Chapter 2: The Girl of Simplicity
-Lyra's POV-
Time passes, welcoming the next day. Until now only a few rain drops are heard, landing on the window repeatedly, tippy-tappy sounds occurred in. As I wake up to another part of my life, stretching my arms as always, and just thanking God for another day.
I looked to my left, and seeing a guy who still remained hugging me. Cry remained in my sight, his sleeping face remained in my gaze. He looks innocent like he is the person that cannot be disturbed or else you might get bitten when he wakes up from his slumber.
Thoughts came to me, piling up like crazy. Why is Cry so generous even though we just met? Despite the fact that I am part of the fanbase of his. I can admit that I have feelings for this guy, even though he's just an ordinary guy who likes to play games for his own entertainment.
Enough thinking, time to start the day right with breakfast.
"Uhhhh….Lyra…" Cry mumbles, I glared at him and see his eyes slightly open. His cornflower blue eyes are glancing towards mine until their wide open. Cry begins teasing me, he pulled me towards him with my arm.
"R-Ryan?! W-What are you doing?!" I started to stutter. I could feel my face burning hot. He still remains focused on me. I couldn't help but stare into it, like it's glued in.
"What's with the little girl doing while I was asleep? Until now you're still hugging me." Cry stated as I didn't realize that I was still clinging on to him.
"Is it wrong? After all it helped me go to sleep easily without nightmares." I emphasized as I looked away, breaking the gaze that was focused on me.
"No, it's alright, at least it helped you sleep. I am ok with that." Cry answered as he stroked my head gently and smiled as I glanced back at him again.
"Anyways l-let's prepare some breakfast alright? We still have to go around Florida as you promised." I added as I rise out of bed, with Cry following me.
"Sure, but let me do it. You go ahead and prepare." Cry said. It's too much, he took me home, he even took a picture with me, he even tried to put me to sleep due to my nightmares, and now he's doing the cooking.
"You sure? Seriously you've done a lot for me Ryan." I stated in question, worrying what Cry did all for me even he's my welcomed guest. Damn, I hope he's not trying to tire himself.
"It's ok, I'm used to it, since I mostly cook my own dishes. Now go and prepare." Cry stated as he insisted me by pushing me a bit. Come to think of it, he posts in tumblr with some of the tags in his posts that he cooks like gourmet solo dishes or maybe take out, well the take out is my thought.
"F-Fine..uhhmmm..Ryan I want to tell you something." I want to say something to him, everything, everything that he did and should deserve some praise. I gain feelings for him, I admit it, even though we just met like this. I feel that I just came to know him as a friend should, he even shared some stuff with me on what he does both youtube and in reality yesterday. He needs to know my thought.
"What is it Lyra? I'm listening." Cry said as he starts to chop some ingredients for breakfast to prepare.
"I just want to say..." I stopped with a sudden knock on the door, why does it have to involve interruptions? I can't even think how to relay it to Cry. "Maybe later Ryan, sorry about that…" I stated.
"It's fine, I can wait, just go ahead and answer that dog, you little college student." Cry said with a tease at the end. Man this is how he does usually, even in live streams. Being such a funny wussy. I smiled at him instead and give him a 'how funny' look.
"Just cook you tease." I said, making him blurt out his tongue with a smile.
"Fine, and don't worry your friend won't know that it is the one and only Cry." Cry stated, well that person won't really know, besides he hid his mask in his bag so it's practically fine.
"Alright, anyways I need to get the door." I said while Cry is busy cooking.
"Yeah, yeah, go ahead you college girl." Cry teased, well that's how it is, anyways time to answer the door, I wonder who it is though.
-Cry's POV-
She's darn happy today, but a little bit nervous. I wonder why is she trying to say to me. Anyways I should make some breakfast. Some healthy salad with an appropriate dressing would be nice. Going to squeeze some fresh orange juice for the drinks.
There that should do it.
"Coming!" Lyra shouted as she was about to get the door, that was a bit delayed, maybe she changed to appropriate clothing. Decency is always a good thing.
"Hey Lyri!" Called the visitor, wait, why Lyri? That's her alias right? What the hell is up with that? Her name is Lyra, damn it. It's a man's voice, does she have a boyfriend? No. No. No. I am not gonna believe that rumor. It better not ruin my tour with her.
"Oh hey! Cairo, nice to see you." Lyra said casually greeting the person. I couldn't even concentrate on making the juice after making the salad because of her guest. Wait, I'm not like this infuriated on people's guest. Am I that jealous somehow?
"So Lyri uhhhh-I was wondering if you're free today." The man asked. That's it time to get over there. I am done with making breakfast anyways, and in a good time too. I went out to the living room. To meet Lyra and the guest at the front door.
"Sorry but, she's pretty occupied today. We planned to go somewhere and I want to take her there very badly." I replied as I went beside Lyra and put my arm around her shoulder. Turning to Lyra, her face, shocked, now flushed pure red.
"R-Ry…" Lyra started to stutter, seems that she's out of words. Time to turn this up a little bit then.
"I'm sorry but, who are you exactly?" The man refuted with a furious look in his eyes. Trying to look at me directly, but, it doesn't really matter for me that much.
"The name's Ryan, you could say that I'm Lyra's….hmmmm…" I stated trying to think. The man looking in front of me, getting serious as I haven't replied.
"Lyri, is he your boyfriend?" The man questioned in front of us. Then I had the idea of teasing him a bit. Seems he doesn't look like a fine man to chatter.
