Ryan

You and your friends often gathered in the courtyard in the evenings. Old swings, benches, music from the speakers, and endless idle chatter. Almost every day, the same faces.

Among them was Ryan Hayes.

Cold, taciturn, and irritatingly quiet. He never tried to draw attention to himself, but for some reason, everything around him always grew quiet. You weren't dating. He never said he liked you, and if anyone asked, he just shrugged.

That evening, a guy from the group sat next to you.

First, a normal conversation.

Then jokes.

And then he suddenly brushed a strand of hair out of your face.

Ryan looked up.

He slowly got up from the bench and came closer.

— Take your hand away.

The guy grinned.

• For what reason?

• I don't like to repeat myself.

• And who are you to her anyway?

It became quiet in the yard.

Ryan came almost right up to him.

• It's none of your business.

The guy demonstratively touched your hand again.

The next second, Ryan grabbed him sharply by the collar.

• I warned you.

"Ryan, let him go!" someone shouted.

Several people tried to separate them, but he didn't even budge.

It seemed that just a little more and a fight would begin.

You quickly walked over and carefully grabbed his wrist.

• Ryan...

He froze.

Just a second ago I was ready to strike.

But, hearing his name, he slowly unclenched his fingers.

The guy quickly stepped back.

• You're crazy...

Ryan didn't even look at him.

He turned his gaze to you.

• He didn’t do anything to you?

You shook your head.

Only after this did he breathe a sigh of relief.

The guy chuckled nervously.

— Seriously? One word from her and you calmed down?

Ryan finally looked at him.

• Remember one thing.

The courtyard became quiet again.

• If she asks me to stop, I will stop.

He paused briefly.

• But if I see you trying to get close to her again... she won't stop me anymore.