Ayanna had run upstairs to change while I made my way to the living room. Dominic craned his neck upon hearing my footsteps. "Where's Yaya?"

I slapped the back of his neck, causing him to wince and glare as I hopped over the couch, making myself comfortable in the empty seat next to him.

"She's getting dressed," I report as Kyler enters the living room. Jora was nowhere in sight as he plopped onto the opposite side of the sectional.

Kyler ran a frustrated hand down his face as he threw his head back, staring at the ceiling.

Skylar perked up out of King's hold, squinting her eyes at her twin.

" You're such a fucking asshole, Kyler."

Kyler snapped his head up, eyes blazing as he stared at his sister. Skylar was equally upset, if not more. "What the fuck did I do?" He yelped, adjusting his position from slouching to sitting up.

Skylar scoffed as she pushed away from King completely. Scooting forward, she clapped her hands together as she studied her brother.

"What did you do wrong ?" She repeated, her tone slightly taunting.

She turned towards Elizabeth, Sade, and Rhegan, who just so happened to be the only three girls besides Sky in the room. Rhegan and Elizabeth shook their heads in disappointment at Kyler.

"If you have to ask then you don't deserve her at all," Sade mumbled coldly.

"Everything!" Skylar shot up, reaching her breaking point. "You've done everything wrong with her. You treat her like she's a disposable object that will come running at your beck and call. She's not one of these doe-eyed girls on campus that chase after you, Ky. I don't like seeing you treat my best friend like this."

''And if you think that I'll sit idly by and let it happen then you are severely fucking mistaken.''

The guys and I exchanged glances as Skylar chewed him out. We came to a silent agreement amongst ourselves to speak to him about it as a group.

It was getting clear now that we couldn't just sit back and let this play out on its own.

Kyler seemed genuinely happy when his sole attention was on Jora. I didn't know why he acted like this. I didn't know what made him treat her like she was disposable.

Kyler wasn't a bad guy. It just seemed like he didn't know what he wanted at the moment and was stringing Jora along. I don't think that it was his intention; I think that he that he was just lost at the moment.

Maybe he wasn't ready to commit to one person.

But what he surely couldn't do was have his cake and eat it too.

"You are so fucking selfish." I tuned back in to see Kyler standing up, ready to make his exit out of this confrontation.

" I don't need you bitching at me right now, Sky." He pushed the balcony door open, leaving his sister irritated.

"Yeah, walk away!" Skylar yelled after him," And walk away from my friend while you're at it if you're going to continue to treat her like shit."

Skylar sat back down, mumbling about what a selfish piece of shit her twin is. Audrey walked into the room confused about what just happened as she sipped on her cherry coke.

"This is too much damn drama for one day," she declared, turning on her heels to retreat to wherever she previously was.

" We'll go talk to him."

The guys and I stood up, deciding to follow after him as he hobbled his way onto the balcony. Kyler took the seat in front of the fireplace, the others sat around it as I stood against the door. It was silent for a moment as we figured out how to approach this.

Abel quirked a brow, his gaze shifting to Kyler who sat slouched in the chair. I looked towards everyone else to already find them staring at me.

Okay then.

Clearing my throat, I pushed off of the glass foundation as I crossed my arms.

"Look Ky, we all somehow agreed to not get involved with you and Jora." Kyler places his head in his hands as I push forward. " But the girls don't like what's going on and frankly neither do we." I state as the others mumble their agreements.

"Jeez man," I sigh, deciding not to sugarcoat this situation any longer. " You can't keep doing this to her. It's not healthy for either of you. You either get your shit together and be fully committed to her."

" Or you let her go."

Dominic nods his head in agreement as Marcus leans forwards. " We love you Ky, and we're only telling you this because we want the best for you." He side-eyed Kyler making sure that he was listening and engaged in the conversation.

"Imagine if I did this shit to Sky." Kyler sat up fully now, facing our best friend as he made his point." You would've kicked my ass back to Boston. This is one of her best friends Kyler— one of her sisters."

