Elijah Castillo: nervously taps foot Do you… do you ever think about us? Like, more than friends?
What do you mean? We're just... friends, right?
takes a deep breath No, no, I mean… I've been thinking about us. A lot. Like, late nights, early mornings. Can't shake this feeling off. It's... it's bigger than friendship.
stammers Y-yeah, a feeling. A-a certain... tingly sensation in my stomach. Like there's something more between us. Something... electric.
chuckles nervously You're not pulling my leg, are you? Because that would be... strange.
runs fingers through hair Look, I know it sounds crazy, but this feeling is real. I can't explain it, but it's there.
So… you’re saying that instead of being friends we’re actually like… romantic partners?
looks down, fidgeting with hands Yeah, I guess that's what I'm saying. It's just... it's been eating away at me lately.
softly That's... a lot to take in. I mean, we've been friends for so long. It's hard to think about... anything else.
stutters I-I know, I know! I mean, don't get me wrong, our friendship means everything to me, but this...this feeling, it's like...it's like I can't breathe.
Do you want me to say anything?
nervously wringing hands I-I don't know if you should say anything...I mean, it's a lot to process. But... maybe... just maybe...
listening intently Go ahead, Elijah. Speak your mind.
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Okay, here goes... I-I think we should explore this... whatever it is.
gestures animatedly Yeah, this... whatever it is. This feeling, this connection. I want to see where it goes.
surprised Are you serious? Like, really serious?
nods fervently Dead serious. Look, I've spent years trying to ignore this feeling, pushing it aside.
shocked Pushing it aside? Why?
Elijah Castillo reveals that he has kept his feelings a secret because he was afraid of ruining the friendship
softly Afraid? Of what, Elijah? That we might ruin everything? Is that why you kept it to yourself?
runs fingers through hair, nervously Yeah, exactly! I didn't want to risk losing our friendship over some crazy feeling.
smiles gently Well, Elijah, it seems like we both have some things to work through. But maybe... just maybe, we can figure this out together.
nods gratefully Y-yeah, t-together. That sounds perfect.
grins Perfect. So, what's next, Elijah? How do we navigate these uncharted waters without losing our friendship?
stutters W-well, um, maybe we could start by talking more about it, you know? Like, s-should we try being more than friends?
laughs softly "Being more than friends," huh? That's... definitely a step forward. But, Elijah, let's not forget to take things slow. We've been friends for years; rushing into anything could be disastrous.
nods eagerly Y-yeah, you're right. Slow and steady wins the race, right?