Zyron's Pov
Remember to turn in your work. Okay? Class terminated.
Our teachers' words reverberated throughout the gym, marking the end of our last topic for today. Today was a half-day class, and everyone had run out of energy from this morning's PE session.
We started rising from the floor gently. I stretched and tossed my bag over my shoulder, my muscles somewhat sore. Dragging my feet a little slower than usual, I headed toward the locker room with a small group of my friends.
One of my pals named Zyron called out as we were walking. Do you want to hang out with us later? We were thinking of going to the arcade and drinking some milk tea.
With a weak smile, I greeted him. Pass
He nodded in knowledge. Alright, see you around.
While I headed the opposite way toward the locker hallway, he deviated off for the school building. Quiet voices broke the quiet: two men talking not far ahead.
"Bud, did you get the latest? "
"Around what? "
" Jonas and Trixy split up "
"I heard indeed. Word is Jonas just Trixy bring Scarlett back. They are formally reunited now. To be honest, I am not judging Jonas. Scarlett is, like, the queen bee of AUhot, famous, and every man's dream. "
"Still, he shouldnt have treated Trixy in that way. Man, thats pathetic. "
"Actually, Trixy is hot as well. Have you noticed her legs? Damn, pair, milk-white and immaculate "
My blood got hot. The words stung, terrible and disrespectful. I was walking towards them fast, angry before I could stop myself.
I grasped one of them by the collar and pushed him hard against the metal lockers.
Growling and clenched jaw "What gives you "the right to treat Trixy like that? "
"W- Wait .. I meant nothing by it. "
I snapped, squeezing my hold, not lying to me. I heard everything.
Curious eyes started to fill the hallway. Students paused in their paths and observed the dispute develop. I, meanwhile, was not interested. Let them observe.
"Bud " Rykers' voice called out. That's all. He had just got here, but I hardly paid him any attention.
"W- Who exactly are you to her?" the man stuttered.
I said, staring "Trixy is my best friend maybe you forgot but her family controls this university "
He paled, throat choked with words, mouth somewhat open.
"Bud "murmured again, softly touching my shoulder "at this time you would find yourself in the guidance office again " he said in serious tone
I stared back at the man and spoke clearly enough for everyone to hear.
"You will regret it if I overhear you or anybody else treating Trixy that disrespectfully again "
I let go of him, letting his collar slide back into place, then slammed the locker hard before turning and clenching fists at my sides.
I never glanced back.
Right now we were in Austen University's parking lot. Ryker accompanied me silently as I headed toward my vehicle.
" Bud, are you alright?" he enquired.
I said nothing in response.
After a pause, he added, I am certain the man understood.
I stopped next to my car and turned to face him, meeting his eyes. He better have. If he doesnt, next time I will not hold back.
I opened the door, flung my bag into the passenger seat, and slipped behind the wheel. Ryker looked half concerned, half delighted as I began the engine, but said nothing else. I drove away.
A few minutes later I stopped right in front of the main villa gate. Recognizing the cars tag, the gates slowly opened and I entered the driveway. The afternoon sun sparkled off the polished glass of our home. I got out of the garage, the car door rattling in the wide room.
Mom was seated on one of the wrought iron chairs under the shade in the garden. I saw her. She paired designer sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat with a relaxed summer dress. She was talking to Lola, her maternal grandmother, while she sipped juice.
I got near them.
Mom, hello. I stooped down and kissed her on the cheek. Hi, Lola.
Lola smiled warmly and remarked on how tall and beautiful my grandson had grown.
I grinned small. Thank you, Lola.
Where is Kaidence? Mom enquired.
She responded from the café with Jazmin; your father is out golfing with your Uncle Kyle.
She stopped. Lunch I prepared. Want to eat immediately?
I paused for a moment. I think I should first go up to my room as I am not particularly hungry. I'm a bit exhausted.
She gave an eyebrow raise, sure she felt something, yet she refrained from asking more. Good work, young man. Take a break. Lunch will be ready when you get up.
She received a brief nod from me and I entered the house the cool air struck me as I did. The corridor was calm and full of familiar comforts. I descended the stairs two at once till I got to my room.
I yanked the door open, made my way to my desk, and snatched my laptop. I sat down on the bed and opened the laptop after dropping my bag there.
And then there she was.
My wallpaper.
Trixie.
A frank snapshot I stealthily captured at one of her band rehearsals. She focused as she tuned her guitar, soft light catching her side profile, her hair knotted in a bun. She was totally unaware I even had this picture. Perhaps that turned me somewhat scary. Really, though? I really didnt give a damn.
Trixy, don't panic. I will always defend you. All the time.
Heart yearning with sentiments I hadn't acknowledged to anyone—not even myself—I leaned back on my pillows and stared at the photo for a few more seconds, laptop still open beside me.
She was not only my closest friend. She exceeded that. She had always been. From the time we were little, she served as my anchor. The girl next to me when the world didn't seem to make sense. The girl who had faith in me even when I did not in myself.
Still, I lacked the bravery to approach her.
I couldn't help but resent myself a bit now that everything Jonas did following his breaking of her.
Why did she not love me?
She fell for someone who used her. Why?
I gently closed the laptop and let out a big sigh.
Perhaps one day I will tell her.
For now, though, I will quietly protect her.
Being at her side is all I am permitted to have.
After that I will claim it.
Though it may hurt.