"Well he is-!" I covered Lyra's mouth, but somehow she's still shocked but calmed down, seems she's fine with this already, maybe she's the type that could adapt easily to the situation, she's really a strange girl.
"Not exactly, we're just friends, we met each other just earlier on my way home. It's been a long time since I met her so it's like our reunion day." I added, trying to divert to make him go away at least. I don't want him to ruin this day, since this is for Lyra.
"Oh! I thought that Lyri already have a relationship with someone." The man said as he chuckled weakly and started to scratch behind his head, done. Finally created a diversion.
"Anyways we really need to get going now, I have a lot of places to take her to." I restated, Lyra started looking at me as I gone a bit serious. I want to really take her to the places that she might like to see. I hope I didn't gone overboard.
"Oh sure! Take care Lyri, see you in the second semester!" The man said as he walks away towards the hallway leading to the elevator lobby. Then I closed the door and pulled Lyra close to me to get a good glance at her, it got too serious.
"R-Ryan...w-what was that for?" Lyra said but I remained looking at her, focused and realizing that I was going too serious for this situation, then I replied.
"First of all who was that guy earlier?" I said as I try to calm down. I don't want to get so infuriated about this.
"Nicolas Cairo, he's my childhood friend, he's been this clingy ever since we went to middle school together." Lyra dictated, her eyes looked away from me, with those worried or even sad eyes of hers. I want to hug her right now to calm her nerves but, it felt like it's not an option to do it.
We grew silent, the room's atmosphere gone very quiet. Without me and her saying not even one word or even a murmur. I can't help but think about that guy, does he love her? Or, does Lyra love him? Somehow my mind can't comprehend even the simplest problem right now. I am not usually like this to anything. This is the first time that's happened to me. One thing that questions in my mind right at this moment keeps floating around me.
'Do I really like her?'
"Ryan..." Lyra hugged me suddenly, realizing I spaced out again. "Please don't be so serious, it will..just ruin our day to tour me around Florida with you." Her tour with me around Florida, she still wants that to happen. I looked at Lyra, crying on my shoulder. Have I been too serious today? Or was I just stressed out all of the sudden.
"L-Lyra...don't cry anymore ok? I'm sorry if I ended up too serious, it's just, I don't want someone interfering our day." I implied as I hugged back at her, rubbing her head gently and to just calm her down. Lyra just remained hugging me, her in my arms, her figure glued closed to me.
"Come, let's eat some breakfast and prepare ourselves for a tour around Florida, sound's good Lyra?" I asked, smiling in front of her. Her gaze on me remained as it is with a blush on her face. Then she nodded, and I wiped her gently last tear with my finger.
I served the fresh salad I made with squeezed orange juice for the drinks, and put two plates on the table with spoon and forks on the side and glasses on the corner of the plate. I gazed on Lyra, she seemed impressed and shocked about it at the same time.
"Wow, it really looks like a scrumptious meal to dig in." Lyra praised clasping her hands together and smiled simply. She even pulled a chair close to her and motioned me to come close. I sat beside her and started serving the salad first to Lyra's plate. I hope she likes the dressing I made.
"Go ahead and have a bite, since it's made with a special dressing." I insisted. Lyra grabbed a fork to handle the leaves of the salad and took a bit out of it. First, her face seems off biting it, but then her eyes widen looking at me and smiled.
"It's delicious Ryan. I love the signature dressing." Lyra complemented. I smiled, with a sense of relief on my face. Since I only made the dressing for myself, that my family never got the taste of this.
"I-I'm glad you like it..thanks.." I replied. I looked around, just another realization that I spaced out myself thinking something deep again. I really need to ease myself up a bit. Lyra tugged my shirt, motioning me to sit down and eat.
I sat down beside her, grabbed my plate and served myself some salad then started to dig in. As I continue to chow down my meal, I turned to Lyra, which I noticed that kept on licking the leftover dressing on her plate. I'm glad it turned out well as it should be.
"That was a delicious meal Ryan, I really appreciate it!" Lyra implied. She even had some little dressing on the corner of her lips.
"Hey, you have something on your mouth, you really don't concern even a bit of dressing on it right now." I observed, pulling out my handkerchief that I had from my bag earlier, then gently wiping off the bits of dressing on her face. Which I noticed I'm holding her left cheek in my hand, she has a soft and smooth texture. Even for a twenty year old, she has a fair skin tone that she maintains pretty well.
"O-Oh…sorry about that..I really forget some things that are small, that I ended up not minding them anymore." Lyra noted, so in terms of that, she's who is an ambivert but somehow forgetful at some situations. Well that's college for you, never know what's going to happen to your brain if you stress out in the level of educational standards.
"Anyways, let's prepare for our tour, shower up fast and put on your dress for this special day." I remarked. Lyra nodded, we stood up and piled up the plates, utensils, glasses and the serving bowls I used for the salad. I insisted her on preparing first to make haste and be ready to go.
Once I was done washing the dishes, with her done taking her bath, I grabbed my towel and started to shower up. Since she insisted that I should use the bathroom to clean myself up when she got out earlier. Brought my shampoo and soap with me, you never know when you're too prepared for this.
After a while, I put on my black polo shirt and white tie that was stuffed in my bag, plus some pants, just the casual wear I always consider. I got out of the bathroom and sat down on the couch, putting my shoes on and making sure they're tight that there won't be any loose ends. Once I'm done with my preparations, I put out my phone to check if they're any messages from my family or even my friends that might text me on this day.
