Chapter 14- Maybe We Can Try

Felix's Point of View:

I lost sight of Ryan more quickly than I thought, and at this point I was just hoping to run into him coincidentally or something by sheer luck. But today was not one of those days.

It was nearly nightfall by the time I finally found him on a playground, swinging a little absentmindedly. Wouldn't be the first place I'd go, but Ryan is a mystery after all. Watching, I noticed a certain white mask lifted toward the sky, Ryan staring at it.

My heart did a somersault, realizing that the masked boy was de-masked right at this moment, something he never did around other people. It was hard to make out his face, so I went to move closer, being as quiet as I could.

But, again, luck wasn't on my side today. As soon as I got almost close enough to make out his face, I stepped on a twig with a loud crack. I hoped Ryan didn't hear it, but he did and he quickly put back on the mask, turning to look at me.

Now that I finally found him, I realized I had no idea what to say. Do I apologize first, or say hello, or make some kind of joke? Do I sit next to him and not say anything?

Ryan chose for me as he patted the swing next to him, and I was grateful he decided not to bolt from sight. I took the swing next to him, swaying a bit as I moved my legs but kept my feet firmly planted on the ground.

It was quiet again, the masked boy looking down at the ground, not saying anything. I wasn't sure what I should say, but I had to at least apologize for cornering him like that.

"Hey, I-"

"I'm sorry." Ryan interrupted, saying it just loud enough for me to hear. "For insulting you like that.. I'm sorry."

"N-no, Ryan, it's my fault for being so pushy." I said, surprised that he actually apologized to me. He never apologizes for his insults.

Ryan looked at me for a moment before facing the sky, voice quiet as he admitted, "I-I once had a friend, a long time ago." I heard him take a deep, calming breathe before adding, "But- they're gone now. There's no helping that."

Lifting his mask just above his mouth, Ryan gave a tiny unsure smile, asking, "If it's alright, I think- maybe, we could try to be friends?"

I couldn't help smiling, feeling a sense of triumph and glee, "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."

When the masked boy looked back up at the sky, I looked up at it to. It was dark now, the night sky filled with twinkling stars, the full moon shining its light on the quiet Earth.

A newfound friendship is born.

"Hey lil Bro, where've you been?" Fanny, my elder sister, asked when I walked in the door.

"Just hanging out with a friend."

My sister grinned at my answer, poking my side as she said slyly, "A friend, huh? So what, did my little brother finally get himself a girlfriend?"

I rolled my eyes, "No, I was hanging out with a guy friend."

"Oh, so a boyfriend then?" She asked, an eyebrow raised, "I don't mind, but you're gonna have to be the one who explains to mom why she has two gay kids now."

My elder sister has been dating a girl from Norway for the past two years, and the move didn't affect their relationship since she was just on break from college. They shared an apartment together, and her girlfriend is actually pretty cool.

Being nearly broke, it didn't affect my sister's ride into college since she got in on a full scholarship. Fanny also has been working a part-time job at a nice Norwegian cafe, so she has been saving up.

Mom and dad didn't exactly understand their daughter's preference for women over men, but they supported her decision on her love life.

"No, we're just friends. I don't think he even swings that way."

"Well, you never know." She shrugged, heading down the hall to the guest bedroom that serves as her bedroom when visiting. I shook my head at her as I went to my own room, flopping on my bed with a laugh.

I finally am sorta-friends with Ryan, and I felt very happy about this. I wanted to shout to the world that I made friends with the masked boy, a feat only one other has achieved.

I never knew he had a friend before, though now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense. I wondered what kind of person they were to have gotten on Ryan's good side. He clearly cares about them, whoever they are.

"But- they're gone now. There's no helping that."

Did he mean they passed away, or that they moved away? Maybe they had a falling out or something and that person didn't die. I want to know what happened, but I don't think Ryan will be willing to say anything more about it.

I shook my head. It obviously took a great deal of resolve for Ryan to finally accept trying to be friends with me. I don't want to ruin that by bringing up bad topics for him.

After working so hard for this, I want to make sure I don't ruin this for him.

/AN: So, Felix and Ryan have agreed to attempt at being friends. Wonder if they can maintain it. Hope you enjoyed./