THE OBSESSION PARADOX || BOYXBOY DARK ROMANCE

3. Alex

Four days. That's how long it's been since...since Saturday. I've been hiding in my room, only emerging for breakfast and my boxing lessons with Ryan. He's been quiet, too quiet. No sarcastic comments, no teasing, no nothing. It's like he's given up on me.

And the worst part? He won't even look at me. I catch him staring at the floor, the walls, anywhere but at me. It's like I'm invisible. Like I don't exist.

I try to focus on my boxing, but my mind keeps wandering back to that night. The way he said those words, the way he looked at me...it's etched into my brain like a scar.

I'm starting to feel like I'm losing myself, like I'm disappearing into this darkness. And Ryan's silence is suffocating me. I need him to talk to me, to yell at me, to do something. Anything.

But the silence stretches on, a heavy blanket that's crushing me. And I'm trapped, unable to escape.

The silence is deafening. Ryan's finally giving me the space I've been demanding, but it's not as sweet as I thought it'd be. Instead, it feels like a cold shoulder, a punishment for standing up to him.

I should be reveling in this newfound freedom, but it's hard to enjoy when it feels like a slap in the face. I'm not some fragile little thing that needs to be handled with care. I can take care of myself.

But still, the quiet is starting to get to me. I'm used to Ryan's constant jabs and teasing, and without it, everything feels off. It's like a boxing match without an opponent - pointless.

Fine. I'll play along. I'll show him I don't need his attention to thrive. But deep down, I know I'm just pretending. And that's what really ticks me off.

I approached my dad, dressed in my faded jeans and white sweater, and made a request. "Dad, I'm going to Charlotte's birthday party and I don't want Ryan coming with me. I'm old enough to handle myself in a social situation without him breathing down my neck. I need some space to grow and learn to rely on myself, not just him. I'm not weak."

My dad looked up from his book, a hint of surprise on his face. "Weak? What are you talking about, Alex? Ryan's just trying to help you."

I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his gaze. "I know, Dad. But...he's just so overbearing. And my friends will think I need a babysitter or something. Can't I just go to one thing without him?"

My dad sighed, setting his book aside. "Alex, Ryan's only trying to protect you. I don't know if it's a good idea to go without him."

I felt a surge of frustration. "Nothing's going to happen, Dad! It's just a birthday party. And I'll be fine. Please, can't I just have this one thing?"

My dad hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, fine. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. And you'll check in with me as soon as you get there."

I let out a triumphant breath. "I will, Dad. Thanks!" I turned to leave, but my dad's voice stopped me.

"Alex?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile played on my lips. "I will, Dad."

I walked into the party, scanning the room for Charlotte. She was laughing with a group of friends, looking radiant in a yellow sundress. I made my way over, feeling a sense of relief that Ryan wasn't hovering over me.

"Hey, happy birthday!" I said, handing her a gift.

Charlotte smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks, Alex! You look great."

I shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious. "Thanks. I tried to dress up for once."

We chatted for a bit, and I found myself relaxing in her presence. She was easy to talk to, and I liked the way she listened with genuine interest.

But as the party went on, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ryan was watching me from afar. I glanced around, but he was nowhere to be seen. Still, the sensation lingered.

"Hey, want to grab some cake with me?" Charlotte asked, breaking into my thoughts.

I nodded, following her to the dessert table. As we waited in line, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey, Alex."

I turned, it was Mia, Charlotte's friend. "Hey, Mia. What's up?"

"Not much. Just wondering why you're here alone. Where's Ryan?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "He's not my shadow, you know. I can go places without him."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? That's new."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but Charlotte intervened before I could respond.

"Hey, Mia, let's get cake! Alex, you want chocolate or vanilla?"

I smiled gratefully at Charlotte. "Chocolate, please."