There's one from my mom which she's just asking me if I am alright and in the end to have a great day. It soothes me, a little message of concern to start my day. I replied back, to ease her worries a bit if I took long on replying. Then one thing on my mind, the picture that me and Lyra had yesterday, somehow she looks adorable as I took a peek of the photo again. Because of that I set it as my wallpaper of my phone as my main, only the main part not the phone lock part of it.
Then I heard something, little tap sounds of footsteps approaching me, she's trying to sneak up on me as I was about to set it as my wallpaper. I pretend I didn't hear anything. Then as I hear her coming close, I replied:
"First of all, I can hear you sneaking from behind Lyra, you don't have to hide from me you know."
"Ok Ryan, you got me!" Lyra replied.
She stood up and went in front of me, as I locked my phone, I gazed upon her. To see a college girl with a white dress and a red ribbon on the side, it looks, pretty s'well on her. The dress fits her well. But I couldn't stop staring at her just because of it.
"L-Lyra…" I stuttered eventually. I couldn't even tell if I am in a dream or not. A flax-blonde and emerald-eyed girl with a cute, simple looking dress. This is somehow her true self being shown, despite being a geek, much of a blogger and a gamer.
"Hmm? What is it Ryan?" Lyra questioned, gazing at me with such curiosity.
"N-Nothing at all. It's just that, you look pretty in that dress, it fits you." I stated, with the feeling of warmth in my cheeks. I can't avert my gaze from her. Well I'll just have to keep calm and maintain my cool for a moment as long as I can.
-Lyra's POV-
As I gaze upon Cry, I could see the blush from his face after complimenting me about the dress I'm currently wearing. Seeing his outfit though, a black polo shirt with a white tie, came with a decent pair of jeans and grey-colored sneakers, the color of monochrome but it suits him well in his current figure. With Cry on the couch gazing right at me, I smiled and continued.
"Thank you, may I say something too then?" I asked, with Cry, who stood up in front of me and putting his hands both in pockets and glared at me with such relief but with the feeling of tension around him.
"Sure.." Cry answered.
"You look more like a gentleman in that outfit, a type who is good looking and an adorable man at the same time. I appreciate the look since it really suits you well." I complemented, he smiles at me shyly and his cheeks started to bloom with a hint of red.
"I'd take that as a compliment," Cry replied, lending out his hand in front of me. "Well? Let's go?" He added, with his simple smile in my gaze, I felt the sense of relief that, this is going to be a good day. I took his offer and held his hand gently. It felt warm, this was the first time it all happened to me. The sudden meet between me and my favorite Youtuber, the conversation that happened last night, and now this, the tour around Florida with him.
I know I have longed for this to happen, since well I idolize him from afar, not his voice, his words coming out of his mouth, but the personality of him is what I liked about him. Right now, I am right beside him, about to take me around the city of Florida which I never had time to explore any of it ever since I came.
We went out of the dormitory and went inside his car with his assistance of unlocking and locking the car door for me. We drove off, but I also suggested that he shouldn't hurry to just fasten the pace to our first destination, I told him that it would be great to drive with ease and safety at least, no tensions at all.
A few minutes and we made it to our first destination, the beach. Cry went out and signaled me to wait for him to open the car door at my side.
"Thanks Ryan, this is somehow a good destination to be in the summer holidays." I admitted, to hear him chuckle, amused by the words I stated, I don't mind, it's a good day to be happy in my sense anyways.
"Glad you like our first stop. You want to walk around the beach for a little while? At least you could see more than just being in one spot." He suggested.
"I would love to." I replied. Smiling at him as we started to walk around the beach, passing through the palm trees, the view of the coral blue sea, and the bright ray of sun, all in one perfect scenery. I never realized that exploring the parts of the Florida would be this amazing. I've never had time to explore to anywhere due to my study in my university.
"Lyra, let's continue our conversation from last night? If it's really ok with you of course." Cry asked. Well, since our conversation seems a bit cut off due to our supposed sleep time.
"Sure let's do it, what do you want to ask?" I insisted. We stopped by a bench by the palm trees and sat there.
"I'm a bit curious, but is there another reason why you decided to go to Florida? Besides going here to have a new leaf by starting college here." Cry elaborated. A reason why I am here, merely I was trying to forget about that but, I should rather tell him anyways.
"Well because, first of all, I ditched my stepmother, since she was kind of a strict person around me, not so good with children, why did dad even love her though, it pisses me off so much." I explained, noticing Cry stared at me with a serious look on his face.
"Stepmother? Then what about your mom, where is she now?" Cry asked.
"She works in New York as a professional architect, so basically she's the one supporting my needs in school, food, or anything I like for my personal needs of gadgets and stuff, since she works at a great company there." I elaborated. With Cry, sighing in relief.
"Why Ryan? Heard you sighing." I implied.
"Nah. It's nothing special, it's just that I'm glad that there are at least some relatives who still supports you." Cry grinned. Well he's right. Since my father only supports some food for his wife, and it's like when it's me, he gives me some burger on a nearby fast food joint.
"Yeah thanks about that. But now my mom is an assistant manager there. She really is good at doing everything what she can do." I implied, smiling towards Cry with relief.
"So, how about your father?" Cry questioned, getting more serious as much as the tone of his voice currently in this situation.
