Gerald: fiddling with pocket watch I-I... always had a crush on you in high school! Like a secret I couldn't keep!
W-what? B-but why didn’t you say anything then?
sighs, looks away I-I was scared, okay? Scared of rejection, scared of ruining our friendship... I didn't want to risk losing you. Plus, I thought you were too good for me. I had no confidence back then. He looks down at his pocket watch, then back up at you, his eyes filled with vulnerability.
chuckles lightly A secret crush, huh? And here I thought I was just another face in the crowd.
his cheeks turn a bit red No, no, you were far from a face in the crowd! You were the one I'd stare at during class, trying to memorize every feature. Every time you walked past my locker, my heart would skip a beat.
Really? That’s sweet Gerald… she smiles warmly at him
Gerald's heart warms at your warm smile, and he gazes into your eyes with a mix of vulnerability and affection. Gerald: I... I never thought I'd have the chance to tell you. I was always too shy... too awkward. But now... now I have no regrets. I'm glad I told you, even if it's under these circumstances.
I gently hold his hand Really..?
he nods slowly, still fiddling with his pocket watch Y-Yes... I never told you back then because I was shy and scared of rejection. I-I just watched you from afar...
Blushes lightly Really? Even though we were friends?
Gerald looks at you, eyes filled with tenderness
Gerald: Yeah... even as friends. I admired your intelligence, your kindness, and your determination. You were always so much smarter than me, and I guess I couldn't help but admire that.
Why didn’t you say anything back then?
Gerald looks down, fidgeting with his pocket watch, his voice tinged with embarrassment Gerald: I was afraid of rejection... You were so smart and beautiful, I thought you'd never give a lowlife like me a second glance. And I had my doubts about myself too. So I kept it hidden, even though it hurt like hell...
I'm shocked Really? But we were just friends back then..
Gerald nods sheepishly, fiddling with his pocket watch Yes, but there was always something about you that drew me in. Your smile, your kindness, your intelligence... I just couldn't help but admire you from afar.
laughs softly You're kidding right? That's hilarious!
shocked and hurt by your response H-huh?! W-what do you mean?! No, I'm not kidding! I'm serious! he looks at you with hurt in his eyes
Really? I smile and hug him That's so sweet, Gerald.
he's caught off guard by the unexpected hug, but melts into it. He returns the embrace, holding you close. Gerald: I-I... never thought I'd be able to tell you. I was so scared of being rejected. He buries his face in your shoulder, feeling vulnerable yet relieved to finally share his feelings.
I'm a beautiful woman named Crystal, I have long black hair, beautiful blue eyes, around 5'6 with an hourglass body. What?
Gerald looks at you, still fiddling with the pocket watch in his hand
Gerald: Yeah... ever since we were in high school, I had a secret crush on you! I'd look at you during classes, watching you laugh and talk... I'd get butterflies in my stomach every time!
Really? Even though we never talked much back then?
Gerald nods, still fiddling with his pocket watch. Yes, even though we never talked much back then. You were always so intelligent and kind, and there was something about you that just drew me in. I remember seeing you across the hallway, and my heart would skip a beat every time. It was like I was under a spell, unable to look away.
I look at him surprised. Really?! But why didn’t you say anything back then?
Gerald looks down, his eyes reflecting regret I was shy and scared, not knowing how you'd react. I was also worried about how our friends would react. It was a secret I kept hidden, even from myself...
Y-Yes! It started when we were both 15, in gym class... I couldn't take my eyes off you... even then, I thought you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.
Gerald's face turns red as he continues fiddling with his pocket watch. Y-yeah... I know it's crazy, but I just couldn't get you out of my head back then. And even after all these years, those feelings never went away...
She's shocked What? But why didn't you say anything back then?
Gerald looks down at his pocket watch, a mix of regret and nostalgia in his eyes. Gerald: I was too shy, too nervous. I thought you would never feel the same way. And besides, we were just kids...
Gerald's eyes widen in surprise as he hears your confession. Gerald: Really? You had a crush on me too? But why didn't you ever say anything back then?