Chapter Text
"RYAN!"
Ryan watched as Tyler scrambled at the edge of the bridge, hands outstretched, a look of horror in his face. Ryan, though knowing it's futile, instinctively reached his arm to grab Tyler's as he plummetted down. He felt fear flowed through his being as he hit the water, effectively knocking the air out of his lungs. He willed himself to move, maybe swim upwards to inhale air but he felt water filling his lungs. He gave up, then, embracing his doom. For a few moments, he listened to the the faint sounds of police sirens and the voice of Tyler, sounding panicked. He wished he can say his goodbye to him. He wished he didn't get involved to this mess Ryan made. He felt regret washed over him as he sinked slowly and steadily.
He wished everything didn't turn out this way.
But then, he smelled something burning and his eyes forced open. He stared at the wall, stunned, before he gets up slowly and looked around. He found himself in his room. The same messy room littered with cans and papers. His stare lingered on his pillows on the floor before he flops back down on his bed.
'What?', He thought, frowning. 'A dream?'
He stared at the ceiling for a bit, organizing his thoughts before smelling something burning again. He isn't sure what to do but then, he remembered an incident that send him getting up and out of the room, huffing. He figured Tyler was trying to cook something again. Probably trying his best to prove his big brother he's growing up. But it was long ago proven he has no use in the kitchen.
He walked past the living room, still untidy with snacks littered from last night and playstations still out, and walking in the kitchen, preparing to kick Tyler out before he stopped mid-step.
"Who are you?" He asked, alarmed. He didn't see Tyler but instead a man stood at the counter, brown haired, wearing a plain blue T-shirt and pajamas and apparently, frying eggs.
The man stilled, turned around and grinned at Ryan. His eyes a sharp contrast of blue and green and instantly, Ryan felt vulnerable.
"How did you get in?" Ryan glared at the man. "Where's Tyler?" He continued, hands tightening as a thought occured to him. "What did you do to him?"
The man just chuckled and turned back to his eggs. "No need to be tense. Come forward. Are you hungry? Want some breakfast?" The man asked, all while closing the stove, setting the eggs on a plate, and placing the plate on the kitchen table. He gestured at the seat nearest to Ryan.
"Sit down."
Ryan unknowingly sat down on the chair, staring at the eggs placed next to the fried rice and the plate in front of him with a glass of milk on the side. He felt like a child. He glanced up to the man.
"What's wrong?" The man grinned at him. "Eat."
Ryan tentatively picked up the spoon and fork and filled up his plate. He ate slowly, tasting the nonexistent taste of the meal.
"So? How was your experience of death?"
Ryan nearly choked. He stared wide-eyed at the man.
The man laughed sarcastically. "What? You thought that was a dream?" The man smirked. "Fortunately, it was not."
"Then, I-" Ryan faltered, not knowing what to say. "But I'm- how-?"
"Well.. you remember your death," The man interrupted Ryan, sitting down at the opposite seat. "but do you still remember your life?"
Ryan stared at the man then nodded his head. He remembered. Yes, he does. In fact, Ryan thought he wouldn't be able to forget.
"Good." The man muttered, grinning at Ryan before leaning in. "I wouldn't want you to forget all that." he said, voice low.
Ryan felt dread. He's got the feeling this man knows everything about Ryan's life. Ryan felt as if everything about this man in front of him wasn't right.
"Just.. who are you?" Ryan asked quietly, looking straight at the man's eyes.
The man looked back at his, his eyes flickering between green and blue before leaning back and grinning at him.
"Bryce." He cheerfully said.
"And I'm giving you back your fucked life."