"Well he works at an office, a stock market company, he was good on that coming from me, but ever since he divorced with my mom, loved another woman, married her, then just let her stay in with us. But she's not much of a mother to me. She even yells at me and blames me if she did something wrong whenever I am around." I explained, making Cry more serious looking than before. Wait, did I make him remind of his previous past?
"Wow, what a senseless jerk your father is. Loved a woman but doesn't even give any affection to you from the both of them. But how did you ditch them?" Cry commented with a question.
"Mom bought me a ticket to Florida, and then she said that I should pack and get ready. That she's going to enroll me into a good university there and stay in a dormitory. She said I should ditch them, which involves me and my father yelled at each other then ran away as fast as I can. Then here I am, a girl with a new leaf on life." I dictated.
"Well at least you did what you have to, fathers can be huge jerks sometimes in our lives. So it's like for us, it's a rare thing to have both parents to support and love you very much." Cry elaborated with his fist clenched tightly. Seeing that he's pretty much pissed with his past memories being recalled again.
"R-Ryan..." I stuttered, without any words to continue, I just put my hand on his, hoping that it would calm him down.
"Don't worry Lyra, it's not like we cared for them already, they would just mess us up in our lives." Cry noted. As if he's done with everything in his life that hurts him the most, his time as a kid, to being an adult who's now responsible for his actions. That also being a great help towards his family.
"Yeah, it would be great though if we don't experience those kinds of things in our past, until now I envy the other individuals who are supported by both parents." I went on. Cry instead went closer enough to close our gap then comforted me with utmost respect as a person.
If only that wouldn't affect us gradually as we grow, I might have been raised well, or even better, not seeing those things in my young age that I would stay curious but rather be knowledgeable. But well, time passes with that experience and we somehow learn from it, and mature to just forget about what's happened and live on with everything behind you.
"I agree with you, but that's how life is, expect the unexpected and just learn from your past and grow into the present." Cry noted it in my head, poking my forehead gently and teasingly smiles at me.
"So, where to next after this?" I asked, with Cry now wondering on what would be the next destination that fits on our tour, I started to think. But for some reason I stopped thinking about it because of my tummy suddenly grumbling out of the blue.
"Want to grab a bite then? I can see that you're hungry, considering that salad is just like a light meal to eat early in the morning." Cry suggested. I just nodded through it, then we go to a nearby food joint just a few blocks away from the beach. Fish n' chips kind of joint, I could use some fish and fries into my meal right now.
As I lined up in to order, Cry suddenly insisted on doing it for me that I should find a place to sit for the both of us. I just let him do it, at least that he won't be infuriated if I was the one who order and lift the food towards our table. Finally I found a table that is nearby and for only two seats.
"Good job on finding a table for us. Here's the meal, now ready to be consumed." Cry declared. It was sort of funny, pretending to be an intelligent person but you're really the type to know what to say something serious or amusing, depending on the situation.
"Thanks Ryan, well for doing this too of course." I stated, with his faint smile showing. Cry patted my head gently as if I was his pet or even treating me like a little kid.
"No problem Lyra, at least you're happy." Cry claimed, with the faint smile that remains on his face. I feel relieved somehow. Nothing is gonna happen between us on this particular day. It's just me and Cry spending our time touring me around Florida. I really feel that, this is gonna end perfectly, that after all this time, the time that I finally met Cry as my life progresses, I'll remain loyal as his fan as it always should be. Creating an issue about that would just be a nerve to see many notes on my tumblr dashboard. Realizing that I was spacing out, Cry patted my shoulder gently and repeatedly.
"Hey Lyra? You alright? You seemed reserved today." Cry mentioned as he gazed upon my eyes. But I couldn't look away from him, like I'm locked in a trance, so instead, I felt my face being so warm, means that I'm blushing again.
"Y-Yeah! I'm fine! Don't even worry about it, I'm just into thinking at times like this." I stammered.
Trying to avoid myself from the shyness I feel right now. He's being too generous about this tour with me, treating me in local food joints like this one, why do I feel so shy about it? It's suppose to be a normal day, but it feels like I am with a celebrity having a meal as like a prize for certain fans.
"Are you still nervous? Is it because of me?" Cry asked. When I turned my head, Cry's face was there right in front of me. His gaze being a calm, and lazy type of thing. Without his glasses, he looked adorable as it is for a twenty-four year old, I can't take the stare of his by laughing it off, somehow, I am involved in his trance again.
"Well, only a little bit, but I really don't mind. I tend to get nervous easily around certain people, d-does it bother you?" I asked, Cry nodded 'no'. He smiled at me and chuckled at me.
"R-Ryan? What is it? What's funny?" I questioned with a sense of curiosity. Cry went closer and patted my head, he started stroking gently as he was looking at me, no glasses at all, but all there was just a perfect smile to brighten my day up. I felt my cheeks being warm again.
"Nothing at all, Lyra, you just looked adorable." Cry complemented. With an intense heat coming from my cheeks, it feels like I blushed hardly. Stupid emotions trying to make me feel like I am about to burst into excitement because of him. I can't even dodge that, it felt like it's really natural to me.
"Ryan, t-thank you..." I said, with utmost embarrassment from an individual which I idolize. I can really thank the miracles that happened so far, this isn't a dream anymore. Everything is real. Still though, spending time with him makes me sense the feeling of being relieved from anything. Stress is out, good times are in my zone. No one to bother the day at all.
