ryan, are you hurt?"

This time, it was Chaylen who shoved them away from each other. "Step aside! You're blocking the way! Damn." Also went out.

Ryan and Slyvester were dumbfounded. Then they looked at Kyle.

They thought Kyle was the only one who was sane enough to accept their relationship. However…

"Segi, did you hear someone come?" Kyle acted and looked at Segi. "I thought I heard that Slyvester and Ryan had arrived. It was just my imagination. Call me when they're here." He nodded before going up the stairs and locking himself in the room.

Ryan believed that announcing their relationship was for the best. But with the behavior of the three, they will be in trouble.

The three have already been rejected. But that doesn't mean they will accept everything. Action speaks louder than words. And since they still love Ryan, the two dating inside the same house will be in trouble.

The war isn't over yet.

Especially because Segi is here.

"OMG! I'm going to report you to aunt and uncle!" Segi shouted before Slyvester slapped him in the mouth.