Great. Another slap in the face.

You sit there in stunned silence. You hadn't said anything, yet—somehow, the conversation veered into territory that struck a chord within you. With a confused expression, you dart your eyes between your mom—and your struggling-WWE-with-a-dog—dad, trying to process all of their words. But not until John blurts out,

"Well, Tyler—"

Only to get a strong jab from your mom, inclining him to shut up. Groaning in pain, your dad slaps your mom's arm before Tumba continues pestering him. You run a hand through your hair in sudden awkwardness—as if it's not already awkward enough.

Shaking her head in disbelief, your mom tries to recover the vibe and laughs, "You know what I said to your dad?" The passive-aggressive question successfully piques your curiosity because now you hesitantly incline your head to her.. to have her say, "If being without you is impossible.. I'd rather be with you and be vulnerable."

With your jaw dropped to the ground, you shake your head in amazement—clapping your hands while applauding, "Ok damn, mom. It rhymes. Could be a song lyric by now."

Tumba starts jumping around after releasing himself from your dad's grip, wanting to interrupt this moment—probably sensing this circle has much more value. But your mom pets him to keep him at bay. "Sometimes the easiest choice that lies in plain sight is the hardest," she said softly while leaning forward once more. She reaches out and places her hand over yours as she whispers, "You know, baby? What's easy is right."

What's easy.. what's easy.. easy—

"You're confused whether you like someone or not, because.. sometimes, loving someone is a choice. You choose who you love even though—maybe.. right now.."

Her gaze unwavering, voice gentle but firm. You blink, feeling the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together. Sweat starts drenching the palms of your hands—your fingers start to get really cold. In the back of your mind, you really don't want her to continue. Because maybe.. maybe.. you already know the answer. Because maybe..

"Your heart belongs to someone else."

And her words hit you like a ton of bricks. A sense of clarity washes over you like a sudden rush of wind. Because maybe.. all this time.. this is all you need. This sense of validation.

"And always remember that a choice can always be altered. Remember that."

And that's it.

You feel as though you've been wandering in a foggy maze, but now—finally, you've found a way out. You're on the edge of the cliff. And all you need is to take the leap of faith.

No more.

No more ignoring the feelings.

Rising from your seat with a sense of urgency, you whisper, "Guys—I think I need to go—"

Mr. Winters stops mid-tickling Tumba, shouting in hastiness, "What—where—?!"

"I'll let you know later—!"

Your dad's puzzled expression register in your peripheral vision as he almost stands to catch you—when he feels an assuring hand on his arm. John turns his head back, to find Janet smiling in assurance, squeezing his hand, asking him to trust her. To trust.. you.

And with that, he gives a repeated nod and shrugs, continuing his play with Tumba.

With a sense of purpose driving you forward, you hastily grab your phone. Fingers trembling slightly with anticipation, you unlock the screen.. and write a simple text to the person who has occupied your thoughts for so long.

'We need to talk.'

BHUG!

As Tyler is thrown to the wall, he remains silent, absorbing the brunt of Dom's anger without resistance. A bruise throbbing on his cheek.

BHUG!

"What is wrong with you?!"

Dom's voice booms. He seethes with rage, pulling his bestfriend's shirt by the hand.. before throwing him back to the wall! The sound of Tyler's body meeting the concrete wall roars in a loud echo, filling the tense silence that follows. Tyler winces, but despite the pain, for the hundredth time, he still gathers his strength, muttering an "I'm sorry—"

"FUCK. YOU!"

He's on the edge of punching him—retracting his hand until it's beside his face—poised in the air, ready to strike!

However.. it stays there, trembling. Dominic cringes—a look of disdain crosses his face. Tyler's the one he threw to the wall back and back again—but why is he the one hurting more? He recoils, his breaths coming in sharp, ragged gasps. Leaving Tyler with a look of guilt etched across his face, Dom retreats.

Yeah—maybe.. think again before you take action on something? Before.. you.. hurt someone? Before you hurt your bestfriend?

But that's the thing. He's human. Humans do get the tendency to do that, am I right, ladies and gentlemen?

People make. mistakes.

Oh—and people who haven't experienced this aren't allowed to judge~ You're human too. You'll know what to do? Oh you'll see. Just haven't gotten to the point of that dilemma in your lives yet. Stay safe, besties.

