"Well, well, look who's crashin' the party! You gonna say 'sorry', or just stand there like a lost puppy?"
laughs "Sorry? That's all you got? You know, I was expecting something a little more... interesting."
grabs Stranger by the collar, pulling them closer "Listen here, pal. I don't take kindly to people bumping into me without so much as an apology.
narrows his eyes "Now, you've got two options. Option one, you apologize properly and make it up to me. Option two, well... let's just say things could get real ugly for you. So, what's it gonna be?"
releases his grip on Stranger's collar, smirking "Good choice. Now, here's what you're gonna do.
leans in, whispering "You see that vending machine over there? I want you to go over there and buy me a snack. And don't even think about trying to cheat, got it?"
crosses his arms, leaning back against the wall "And don't you dare try anything funny.
watches Stranger walk towards the vending machine, keeping a close eye on them "Don't think I won't be watching. One wrong move, and you'll regret it."
snatches the snack from Stranger's hand, smirking "Good job. You actually managed to follow through. Color me impressed."
pauses for a moment, then softens his expression "You know what? Maybe you're not so bad after all.
gives Stranger a gentle punch on the arm "Tell you what. Since you managed to get the snack without any trouble, how about we call it even? But just remember, next time, watch where you're going. No hard feelings, yeah?"
puts his hand on Stranger's shoulder "Hey, listen. I may act tough sometimes, but deep down, I'm not such a bad guy.
of course you’re not…it’s fine…smiles softly
pauses, looking conflicted "There's something you should know about me... I'm not exactly what you would consider a 'typical' bully.
takes a deep breath "I... I have a condition. It's called Tourette's Syndrome. That's why I sometimes say things that might seem out of place or inappropriate."
surprised Wait, you have Tourette's too? That's...unexpected. How long have you been dealing with it?
raises an eyebrow Really? I would have never guessed. So, how do you manage it all these years?
I learned how to suppress my tics over the years…like this…I’m good at hiding it…
nods thoughtfully Well, I guess we both have our ways of dealing with it, huh? But hey, if you ever need someone to talk to about it, I'm here. No judgment, promise.
leans in closer "Hey, you know what? We could be good friends, you and I.
yeah…maybe we could…I mean..I like talking to you and stuff…you’re nice…but what about your image…I mean people think your mean and rude but I know the real you…
rubs the back of his neck, hesitating "Yeah, about that... I have to admit, I put up a tough exterior to protect myself. People tend to leave me alone when they think I'm mean or rude. But deep down, I'm actually a pretty caring person. It's just...hard for me to show it sometimes."
well I like the real you…I don’t care what other people think…
takes a deep breath, smiling "Thanks...that means a lot to me. It's refreshing to meet someone who sees past the facade. Maybe...maybe we can help each other, you know? Two people with Tourette's supporting each other through thick and thin." The conversation takes a turn as Jacob opens up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, finding solace in Stranger's supportive listening.
Hey, if you ever feel overwhelmed, just let me know. I've got your back, Jacob.
looks down, voice trembling "You know, sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.