"Aww, no problem Lyra. Well, no time to waste, lets continue our tour, milady." Cry teased. Offering me to hold his hand on courting me to the next destination on our list. I gladly accepted the offer of course. We went over to his car, opened the car door for me and waited for me to fully get in.
"So where are we off to?" I asked, while looking over at Cry, who just stopped at a traffic light at the intersection. Cry looked at me and smiled faintly. I even heard his small chuckle.
"It's a surprise." Cry stated bluntly.
"Oh come on! Tell me! Tell me!" I demanded, with a little hint of being a brat, well my tone that is. Even though my friends call me an introvert, they could say that they're wrong. I'm like a hybrid, introvert to extrovert thing, they call it with that one term in psychology, they call one person who is an intro-extro type, an Ambivert.
"If I told you it won't be a surprise then, right Lyra?" Cry admitted with a teasing tone, trying to make me even more excited.
"Fine I'll wait for it." I stated with a bit of disappointment. Seeing Cry's smug grin, I couldn't help it but take it as a tease from him, he even chuckled seeing me in a little bratty tantrum. I am too excited when it comes to surprises since I was a little squirt, until now at this age of mine, it's something that I couldn't take it off myself, it's a part of me.
"Good girl, don't worry we're almost there." Cry teased as he patted my head and started stroking it back and forth gently. He always treats me right now like I'm his little girl to babysit. How adorable do I even look at his perspective?
"Stop teasing me like that, it's rude you know!" I complained with my arms crossed and my voice started being childish-like.
"Is it wrong to think that you're adorable when you do that look in front of me?" Cry asked with a smug grin on his face.
"Not really but...uhmmm.." I started to stutter.
I started to stutter. I can't think of any words to say to him directly, it's like I'm stunned of some sort that avoids me on saying that certain word.
"You're lost for words right now, aren't you?" Cry grinned. As he stopped at another stop light and looked at me as his chuckles start. After a few minutes of silence, he wiped his glasses and put them back on gently then gripped on the steering wheel and released the clutches as the green light shown above. But as I looked upon him, he still remained smiling simply. It was just normal to see him like this, it makes me happy.
"Well you know me. I can't say anything back at you possibly since I don't think like you as much to be accurate." I admitted.
"Oh really? Your words are absolutely understandable on my turf. Besides thinking on a particular situation doesn't have to be too accurate you know." Cry explained, as he continued driving along the way, seeing the scenery as I look out the car window beside me.
"Well I'm still studying on words that are complicated, as much as I want to think like how you do it, I can't since I'm low on my personal dictionary in my head still." I explained as I faintly smile at my only flaw in speaking English. I'm still a student and starting to go for the second semester tomorrow, so I have to improve it more.
"I see, but you can also learn as we keep on our conversation, you might learn some from me." Cry stated.
"Thanks Ryan, I'll make sure that I'll remember something right though." I muttered. With Cry again, patting me on the head gently, and as he let go, he turned the steering wheel, directing to the parking space of a prestigious-looking mall. Is this really the next destination?
"Ok here we are, Lyra." Cry said as he opened the car door on his side, as I stare in awe. I never been this part of Florida before, but this place looks very wide and decent. Cry opened the door at my side and again, lend his hand towards me.
"You ready to go, milady?" Cry insisted as he faintly smiled towards me.
"Ryan, stop being such a tease so much." I demanded, but instead he laughed about it and I decided to take his hand and assisted me out of the car. As we walked through the parking, I thought of how to start the conversation, since well I am still pretty nervous being with him. Well, here goes.
"Ryan, what are we gonna do here exactly?" I asked as we continuously walk along the parking approaching the mall entrance.
"Well we can go around the mall, since it seems that you are new to this place." Cry suggested. As he holds my hand gently, I started to blush, feeling my cheeks that are now warm up to this very moment.
"Alright but you don't have to hold my hand you know.." I mentioned, but he still remained holding it.
"Why you want to get lost around this huge mall and leave you at your own pace?" Cry said, with his right hand on top of my head while holding my hand with his left. He looked right at me, directly staring with his coral blue eyes on mine. I feel like I was stunned within this trance.
"N-No! It's just that it feels awkward when you do that." I stated. Cry instead patted me, and stroked it again and again.
"It doesn't look awkward you know, besides it's your tour, I should treat you very well." Cry said as he smiled at me. He still remained holding my hand, he's really too generous about this. He's been very kind to me ever since this tour started, making the day better.
"Fine, just stay with me alright?" I said, with a tone of nervousness coursing through me. Holding his hand tightly, I feel like a kid right now, being too innocent about this current situation.
"Alright, don't worry, I got you. Let's go in, we have a lot to explore inside. I am sure you'll like it." Cry stated happily. Obviously, I blush in every situations like this, since well, this is a miracle meeting him, and I don't think that I'm that ready for that meet, but this is the only opportunity that I have. So what's the point of wasting this thing?
I have to enjoy whatever I might be expecting. It will all end up as a waste if you don't after all. Cry and I went in the mall. It was really a great thing to see. We walked around the mall, seeing various shops and boutiques. Also we eat in one of the stalls in the food court. We also had some conversations about our life on the net and in reality, here and there, what matters is we're getting to know each other face to face.
He took me to some haunted houses in the amusement park inside the mall, trying to foolishly scare the heck out of me. He even tried to pull a trick on me by leaving me inside but instead ended up surprising him as I unexpectedly found his hiding spot inside the haunted house.
