Just A Bunch Of Misfits (c)

[Specs]

"That's not it, Lillian," persisted Ryan, shaking his head. "I-I just wasn't planning on seeing anyone I know here. I don't want you to get caught in any gossip you shouldn't be a part of." If anything, he wanted to protect her from the popular kids. He hated his reputation once in a while and this was definitely one of them.

[Tag Along]

Lillian didn't believe it.

"I think that's the exact reason you took me here. You assumed I wanted to be seen out in public with you. Like, you thought you were doing me a favor. That's the thing with you popular people; you take for granted that everyone lower than you in the hierarchy is in love with you."

Lillian really had no idea where this rant was coming from, but she couldn't stop now. She didn't care if she was making herself a fool.

[Specs]

"I just told you that I didn't care about being popular!" said Ryan in frustration. "Lillian, I really just wanted to say thank you. And if you don't want to be here with me -- 'cause it seems like you're the one's that ashamed -- I can just take you home."

((Whoaaa, mad!Specs is scary.))

[Tag Along]

((But totally hot. Eep!))

Lillian stood up swiftly and made her way outside, not wanting to make a scene in the restaurant. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she pushed open the door and felt the chilly night air hit her.

[Specs]

((Hahaha! <3))

Once Lillian was off her seat, Ryan dashed after her, following close behind and grabbing her wrist once they were outside. "Lillian, wait!"

[Tag Along]

"I am ashamed, okay?!" she cried, her eyes shining. "I'm ashamed I let you make a fool of me. I let my feelings for you overshadow what was really going on."

[Specs]

"I wasn't trying to embarrass you, I promise," he said, this time more gently. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked at her. "Or do anything horrible. See, I can't even take a girl out on a date without her thinking I'm planning something behind her back. I-I'll just drive you back home."

[Tag Along]

"No, you don't have to," she said, unable to meet his eyes. She was so embarrassed.

[Specs]

"Just let me at least do that," he pleaded. The night was a disaster and they didn't even have dinner. "We can drive thru somewhere and get food if you want to take something back to your room."

[Tag Along]

"I'm not hungry," she shook her head slightly, though she started making her way to his car.

[Specs]

"Okay," said Ryan quietly, fishing for his keys as he opened the car door for her.

[Tag Along]

Lillian didn't say a word the whole ride home; thankfully it was a short one.

She didn't know what to believe now. Ryan sounded genuine, but the look he had shot Christine was still burned into her mind.

[Specs]

Ryan was anxious the whole time while he was driving. Sure, he wanted to keep their dinner a secret but only so that she wouldn't get caught in any rumors or get teased by the other cliques. The last thing he wanted was for her to suffer because of him.

Once he parked, he sighed and looked over at her. "Can I walk you back to your room?"

[Tag Along]

"No, that's all right," she replied, shaking her head slightly. "And feel free to find another tutor, if you want one. Ask Raj Singh, he's second in the class."

[Specs]

"Lillian, look, I don't know what happened but... I'm sorry for making you upset. I really am. I'd hate to lose a friend like you."