unlucky

Chapter 4

David had been trying to forget about his feelings for Ryan. He had tried to focus on his studies and obligations, and to surround himself with other people to distract himself. But no matter what he did, he couldn't seem to shake the thoughts of Ryan from his mind.

One day, David received an invitation to Ryan's house party that he was taking about. He debated for a while whether or not to go, but ultimately decided that he needed to face his feelings head-on. He walked into the party with a sense of nervousness and anticipation, hoping that seeing Ryan with his friends would make him see him in a different light.

At first, the party seemed like any other party, with people mingling and chatting over drinks and snacks. David walked over to a group of guys he knew and struck up a conversation. But then he saw Ryan across the room, snuggled up with his girlfriend, kissing her deeply. David felt a pang in his chest, a sharp reminder of the feelings he had tried so hard to push away.

He moved away from the group and tried to look elsewhere, but he kept catching glimpses of Ryan and his girlfriend. Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him.

"Hey, David! So glad you could make it!"

David turned around to see Ryan's smiling face. "Yeah, thanks for inviting me," he said with a forced smile.

"Have you met my girlfriend, Lauren?" Ryan gestured to the pretty girl by his side.

David plastered on another smile and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Ryan leaned in close, his breath warm on David's ear. "I'm really glad you could come," he whispered. The words sent shivers down David's spine, and for a moment, he felt like he was back in the same old cycle of hope and disappointment.

But then Ryan pulled away and turned back to his girlfriend. "Sorry, we were just talking," he said apologetically.

David busied himself with a drink and tried to avoid Ryan's gaze. But as the night wore on, it became harder and harder to ignore him. He felt jealous every time he saw Ryan holding his girlfriend close or kissing her passionately.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice. "Hey, David. What are you doing here?"

It was Sarah, a mutual friend of his and Ryan's. David felt a sense of relief to see her, like he had found an ally in this confusing situation.

"Oh, just hanging out," he said, trying to keep his tone light.

"Yeah, me too," Sarah said with a grin. "Although to be honest, I'm only here for the free drinks."

David laughed, grateful for the distraction. They chatted for a while longer, but eventually, Sarah excused herself to go to the bathroom. David was left standing there alone once again, watching Ryan and his girlfriend from across the room.

Just then, Ryan caught his eye and gestured for him to come over. David hesitated for a moment, but then decided that he wanted to face his feelings head-on.

He walked over to Ryan and his girlfriend, feeling nervous and uncertain. Ryan gave him a warm smile. "Hey, David. We were just talking about you."

David raised an eyebrow. "Really? What about?"

Ryan gestured to his girlfriend. "Lauren was just telling me how much she likes you. Says you're a great guy."

David felt a jolt of surprise and confusion. Was Ryan trying to set him up with his girlfriend? Was this some kind of twisted joke? He looked at Lauren, who smiled warmly at him.

"I think you're really cute," she said, her eyes sparkling.

David felt his face heat up with embarrassment. "Um, thanks," he mumbled.

Ryan leaned in close, his eyes glinting. "Maybe we could all hang out sometime," he said suggestively.

David felt a sudden surge of anger. Was Ryan playing games with him? Did he know how much David still cared for him?

"No, thanks," he said curtly, turning away.

As he made his way back to his car, he saw Ryan standing alone on the porch. For a moment, David wanted to go up to him and tell him how he felt. But he knew that it was too late for that, and that he needed to let go.

David got into his car and drove away from the party, trying his best to push the hurt and pain out of his mind. He knew that forgetting his feelings for Ryan wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that it was the only way that he could move forward with his life.

Maybe I shouldn't come in the first place. Tsk.