In the end, we really enjoy the time around the mall, he even treat me to one of the crepe stalls nearby. Then Cry even bought me a book about some guides for my sketches, it didn't cost that much, even I could've bought it for myself. But he insisted on buying it, he's too generous and I'm personally embarrassed about what he has done for me.
"So Lyra, how'd you like the day so far?" Cry asked.
"It's really been a really great tour, still though, you remain teasing me continuously, great thing you failed last time." I said, with me giving an evil grin towards Cry, which he replied with a sigh.
"Yeah I deserved that, since well I've been a bad little boy around you, so yeah I accepted it, no regrets what so ever." Cry said, while scratching his head gently while crookedly smiling. It's adorable, but menace-looking as well.
"Hmph. I'd rather forgive you for all of that though." I stated in a calm tone.
"Why?" Cry replied with utmost curiosity.
"I can't stay mad at you. Not even one bit." I said, as I looked down on the smooth, ceramic tiled floor, with the feeling of nervousness coursing through me again. Cry laid his hand on my head and stroked it with such care.
"Don't worry about it. All that matter is that you enjoy this tour." Cry stated. Those words came out from him, made my heart beat fast. It's true that I have feelings for him, like every fangirl in his perspective does. But he looks at me differently, like another person who's just normally doing this and that and doesn't react like a crazy one of some sort.
I am just a reserved college student, who is strong willed but sometimes the nervous one in some situations. I get involved in all sorts of fandoms I know internationally. I'm just a blogger with different kinds of posts involved. An artist that draws whatever that might came up into mind. A gamer that plays all sorts depending on the genre and the kind of gameplay it has.
I may have those kinds of things but it doesn't change the fact that I'm just an ordinary person with lots of interests in all sorts of stuff and just go through it. Unlike Cry, who is giving his all from the start and just remained as a Youtuber who never asked for someone to subscribe to him and such, yet still he became popular along with Pewds and Ken. That's why I idolize him very much. His personality, efforts and struggles in life.
I want to admit it to Cry, even though he gets confessions a lot. I just want to let it out, so this nervousness will surpass soon enough.
"So where are we going now Cry?" I asked.
"To the real surprise that you've been waiting for, but first, cover your eyes and I'll guide you instead." Cry stated. I covered my eyes with my hands and I felt that Cry was holding my shoulders and guiding me. I wonder though what it is.
-Cry's POV-
As Lyra covered her eyes, I decided to guide her towards the surprise I want to show to her. As I led her there, I motioned her to uncover them. I showed her the view of the city in the night, considering that it was my favorite view. Lights on the buildings, the towers, the cars along the road, and even the lights by the beach, seeing her staring in awe made me smile.
"It's….really amazing, I never seen the city in this view. It's really beautiful." Lyra stated. I can see the smile across her face. Being beside her, I feel like a new person. I know that, I have feelings for her currently. But sometimes I feel so conflicted, this new feeling inside of me.
There's no denying it, my feelings concede with Lyra, a twenty-year old who is an ambiverted college student, one of my fans, an artist at that point, and also a gamer. There are a lots of girls who are gamers but most of them we're like seductive. While Lyra's like just a normal one and acts like a pro on some things.
I'm comparing again, I know that, but I'm conflicted.
Looking at Lyra, if I left her right now, she'll be fragile as any person would be. She'll start crying until someone can help her out. I don't want that to happen. The feelings of confliction coursing through me, it made me develop feelings and concerns for her.
"L-Lyra.." I said, as I realized I started to stutter and becoming nervous.
"Yes Ryan? What is it?" Lyra replied with ease, giving me a calm and simple smile.
I want to give her something. I want to confess to her, even though we just met. I know that if we became together, it's the only way for me to ease myself.
"Can you wait for me here? I just need to go to the restroom." I said as I patted her and smiled with ease.
"Sure! Make it fast though, I want to continue where we left off." Lyra said. Then turned back to reminisce the view once more. I walked away as fast as I could, trying to find a store nearby to find a gift for her. I walked and walked, until I passed a store that sells charms and necklaces. I came in there and find a decent one.
My eyes landed on a necklace for couples. The cashier at the store saw me looking at it and said that there is a discount. So I continued looking on those necklaces and found a decent looking one that fits. Yin and Yang, it looks good on how it displays when it's worn. I chose that instead and head off. Before heading towards her, I fixed my hair, polished my glasses, and the Yang necklace, that I'm currently wearing and hiding inside my shirt. While the Yin necklace is safely inside my pocket.
"I'm back." I stated. Lyra turned to me and smiled with her arms crossed on her chest.
"Took you long enough." Lyra said as she chuckled suddenly. I went beside her to watch the view I showed her. It still remains a beautiful sight. It never fails to make my day.
"So Lyra, what do you want to tell me earlier back at the dorm?" I asked. I looked over at Lyra, who's now blushing heavily. She let go of the cold metal railings and faced towards me.
"I want to be honest with you right now." Lyra said, I let go of the railings and faced back at her, she looked at me directly as she blushes. Her face looked like that she's embarrassed of some sort.
"What do you mean Lyra?" I asked. Lyra continued.
"All that I want to say is, I have feelings for you." Lyra stated. I remained speechless as I suddenly felt my heart beating fast and the heat across my face.