" I would never treat your sister like that because you are my best friend— my brother. I know how much she means to you and if I hurt her that would be like hurting you. You're not only hurting Jora, but you're hurting your sister as well. She's in the middle of all of this, Ky."

Kyler opened his mouth to speak but Marcus held his hand up, pushing forward with his point."Do you have feelings for her at all?"

Kyler nodded his head immediately, not taking a moment to think about it.

"Are you sure?" Marcus asked, " Because, for a guy who has feelings for her, you sure as hell aren't acting like it."

Marcus had a good point.

I couldn't even imagine treating Ayanna like this. I wanted her and I went after her. I didn't play with her feelings, I didn't promise her one thing and do the other. I kept it one hundred percent with her and went about the right way.

The way Kyler was doing it was wrong— in every aspect.

"Yeah man," Abel cleared his throat." How much longer are you going to do this? Until she's completely done being treated like a doormat?" He questioned.

"I highly doubt that you have a few chances left. If I were her you would have none." Kyler visibly flinched at Abel's words.

But he was right. Jora was so close to being done with his shit.

Abel didn't sugarcoat anything— he told you how he felt no matter how harshly it was delivered. But I think that tough love is what Kyler needs right now. He needs to be pulled into the reality that he could lose Jora for good with the route he was taking.

" We're only telling you this because we love and care for you. But we also love and care for Jora. She doesn't deserve this, and one day she's going to realize this and never look back." Dominic placed his hand on Kyler's back as he spoke, shaking him to get the point across.

"She knows her worth Kyler, and how you treat her is not right," Haze spoke firmly for the first time in a while. "Jora's a sweet girl who has strong feelings for you. We all see the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is watching. And you're a good guy Kyler, why are you treating her like scum at the bottom of your shoe?"

"You say you have feelings and that you want to be with her, but you continuously do the opposite of what you say." I hum my agreement as Haze lays down the facts.

We've all spoken about what needed to be said tonight. All of us are getting everything that's been sitting heavy on our chest for the last few months now.

"What's going on Ky?" I take the seat on the edge of Haze's armrests. " Talk to us buddy, tell us what you're thinking."

Kyler sat still for a while, fiddling with his crutch as the sound of cars honking and driving below filled the silence. We sat patiently waiting for him to give us a reason why he's treating Jora like this.

" I'm scared," he confesses.

I lean forward, placing my elbows against my knees as the others coax him to continue.

" Scared of?" Marcus inquires.

Kyler shifts uncomfortably under our gaze, pushing his hands into his hoodie pockets as he releases a long sigh.

"Jora's smart," he looks at the sky as if it were easier to talk to. " She sees past the bullshit I front. She sees straight through the party guy façade I put on."

" She sees me; she always has." He chuckled bitterly to himself.

"I don't know why I treat her like this, I honestly don't know. Maybe I'm scared that I'll fuck up the relationship in the future and make the decisions that I make now to prevent that.'' We listen attentively as Kyler confesses his reasonings for his actions.

''But that's not helping you or her,'' I interrupt. ''She looks fucking miserable when we all hang out. She cares for you and she wishes that she doesn't because of how badly you hurt her.''

'' Somethings gotta give man.'' I shrug.

Maybe they needed time apart from each other.

Kyler needed to figure out what he wanted from her. He needed to get out of his fucking head thinking about the future and think on the present. They wouldn't have a future together if he kept up this behavior towards her.

Jora needed to think hard on her feelings.

She needed to decide if putting herself through this was worth the pain. If her feelings were strong enough for Kyler then she needed to decide if he was worth the risk. She needed to decide if she was willing to put herself through all of the hoops he was throwing her way.

Right now, from the outside looking in, it looked as if they should go their separate ways for a while.

If that meant that the groups spent some time apart from each other then so be it.

