Chapter Six

Watching other people perform always amazed me. I was always a huge fan of music - hence why I became a singer - and I loved how each song could be interpreted in different ways. Artists told stories, and each and every one of us had our own story to tell.

I hadn't spoken to Jason since the argument, having been three days since. I didn't leave my room at all during the first day, apart from to get food and use the bathroom. The second day I had spent with Hilton, him taking me shopping to make up for cancelling on me the other day. I swore it was fine, but he convinced me into letting him do something nice for me. The third day was a studio day, and I had spent all day working on my fifth and final song for my first EP. So I could blame the fact that I hadn't spoken to him on how busy I had been, but I knew that wasn't the only reason.

The main reason was because Jase and I had never argued like that before, so I had no idea how to fix things. Also because I was still slightly mad at him, but I was more angry at myself. He was only trying to look after me, and I reacted completely inappropriately. I might not have asked him to care, but he cared anyway and I was so grateful for that.

Watching people perform always amazed me. But it warmed my heart when it was someone I knew and cared about. And I really cared about Ryan.

I admired his voice as he sung, the lyrics flowing freely from his mouth as he swayed slightly with his eyes closed. It wasn't hard to tell that he felt at home on stage. I felt exactly the same. Music was our favourite thing in the world, and it felt nice to have a shared interest we were both as passionate about as each other.

He glanced to the side, sending me a warm smile before the chorus began.

I made a promise to myself in that moment that I would never let anyone hurt Ryan Banks. I would protect him as best as I could until the day I died.

"Thank you for everything guys. This arena holds a special place in my heart, and I love being able to come back here and sing for you all. Now, one more thing before I go. I don't know if any of you have heard of him, but there is a guy who is really special to me who has an EP coming out soon. So make sure to pre order the Broken Hearts Club EP by Adrian Fuller. He is an amazing singer and deserves all your love."

It took me by surprise, but I couldn't deny the fluttery feeling I got from something so simple as a bit of advertisement. It wasn't the situation itself, although I was truly grateful for his support. It was the fact that Ryan believed in me so much that he wanted me to succeed. He knew my EP would be great, and he wanted me to get the recognition I deserved. Not even Jack had done something like that for me before.

As soon as he walked off stage, I pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you Ryan. It means a lot."

"No need to thank me, kid. I want to see you do well."

I smiled at him, pulling away after hugging him for just slightly too long to be considered normal for two friends. I couldn't help but want to be in his arms all the time. He felt like home.

"So, you wanna go get some lunch?" He asked, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as if he was nervous.

"Sure." I nodded, making him smile.

~~~

We decided to go get some maccies since it was the closest thing and we were both starving. We took a seat at the back of the room, our food in hand. We were sat across from each other so we could make proper conversation, as well as having a good view of the rest of the restaurant.

"So, I kinda have an ulterior motive for bringing you here." He started, tossing a chip into his mouth.

"Yeah? What's that exactly?"

He bit his lip, nervously looking around.

"I wanted to ask you something."

"I'm all ears." I told him, taking a sip of my milkshake.

"Okay, so I know we haven't known each other long and I might be coming across a little strong, but.."

"What the fuck?!" I whispered, eyes glued to a table on the other side of the room.

He raised an eyebrow and I just nodded towards the couple who I couldn't take my eyes off of. He turned his head, his eyes widening as he took in what was happening.

It was Jason, but he wasn't alone. Brody was with him, and they were holding hands across the table.

"That son of a bitch. He told me he was straight!" I hissed, glaring at the pair who seemed to be deep in conversation.

"Don't jump to conclusions." Ryan spoke. "Anyway, who cares if he's into guys. Does it matter?"

I sighed, "Of course not. I'm just surprised. Why didn't he tell me?"

"Look, I know this is a big thing, but I really do need to ask you something."

"Wait, they're leaving!" I whisper shouted, ducking down slightly as the two boys walked out hand in hand.

"Adrian! Please.."

"I gotta follow them." I muttered, grabbing my jacket.

"So you're leaving just like that?" He exclaimed, an irritated look on his face.

"I'm sorry Ryan. This is my best friend. I need to know what's going on."

He looked down, letting out a deep sigh before waving me off. I turned around, jogging out of the building and slowly making my way towards them as they stopped walking, turning to face each other. They spoke quietly before hugging, Jason pressing a light kiss oto the top of his head. As Jase pulled away and began walking home, Brody stared after him with sadness in his eyes.

I waited until Brody had walked away before following Jason. I needed to know what the fuck I had just witnessed.