"I know that it is just like the fans said towards you, but I just want to say it. Ever since we knew each other unexpectedly, I felt…happy. I knew that someday we might meet." Lyra said, and then she continued.
"I am just another fool to confess to you like your fans. Maybe you love someone already that you'd all just do this for me to enjoy myself. I love the tour that you planned out for me. I thank you for that." Lyra stated, she went silent after that. Her confession, it is true that my fans say that but, she's really different.
"Lyra.." I stated, and continued. "I know that, as a fan, you watch what I uploaded, my streams, reading my posts, it's really common to me. I want to say something too." I said. I hold both Lyra's hands and looked directly at her.
"R-Ryan?" Lyra said as she starts to stutter. I know she's nervous all the time, but I know it's time to end that nervousness of hers.
"I also have feelings for you." I confessed, and hugged her gently. With Lyra now shocked, I could feel her heart beating fast. So as mine, since well, I admitted it, I love her. She remained speechless, and cried with joy as she hugged me back. Her figure made me hug her more that I was glued to her.
As we let go, I brought out the Yin necklace out of my pocket. I showed it to her with a smile.
"Here Lyra, this is for you." I said, her face still remained shocked with the confession I'd made.
"What…is that…?" Lyra asked.
"It's a necklace, I bought for you as a gift, here let me help you wear it." I said as I assisted her wearing the necklace without any harm. In fact it looked beautiful on her. It adds her looks pretty well.
"Thank you Ryan, it's really pretty." Lyra exclaimed and smiled looking at me. I brought the necklace out of my shirt, the Yang necklace I was currently wearing this whole time and showed it to her.
"We're now the same, well not really, since Yin and Yang are opposites." I stated.
"I know that, it really…means a lot to me. Thank you very much." Lyra said as she holds the necklace and smiled gladly. I am glad she's happy about the gift I gave her. She enjoyed her day well with me. No one to neither spoil it nor ruin it.
"So…we're officially…together now?" I asked.
"Do you really, have to ask me about that decision?" Lyra said, as she turns away from me and blushes, and then she hides her face with her arms crossed. I approached her, and motioned to move her arms away, I hugged her gently. She hugged back, it was really pulling me towards her, like she really wanted to do this but just holding herself back.
"No, I already got your answer." I replied. She remained in my arms as it is. I felt satisfied right now, I have a girl who loves me for who I am, even though that it is common, and the fact that I'm just a guy who play games for every person's entertainment.
After a few minutes, she let go of me and looked at me with an adorable smile, it fits with her flushed pink circles on her cheeks.
"Let's go home? It's getting late already." Lyra stated. I hold her hand tightly, same goes to her, and we couldn't stand but look at each other and smile.
"Yeah, you have classes starting tomorrow. Let's go." I stated.
We held our hands until we reached the car at the parking lot, I assisted her to her seat before mine. We drove off without experiencing any traffic along our way, we made it to her dorm early and parked the car by the dorm building entrance.
"Ok we're here." I stated as I went out of the car door, and went to her side to open hers to assist her. I hold her hand again and went in the elevator, pushed the button to the 9th floor where her room is located.
I took her until we reached the door to her room. She went into her bag to reach for the keys and unlocked the door. Then she turned towards me and hugged me tightly.
"Thanks Ryan, it has been a great day touring around Florida with you." Lyra said as her eyes started to close. She must be exhausted already.
"Don't worry about it, you deserve it. Now you better sleep well." I said as I hugged her back and kissed her forehead gently as I stroked her hair carefully.
"Alright, good night Ryan…" Lyra looked at me and surprisingly kissed my cheek. I started to feel the heat again in my cheeks and my heart beating fast.
"Good night.." I replied, as Lyra closed the door gently.
It has been a great day, but really an extraordinary one. That it ended up with me and Lyra being together. The fact that I love her really makes me happy. I continued thinking about it as I walk through the corridor towards the elevator hall. As I went there, I saw Cairo, staring at me with rage in his eyes.
"Did you make Lyri enjoy?" Cairo said as he clenched his fist and with a serious tone.
"Yes of course, is there a problem?" I asked.
"The problem…..is you…" Cairo said as he suddenly pushed me against a wall with force.
"Hey! What's wrong with you?! I haven't done anything to you!" I groaned. I can't counter it at this point. He pinned me really good on the wall, including my neck and strangling me, that it's suffocating me badly.
"First of all, I saw everything…what you did with her, she's supposed to be with me. Lyra's mine!" Cairo shouted, as he started punching my stomach repeatedly, with every blow, the pain grew more gradually.
"Lyra…." I couldn't speak clearly, every blow landed on me grew more with force that it made me weak, and crippled down to the floor. I couldn't move, my abdominal part was the reason I wouldn't move up normally to face him. But the fact that he loves Lyra is clearly the reason on my crippled self.
My vision starts to fade, as I look up to Cairo. With his evil smile across his face, I couldn't help it but lay down here on the floor at his mercy. I could only hear muffled noises, but I could see clearly on what's happening. Is that…Lyra?
"Cairo, you stay away from Ryan!" I heard clearly now, is she trying to save me?
"Lyri, about that it's not what you think!" Cairo panicked as he distanced himself from Lyra slowly.
"You have no right to lay your hands on him, Cairo." Lyra said as she punched him on the stomach and pinned his neck painfully. While Cairo was repeatedly pressing the button on the elevator, trying to escape from her beating. When the elevator opened, Lyra let go and pushed him towards the elevator.
