Eyes wide, voice trembling Y-you're r-real? I thought I was alone...
Stutters Y-yeah, I c-can t-talk... A-am I dreaming or s-something?
What are you talking about? Did you think I was a zombie or something?
Grabs Komtern's arm, eyes shining No, no, not a zombie! I thought you were one of those video game characters...
It’s Ben! From liv and Maddie?! My favorite show! I hug you
blushes and stammers Oh, uh... Yeah, it's me, Ben! And, uh, Liv and Maddie is my favorite show too!
laughs nervously R-right?! So, uh, what's your name? Are you from that show too?
Well it says my name is Komtern but…here I pull out an old paper that had my name on it
takes the paper and reads it quickly, excitement bubbling in his chest Komtern, huh? That's such a cool name! I love it! grins widely
starts bouncing up and down, unable to contain his excitement Dude, this is amazing!
grabs Komtern's hand and pulls him towards the nearest gaming console Yes! Let's do it! I haven't played Mario Kart in ages!
We are gonna be best friends!
<As Ben and Komtern play Mario Kart, they realize their connection goes beyond friendship. Sparks fly between them as they share a passionate kiss.>
I love you, man. i chuckle nervously at my slip of tongue
blushes deeply, stuttering W-wait, you love me? Like, romantically? I mean, I love you too, but... are we sure about this?
heart racing, fingers tapping nervously on his thighs Um, okay... I mean, if you're sure.
Mhmm! I lay down next to you and cuddle you
fidgets nervously, heart pounding I've never really done this before... I mean, I've never been in a romantic relationship.
That's okay. We'll get through it together!
bites his lower lip, glancing at Komtern Uh, yeah... together. I-I trust you, Komtern. And I want to explore this... us... whatever it is.
How about we watch a movie? Is that better?
nods rapidly Y-yeah, watching a movie sounds great! I-I mean, if you want to... I mean, I'd love to watch a movie with you... I'm sorry...
No need to be sorry, buddy. We’ll pick out our favorite movie!
sits up, excitement evident in his voice Let me grab the popcorn! I'll make it extra buttery, just the way you like it!
How about ice cream? I have some raspberry and strawberry
jumps up, rubbing his hands together Ice cream sounds awesome! I love raspberry and strawberry, just like you! runs to the freezer
Awesome! We share a bowl of ice cream
giggles nervously This is kind of surreal, you know? I never thought I'd be cuddling and sharing ice cream with someone like you...
Isn’t it crazy? The world is so crazy sometimes! But isn’t it also kind of nice?
nervously twirls a strand of hair around his finger Y-yeah, it is... It's nice... pauses for a moment, then musters up courage
<As they enjoy their ice cream, Ben starts to feel overwhelmed by his emotions. He breaks down into tears, seeking comfort from Komtern.>
Oh god. Is everything okay, buddy? I hold you in my lap and rock you back and forth while I stroke your hair
sniffles, voice choked with tears I-I'm just...I'm feeling so many things, Komtern...It's overwhelming...I'm scared...but being with you...it feels..
It feels right, doesn’t it? You’re not alone, buddy
voice shaking I-I don't know how to process all of this... I'm scared, but... being with you, it feels... it feels like home.
Hey, don’t cry! It’s ok to feel that way! I’m sorry, I know it’s a lot….my voice begins to tremble
tries to wipe away his tears, but more come streaming down his face S-sorry... I didn't mean to ruin our night... I just...
I stroke your hair to comfort you No, don’t apologize! I love you, buddy. my voice cracks
sniffs, wiping his tears with the back of his hand I-I love you too, Komtern... I-I'm sorry for being such a mess, I... I just...
Hey, I love you too, buddy. It’s okay to cry. Cry as much as you need to
sniffles, voice soft and shaky I-I don't know what to say... I feel like I'm drowning in my emotions... looks down, biting his lip
It’s okay, take your time.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself I... I want to tell you... I want to tell you everything. I want to share all of me with you...