After walking away from Carl, Ryan wandered around the house, only replying with a nod whenever someone tried to strike up a conversation with him and quickly slipping away. At last, he stepped outside the house into the fresh air.
The garden was filled with flowers, a paradise for butterflies, though he couldn't see any at the moment since it was getting dark. Still, he could imagine what it would look like in the bright afternoon sun.
No wonder Professor Ken had so many beautiful pinups of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. He was basically surrounded by them. Ryan felt a twinge of jealousy. He wanted a garden like this, but…
He shook his head, wandering further inside. He stopped in front of a spotted rose bush, reaching out to brush the petals.
"Would you like a pot?" A voice called out behind him.
Ryan turned around in shock. It was that familiar voice again.
"If you like them, I could give you a pot to take home." Carl continued.
Ryan laughed nervously. "I was just looking." He stepped back from the bush, placing his hands by his side.
Carl stepped forward and stopped a few meters away from him. "You don't have to be shy." He leaned closer. "You're my father's disciple. And I'm the one growing them, giving away one or two won't be a problem."
"That won't be necessary." Ryan stepped back. "I don't really like flowers. But thank you for the offer."
Carl nodded, his gaze skeptical. "Well, if you change your mind, my offer still stands. "
"Em, thank you," Ryan's gaze darted around. Something about Cal made him feel on edge. "I'll be going back inside. It's getting cold. Thanks again for the offer."
And before Carl could say another word, Ryan ran off.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Before long, the party ended, and guests started to leave. After hanging out in a corner for the duration of the evening, Alex walked up to Ryan with a big smile.
"Where have you been? Did you see the professor's son?"
Ryan stayed silent. He didn't want to talk about the strange man who was a little too nice for no reason.
"He's so handsome. Just my type." He turned to face Ryan. "Do you think I should make a move on him?"
"He's the son of one of our professors. If things go south, it won't be good for anyone," Ryan said simply. "Don't go looking for trouble."
"I know." Alex sighed. "It's just a thought. When are we leaving?"
"After I say goodbye."
"Let's hurry then, I planned to call my baby before I sleep," Alex said, leading him away.
Ryan paused. His baby? Since when had Alex gotten involved with someone new? Hopefully, this one turns out well. He couldn't stand another night of drunken tears.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Professor Ken was standing by a shelf, organizing some books.
"Em, professor, we would be on our way now."
"Ah, Ryan, Alex, thank you so much for coming."
"Professor Ken, it was my pleasure. Your house, the pool…. It's amazing. I want to live here."
Professor Ken laughed. "Well, you can come visit any time. My doors are always open, and it's usually really quiet around here."
"Ryan, do you have time later this week?"
Ryan shook his head, then nodded. Initially, he had planned to spend the weekend with Cole, but now that they had broken up, his weekend was free.
"Good," Professor Ken clapped his hands together. "A friend of mine at a university in the next town just got back from Australia. I was wondering if you would like to come with me to meet him. He wrote the Golden Orb Weaver superpower paper you took from my office."
Ryan's heart sped up, excitement creeping into his eyes. "I have nothing planned for the weekend, sir. Thank you for the opportunity."
Professor Ken smiled. "It's nothing. At least I'll have someone else to talk to on the way."
Beside them, Alex shook his head as he watched Ryan converse with the professor. It seemed like he had had too much hope. One night of fun wasn't enough to change Ryan.
"Carl," Alex called to the handsome man who had just stepped into the room.
Footsteps came in their direction, loud in the mostly empty room. Ryan and the professor turned their heads.
"Dad," Carl greeted, stopping in front of them. "I'm ready."
"Oh, right," the professor started. "It's hard to find a cab around here, especially since it's quite late already. But Carl has offered to drop you both off. I hope that's okay."
Ryan wanted to say no. The way Carl was looking at him, that small smile on his lips, unnerved him. "Professor, we don't want to be a bother."
"It's not just you two— Stella and Mary would be going too." The professor replied, cutting him off. "You don't have to feel burdened."
"Oh my God, thank you, professor, and Mr Carl," Alex giggled and linked his arm around Ryan, squeezing slightly. "Go along with it," he murmured under his breath.
Ryan could only nod. "Thank you, professor."
"Thank you both for coming all the way here. See you in school on Monday."
He walked out with Alex in silence, fixing his gaze on the floor.
The girls sat in the back with Alex, leaving only Ryan to take the front seat. Ryan stood by the door, hand on the handle, but not turning it.
The window was wound down. "You're not coming in?" Carl prompted, looking out.
Ryan hurriedly entered the car and fastened the seat belt, fixing his gaze on the view outside as they started to move.
He didn't know who started talking first, but soon the car was filled with laughter and conversation. Alex, Mary, and Stella were clearly charmed by Carl, and he had them blushing.
Not long after the women got off, Ryan finally spoke.
"How about we get down here?" he pointed to the bus stop just ahead.
"That won't be good," Carl said with a small smile. "I promised my dad I'll get you guys home. You don't want him to be angry with me, do you? I can't abandon his favorite student by the side of the road."
Ryan couldn't think of a counter and turned back to the window.
The awkward air didn't last long before the conversation picked up between Carl and Alex again. Alex tried to include Ryan every few minutes, but he only gave short answers each time, till Alex eventually gave up.
The car finally pulled up to a stop in front of their apartment
Alex got down first. "Thank you for the ride. This was lovely."
"Anytime," Carl waved.
"Thanks," Ryan breathed out softly, opening the door.
A hand reached out and held his arm, causing him to pause.
The car windows went down, and Carl leaned over. "Do you mind if I borrow your friend for a few minutes?"
Alex looked between Ryan and Carl, questions in his eyes, before smirking.
"Of course not. Keep him as long as you like," he said, and skidded away without looking back even once.
Ryan watched him leave, speechless. How could Alex just leave him alone with a stranger?