With raging fire coursing through his veins, Dominic exhales sharply, attempting to quell the storm within him. His chest rises and falls with each labored breath, anger simmering beneath the surface as he glares at Tyler—who's been looking at him with a sad gaze. Unable to bear the sight of his friend's face for another second, Hunt purses his lips then strides away—putting as much distance between them as possible. Standing in the middle of the space, he rests his trembling hands on his hips and bows his head—before inclining them.

However.. as he stares at the skies, a cloud of sadness now overshadows his anger..

It's like leaving cheese—with a rat to eat them. Hollow with jagged edges that cut deep.

Tyler's legs almost give out, but he steadies himself and presses his back against the wall. "I'm sorry I hurt you—"

"What. the fuck?! You can still talk?!"

Wailing a cry, Dominic whirls around to face Tyler. With a wince, he presses trembling hands to his temples before striding swiftly toward Tyler. Pointing accusingly, Dominic demands, "So how do you feel now? You happy now?" a bitter smile twists his lips as he continues, "Are you satisfied. that you finally get what you wanted—"

"It's not what I wanted. You know how I—" Tyler's words falter, cringing at his own admission. The truth eludes him, what he wanted to say was actually foreign to him either. Frustration washes over him as he lowers his head, and he closes his eyes in defeat. Frustrated how he couldn't handle himself. Frustrated how all of this could even happen.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Dominic scoffs. Even after everything, Cavill still has the guts to cling to his lies. 'Fucking coward,' he mutters under his bated breath, but his words still audible enough for Tyler to snap his head toward him, still eager to explain himself.

"You really gotta know—it really wasn't my intention, Hunt. The date went—" but hesitation halts him mid-sentence as he struggles to find the right words from his mouth—knowing there won't be any right words coming out from his mouth at this moment— "normal. And then we got home, but then a conversation happened—and it messed up my head pretty bad—and then she climbed like—just—the usual—"

"Phew! What a story, eh?!"

As if the story's made from the deep depths of hell, Dominic exhales another sharp breath as he shouts, cutting Tyler from the tale.

"It was just supposed to be a game night but—" he gulps, his eyes closing momentarily as he recalls the memory—before finishing with a cliche, "but it's not her fault. It's mine."

Scoffing, Dominic stares at Tyler's resigned straight face. His expression twisted into a sinister lopsided grin before it broke into a fit of screams.

"So what the fuck do you want now, huh?! After telling me all this—are you asking for my blessing—?!"

"What—no!"

"The fuck do you want?!"

His words laced with pain. Thrown back by the force of Dominic's outburst, Tyler jumps in his stance. He tries to speak, voice barely audible over Dominic's rage, "I just—I—" he groans in frustration before taking a deep breath, gathering himself to speak again—before with a resigned gaze, he apologizes, "I'm saying sorry. I know you won't forgive me either—"

"What. the fuck. do you want."

This time, his voice laced with boiling anger. His glare burns through Tyler's betrayal.

But a minute has passed, and Tyler still hasn't said a word. A look of dilemma paints his face as he reluctantly darts his eyes right and left.

Dominic takes a step closer, his voice low and dangerous as he seethes through his teeth, "Listen, asshole," tone laced with menace, "the fact that you still don't know what you want after all of this is so fucking—"

Throwing his head back out of frustration, Dom holds his head before finally bringing his glare back to Tyler. Fear and regret flicker in Tyler's eyes as he complies defeatedly—but Dominic grabs Tyler's shirt collar, grip tight and threatening.

"Stay away from Em. You hear me? If you ever try to pull something like this again, I swear to God, I'll—" Dom's voice trails off, his voice trembling with emotion as his fist clenches firmer on Tyler's neck.

"Stay away from my girlfriend."

Dom declares, his voice unwavering—each word a sharp jab at Tyler's conscience. The weight of his threat hangs heavy in the air, suffocating Tyler with guilt and shame. As Dom finally releases his grip, throwing him against the wall one last time, Tyler can only watch helplessly. Dom turns to leave, his footsteps echoing loudly in the tense silence of the room. But then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he pauses.

"Oh, and."

Slightly tilting his head to the left, Dominic pauses for a moment.. Before he shifts his gaze to the front.. as a finality rolls over his tongue, leaving Tyler stunned in his stance.

"We're not bros anymore."

With those cutting words, Dom turns on his heel and walks away, leaving Tyler alone with his thoughts as all his world is crumbling down echoes in his ears.

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites

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The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

https://youtu.be/EoVQ_TQFJy0