#cinnamonriko

161. “Tell me a lie.” - “I love you.”

- - -

How Laurent ended up here, curled up against a wall in a deserted hallway and bawling his eyes out, is quite a long story that he has no wish to recall. But despite his best efforts, despite his attempts to drive his mind elsewhere, it inevitably lands back to that damned evening, only from yesterday. Ever since, the waterworks haven’t stopped flowing, and his heart was hammering against his chest as if threatening to burst and to leave him dead.

That would be nice. Dead means you don’t feel anything. I could use not feeling anymore. Or maybe I’m just dramatic.

There was truth in these final words, but he couldn’t help it, especially with what had happened which sounded like the end of the world to him. He bit on his bottom lip, which such a strength that he was surprised he didn’t draw any blood. Another sob heaved from his chest, and he buried his face into his hands, shoulders shaking and legs trembling. If he were to stand up, to try and pretend all was alright, he would collapse immediately.

So the only thing that was left for him to do, was to remember. And to regret.

* * *

Things have been going rather smoothly. They have been going amazing, in fact. Good grades at classes, friendships as strong as one could ever imagine… and a flirt. A flirt what left him blushing and breathless, that decorated his dreams with the most beautiful sights and led to him waking up with a squeal on the verge of his lips. Barnaby Lee, the name would keep inhabiting his mind, and that wasn’t a complain at all.

Smiles, winks, hands brushing against each other, compliments… it was a flirt, alright, he was certain of it. The things he would see in his gaze, it wasn’t anything linked to friendship, and Laurent had hoped his own eyes reflected the same feeling.

Because he loved Barnaby, but now all of his efforts to be with him were naught, for he had to break everything that they had between each other. All of this, because of horrible news that had befell his friend. A letter was all it took, one written by his grandmother and filled with what could be called threats. The Lee family rests their hopes on you, and you cannot disappoint them. If you do, the consequences will be great, and not only to them. To you as well.

These words coupled with others even more terrible had left Barnaby devastated, and while Laurent had managed to calm him down, a horrible realization came to him: never in this life would he be allowed to love Barnaby. Not with this situation, ever. If Laurent and Barnaby were to date, it was obvious that the Lees would find out somehow, and that things wouldn’t end well for the both of them.

Or well, for Barnaby. Laurent couldn’t care less about how it could affect him. His only concern was Barnaby, who deserved a life without worries. Laurent was only but another worry waiting to happen, and his goal became another one. From wanting to date Barnaby, he took the decision to, instead, protect him.

And thus, that damn evening came. Tulip Karasu, Penny Haywood, Ben Copper, Andre Egwu, Laurent King and… Barnaby Lee. The Artifact Room. Past curfew. A game of ‘truth or lie’. A lot of things have been discovered (for instance, Ben Copper owns a teddy bear) and soon enough things were over, everyone heading back to their Common Room while making sure to not be noticed by Filch or, worse, Mrs.Norris and her alarming meows that echoes through the whole school. Barnaby and Laurent had been alone, walking, and had decided to keep the game going.

And then. “We keep saying truths to each other.” Barnaby giggled, a blush on his cheeks. That seemed to always be present when Laurent was around. “How about we tell each other lies, for once?”

Before Laurent could speak, Barnaby was now looking at him and linking their fingers together. “Here’s my lie: I hate you. A lot. And I never want to spend any more second with you.” That’s a confession, alright, Laurent thought.

And while his whole being was screaming, bellowing at him to accept his love, the logical part of his brain took over. I need to protect him. Protect him from his family. They would kill him if Barnaby… if Barnaby dated me. I can’t let it happen. I’m so sorry, Barnaby. You don’t have to forgive me.

“Tell me a lie, now.”

hi yelllllll

20. whats on your mind?

uhhhhh. prob everything i need to do today. i gotta clean and take my final. its not a lot but im good at wasting time lmao

50. how late did you stay up last night?

and they were roommates

     I READ YESTERDAY THAT YANKING IT OUT IS BAD BECAUSE THE ARROWHEAD COULD GET STUCK AND YOU’LL POTENTIALLY HAVE TO DO MORE DAMAGE GETTING IT OUT.

Indeed he is. What a hot...