Chapter 9“Thanks for what you said back there. I should’ve known there’d be photos and I should’ve been more prepared…” Jasper starts, but Ryan lets go of his hand and turns to him with crossed arms now that they are in the privacy of their practice room again. Jasper rubs his hand, missing being held as Ryan takes one step away from Jasper. The space between them is cold and thick with tension as Jasper waits for Ryan to speak. The silence as Ryan stands before him, lost, is agonizing.
Finally, he speaks, but it’s almost worse. “Why were you there?” Ryan’s tone isn’t angry or betrayed. He sounds empty as he asks, like he’s exhausted his ability to feel anything anymore.
Jasper twists the ring on his finger, aching with guilt. “I understand why you’re upset, but I promise it was a comple