Their relationship was slowly beginning to grow toxic with each passing day, and hanging around each other wasn't helping. If spending time apart from the girls would maybe help them figure out their shit, then that's what we would do.

'' Do we need to stop hanging out with them for a while? Do you guys need time apart from each other? What can we do to make this easier on both of you?'' I asked.

Kyler shook his head dismissively,'' You guys shouldn't have to spend less time from your girlfriends because I fucked up. I just need to figure out how to fix my screw ups and give her some space for the time being.''

''I want to be with her,'' he stresses.'' I want to change and be better for her. If that means time apart from each other then i'll do it.''

Kyler released a breath as he nodded his head, coming to terms with his decision. ''I know it might not seem like it but she's everything to me. Everytime I step out onto that court, I put in that extra ten percent because I know she's watching.''

We all knew that feeling. I pushed myself harder and harder everyday to make my number one cheerleader proud.

'' I guess I was pushing myself to be better in all the areas that didn't count,'' he chuckled, running a head down his jaw.

'' Nah,'' Haze dismissed standing up.'' You're just a dumbass who thinks with his dick and not his heart.''

I belt out a laugh as Kyler flicks him off. '' He's not lying.'' Marcus agreed as we stood up, preparing to go back inside.

''Why is it so quiet in here?'' Abel mutters as we enter the living room, noting the lack of absence of a certain female group.

''I think I know.'' Dominic shows us his phone, pressing on Sade's story highlight.

There were multiple posts of them at their favorite ice cream shop, at a park, and in a Target parking lot acting like they had no home training.

'' Is she twerking in a handstand?'' Haze turned his head as Dominic clicked to the next slide showing Rhegan on her hands while her legs were propped against the door of Elizabeth's range rover.

Dominic stared blankly at the screen,'' Alright, Rhegan Emilia Clarke.''

And on that note, let me mind my business.

Then the final slide consisted of the girls in the car screaming at the top of their lungs as SZA blasted through the speakers. Sade had the back flash on as Jora sung the lyrics into the camera.

'' '' She yelled before Dominic exited out of the story.

We all looked up from the phone, our gazes drifting to Kyler slowly. He huffed, crossing his arms from his spot on the couch as we stood in awkward silence.

''It's what you deserve.'' Haze breaks the silence at an attempt to do a Kim K impression.

Kyler chucks a throw pillow at Haze as we double over in laughter. ''You're lucky I don't hit cripples,'' Haze pointed out. '' Your ass would've gotten a beat down hours ago.''

Kyler perked up in the seat, almost challenging Rookie to that. ''I'd like to see you try, Rook. I could beat your ass crippled and all.''

Haze took the challenge, flipping over the couch and playfully jumping on top of Kyler. The two ended up rolling off of the couch with Haze on the floor and Kyler on top. Kyler grabbed the throw pillow off of the floor, using it to smother Haze with.

The sound of our loud laughter kept us from hearing the door open.

''What the fuck is going on?'' Rhegan sheirked. Kyler paused on top of Haze, his mouth parted slightly as he removed the pillow from Haze's face.

'' Do you know how much that cost?'' She marched over to Kyler, grabbing the pillow and hitting him upside the head with it multiple times.

''Oww! I'm crippled!'' He yelled as Rhegan continued her assault.

'' I don't give a rats fucking ass, McKay.'' She grunted as she used all of her force on attacking Kyler. '' We do not use ridiculously expensive ass pillows as a way to bully Rookie.''

I kept my gaze away from the boys, knowing that with one glance we would have our one-way ticket to hell. Instead, I covered my mouth with my hoodie, biting down on my thumb as I watched the scene unfold.

'' He started it!'' Kyler yelped.

'' Yeah well, you probably deserved it,'' she finished her attack by flicking his forehead.

A soft giggle caught my attention, I turned my head to see Ayanna laughing as she watched the scene unfold in front of us. Even Jora seemed amused at the situation given the fact that the two weren't on the best of terms right now.