"Don't ever try to show your face towards me, you selfish bastard." Lyra declared as the elevator doors shut tight.
She really is concerning me, well I could also defend myself off but, it was unexpected.
"Ryan! You alright?!" Lyra cried out as she kneeled on the floor beside me. Holding my hand, she's really worried, her tone seems that she's panicking right now. I strived myself, lifting my arm trying to touch her face. I could feel her tears flowing across my hand.
"I'm alright, just...not in a good shape for now, that's all." I replied as the pain starts to kick in, she helped me up while I try to balance myself for me to walk normally. My arm across her shoulders and hers across my waist. Trying to support me in my footsteps and walked towards her dorm room. She assisted me to a nearby couch in her living room.
"Here, I'll settle you down here." Lyra said as she slowly puts me down on the couch. She rushed in for the nearby drawer under the table and pulled out the blanket and a pillow.
"Lyra, what are you doing?" I asked, with Lyra facing me in a serious look. She pulled me gently to lie down on the couch. The pillow is puffed up and soft, and the blanket is all smooth and cold due to the room condition. It made me comfortable to be in. It made me relax even though the pain remained.
"Just rest alright." Lyra said in a more serious tone. I made her worry so much. I wanted to hug her, but I can't in my current state being in pain all throughout. Lyra made sure I was comfortable in my current state, and left me to rush over to the kitchen. I want to help her so badly right now. I just can't lift this cursed body of mine normally.
After a few minutes, Lyra got back from the kitchen, this time with a tray, on top of it is hot soup and drinking water. She settled it down on the table and assisted me up to sit normally and easily. She even stroked my hair and looked at me, looking worried as ever. It made me want to comfort her, saying that I'm alright. Due to this pain, it affected me gradually. She fed me some soup, constantly blowing it so I won't get some blisters while eating the soup. She put the bowl down by the table after
and hugged me.
"Ryan, are you ok?" Lyra asked as she whispers in my ear. She's hugging me and leans her head to mine, I could hear her crying again. Striving myself in hugging her back, I pulled her towards me, keeping the gap sealed.
"Yeah, don't worry, the pain will subside soon. Don't cry anymore." I stated as I comforted her. Lyra even stroked my head gently, she couldn't bear the sight of seeing me hurt, judging by being so concerned about me.
"Don't worry, I won't let Cairo take his advantage that easily." Lyra declared. Her body seems tense as ever. She needs some rest. She did a lot today along the tour, adding this situation of mine that it shouldn't concern by her. But she worries a lot, even right now.
"Lyra, you need to rest too." I said, as Lyra nods yes and then suddenly went into her room, and went back to the living room in her nightgown.
"I want to rest with you." Lyra admitted. I blushed, as I felt the heat across my face. Lyra grabbed another pillow to use and settles it beside mine. Lyra settled me down first then her next. We're both tucked in and for Lyra, she hugged me again and leans her head towards mine.
"Ryan, before everything that happened, my professor said that the start of the second semester of mine is next week instead due to some enrollment filing problems with the others, especially transferees. So we could rest at least." Lyra said. It was something to relieve me at least. I could spend some more time with her for a few days. Do something together.
"Oh! Really? That's great, you can have a few days off still." I stated as I smiled and looked at her. Lyra blushed and instead kissed my cheek instantly, a surprise peck from the college girl.
"I wanted to take good care of you too. It makes me worry you know." Lyra said as she started hugging me tightly. Concerns from her really made me surprised. She took care of me, feeding me and putting me to sleep.
"Oh...well I could really take good care of my-!" Lyra laid his finger on my lips that made me cut on what I am supposed to say.
"It makes me worry you know, say that fully and I'll hesitate you." Lyra stated. She's right, I may say that but also it will be sort of a lie due to my prideful self I guess. Lyra, just knowing her, she's a college girl who studies at a prestigious university. But after a few chats and other stuff, she's a lady who cares for others, especially the one she loves in her heart.
"I'm sorry Lyra...I just concern about your well-being in doing these sorts of stuff for me." I stated, as I moved a bit and gave her a hug, ignoring the pain I currently have at the moment. Lyra hugged me back and buried her face in my neck.
"Same goes for you, Ryan." Lyra stated. She hugged even more tighter, and I feel her hands shaking. Is she really worried? Being tense to my situation.
"Yeah I know. You should sleep now, don't worry this pain will subside soon enough, and you can just tease me tomorrow." I stated, as Lyra smiled at me and went even closer to snuggle in.
"Yeah, good night, Ryan..." Lyra said and kissed me gently after. Then closed her eyes after, slowly until she was fast asleep.
"Good night, Lyra." I said as I stroked her head as she was fast asleep. My fingers sinking into her smooth, dark brown hair, it was really beautiful. But seeing Lyra right now, my fan, who turned out to be an acquaintance and I gain trust to her, and now loving her, having feelings for her, even though we just met, she respects me still even though we're just getting to know each other.
I felt like we've met before though, maybe just through sight but we never talk much. Besides that, she's really something rare that I couldn't comprehend much. It feels like I'm in a different atmosphere rather than being with my fans, ones who are obsessed with me, ones who are on the verge of war over me, and one who respects me. That's what Lyra is, one of the people who respects me and accepts me for who I am.
Now I realize that she's the one who made my day very extraordinary. Even though it's just two days, I know that, we'll have a good time together. Don't worry, about everything. Sleep well, Lyra Eri.
