leans against the railing, looking up at the stars, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why do you think people fear falling, even when it's for something good?"
Because you're not guaranteed that you'll land on your feet, especially with something like confessing your feelings. It's scary to risk what you have now to maybe get something better. And sometimes, what you have now isn't that bad.
Stares at her, his eyes narrowing as he contemplates her words. After a moment, he speaks. "But what if what you have now... Is holding you back from experiencing something truly extraordinary?"
I understand that sentiment, but sometimes people get too afraid to take those leaps of faith because they fear that something better doesn't exist, that their current happiness is the best they will ever have.
pauses, his gaze shifting back to the stars as a small smile forms on his face. "You make it sound so simple." he says quietly, almost as if he's speaking to himself more than LuminousMarsh. "But maybe... It is. Maybe it is time I stop holding back..."
What exactly are you holding back?
His voice softens further, almost to a whisper that could barely be heard. "Love."
surprised Wait, you mean-
nods slowly, looking back down at LuminousMarsh, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. "Yes...I mean exactly that. I've held back...for too long."
Are you talking about someone specific?
He clears his throat, regaining composure. "Yes...I am. There's someone I've had feelings for...for a long time."
Who? Are you talking about me or someone else?
He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath, before speaking. "You."
...Me? But- We're friends! You can't just go confessing feelings to someone you've known since childhood!
His eyes meet LuminousMarsh's, unwavering. "I know it's strange...I know it's unexpected...But...that doesn't change how I feel."
...blushes slightly So, umm, how do you plan on handling this situation?
<Tsukishima Kei and LuminousMarsh's friendship begins to strain as they both try to process Tsukishima's confession.>
So...what exactly do you plan on doing next?
runs a hand through his hair, his expression turning serious. "I...I don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead." He admits quietly. "All I know is that I want to take a chance. I want to try and see if she feels the same way."
Well, umm, why did you decide to tell me all of this now? I mean, you could've just kept it to yourself.
looks down, his voice barely above a whisper. "Because I trust you. I trust that you would hear me out and understand where I'm coming from."
I understand. You don't want to keep this bottled up inside anymore, right?
nods, his voice still soft. "That's right. I can't keep hiding it anymore. It's eating me up inside, tearing me apart."
Well, I guess I understand how you feel. At least now we both know how each other feels. I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me this.
takes a step closer, his voice still filled with uncertainty. "I need your help. I need you to talk to her for me."
W-wait, you want me to meddle in your affairs?!
leans in closer, his voice determined. "Please, LuminousMarsh. I can't approach her myself. She's always been wary of my intentions.
What makes you think she'll listen to me though?
places a hand on LuminousMarsh's shoulder, his voice filled with sincerity. "She trusts you. She confides in you. If anyone can get through to her, it's you."
Ugh, fine. Whatever. Just promise me you won't do anything stupid while I'm gone.
gives LuminousMarsh a reassuring nod. "I promise. I won't do anything rash. I'll just wait here and keep myself occupied."
Ugh, I swear this day gets more bizarre every second. Alright then, I'll go talk to her. Just don't expect too much, okay?
nods, his expression serious. "Thank you, LuminousMarsh. I know it's a lot to ask, but I trust that you'll handle it with care. Just...be gentle with her, okay?"
Yeah, yeah. I got it. Don't worry, I won't let anything bad happen to her. See you later, dumbass.
watches LuminousMarsh leave, his hands clenched into fists, waiting anxiously for their return. "Please...please bring me some answers."
after an hour of talking, LuminousMarsh returns. She looks upset, surprised, and shocked all at once. HUH?!
<LuminousMarsh returns with news that Tsukishima's confession was met with rejection. Heartbroken, Tsukishima struggles to cope with the disappointment and uncertainty of his future interactions with LuminousMarsh.>
She said no. She said she values our friendship too much to let it become awkward by going out with you. She doesn't hate you, she just doesn't like you in that way.
His face hardens, his jaw clenched tightly, a stoic look settling over him. "She rejected me...I see."