'' Well I think I've had my fill for tonight,'' Jora sighed, pulling her purse strap over her shoulder.

''Umm... Goodnight everyone. Love you roomies.'' She wiggled her fingers as she retreated up the stairs, not looking back once despite the stare that Kyler had on her back.

'' Love you, Jo.'' They shouted as she smiled weakly.

When her body disappeared up the stairs, Kyler hobbled towards his crutch. ''I gotta use the bathroom.''

Skylar opened her mouth to tell him that he was going in the wrong direction. '' Leave him alone right now. He's doing what's best for right now.''

The girls looked confused as to what Marcus was referring to, but let Kyler go anyway. I silently hoped that his decision wouldn't cause any more pain and have a good outcome in the end.

I turned off the lights in the kitchen. The boys had fallen asleep on the couch in the middle of the movie we had watched. Carson woke up towards the end to go to my room while the others were too knocked out to even wake up.

Kyler hadn't come back downstairs since he'd gone to go talk to Jora. Seeing as there was no yelling or signs of anything being broken, I think that it went well.

As I made my way up the stairs, I heard a room door being shut followed by sniffling.

Walking down the hall I see Kyler's shadow leaning against Jora's room door. Even though it was dark, I could see him wipe under his nose as his shoulders shook softly.

'' Fuck,'' he cursed under his breath. '' Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.''

My brows furrowed as I approached him, confused on why he was crying and cursing in front of her door. '' Kyler, what's wrong?'' I asked, touching his back in a comforting manor. He made no move to turn around, his forehead was pressed against the door of her room.

'' I let her go. ''

My eyes widened slightly as his words replayed in my mind.

He let her go.

''You what?'' I whispered as he turned around, backing up to give him some room as he towered over me. I took in his puffy eyes, tear stained cheeks, and red nose.

Oh fucking hell.

''It was for the best... right?'' He asked, needing reassurance on his decision.

My mouth opened and closed as I tried to find the right words. '' I can't tell you that, Kyler. Maybe it is for the best, and maybe it isn't. But if you guys are meant to work out then you'll find your way back to each other.''

At least I hoped they would. Despite his faults, Kyler could be the guy that ended up scooping Jora off of her feet. He just needed to get his shit together, maybe find himself again.

Kyler nodded his head, accepting my answer for what it was. '' Thanks Ayanna.'' I stepped aside, letting him make his way to the stairs. '' She's still up, maybe check on her before you go to your room.''

'' I will,'' I said as he paused, turning his head over his shoulder. '' Goodnight Kyler.''

'' I never thought that I would end up fucking up this badly when I found the love of my life.'' Kyler mumbled softly before taking it one step at a time down the stairs, gripping the railing in one hand.

'' Goodnight Ayanna.''

Love... of his life.

I stood in shock in front of Jora's door for a few minutes longer at Kyler's confession before opening it. Jora lay on her bed, curled up in a ball as her body shook, small sobs escaping her as she gripped her blanket.

I kicked off my slippers, sliding into the bed beside her, wrapping my arms around her waist as she continued to cry. ''It's going to be okay,'' I whispered, stroking her hair gently as she cried.

''You guys will be okay.''

Jora shook her head as she turned her body and stared up at the ceiling.

''It won't be,'' she sniffled. ''Because that idiot treated me so fucking badly and I go and fall in love with him.'' Using the palm of her hand, she wiped the tears away as she let out a sigh of acceptance.

'' Why did he leave me? What did I do wrong?''

Jora broke down, tears falling down her face like an endless stream as I pulled her close to me. I held her head to my chest, letting her get it all out as she cried.

'' Why doesn't he want me? I didn't want him to leave me, I just wanted him to fucking change for me. Was that too much to fucking ask?''

My heart broke for her.

This is what we wanted to prevent, one of them getting hurt by the other. But maybe that's what was meant to happen in order for them to grow and be ready for a relationship.

The saying goes,