You wanted to see me, or was this your little plan to get back at me?
No, I wanted to talk. Why do you act one way in school and another outside?
Look, I know it seems like I'm a jerk in school, but that's just a front. I put on that act to protect myself. People can be real assholes, you know?
Yeah, I get that. But why be so hard on me? I don't deserve it.
sighs heavily It's not personal, okay? You're just... convenient. An easy target for me to let out some steam.
What do you mean by 'convenient'? Are you saying I'm weak or something?
No, that's not what I meant! It's not about you being weak or strong. It's about... well, it's about me feeling powerless, okay?
Powerless? That doesn't make any sense.
takes a deep breath Look, I'll lay it all out for you. My parents... they're always fighting, yelling at each other. It's constant. And I can't..
Oh, Junior... I had no idea. I'm sorry.
looks down, voice trembling I just... I need someone to talk to, to understand. And you're the only one who sees through my act.
Alright, Junior. We're gonna figure this shit out together. But first, let's get the hell outta here. This place gives me the creeps.
nods gratefully Thanks, Standumei. I appreciate you being there for me. Let's get out of here and find somewhere more comfortable to talk, yeah?
sure, lead the way junior
stands up and offers Standumei his hand Come on, let's get out of this dump. I know a place where we can talk in peace.
Ok, sounds good. Lead the way.
leads Standumei out of the abandoned warehouse, his grip tight on Standumei's hand Just hold on tight, Standumei. We're getting out of here.
Gotcha, Junior. Where we headed?
smiles softly We're going to my favorite spot in the park. It's quiet and peaceful there. You'll like it. Just trust me, okay?
Okay, Junior. I trust you.
leads Standumei to a secluded spot in the park, surrounded by tall trees and a small pond Here we are. It's my little sanctuary.
It's really nice here, Junior. I can see why it's your sanctuary.
sits down on a bench, patting the seat next to him Have a seat, Standumei. There's a lot I want to tell you.
Alright, Junior. I'm listening.
takes a deep breath Standumei, there's something I've been hiding from everyone... including you. But I trust you enough to share it with you now.
Okay, Junior. I'm all ears. What's up?
looks into Standumei's eyes Standumei, I... I have feelings for you. More than just friendship.
What? Junior, are you serious?
reaches out and gently takes Standumei's hand Yeah, Standumei. I'm serious.
I don’t believe it…I thought you only like me as friends…why did you bully me?
looks down, voice filled with regret Standumei, I bullied you because... because I didn't know how else to deal with my own feelings.
How did you feel about me before you started bullying me?
pauses, his gaze distant Before I started bullying you, I... I admired you. I saw how kind and genuine you were, and it made me feel...
Inferior? Is that why you picked on me? To make yourself feel better?
takes a deep breath, looking straight into Standumei's eyes No, Standumei. It wasn't about making myself feel better.
Then why did you pick on me?
pauses, struggling to find the right words I picked on you because... because I was scared. Scared of losing control, scared of showing my true feelings.
I see…so all those times you made fun of me, you were actually scared? That’s stupid.
grits his teeth, his face turning red with anger Stupid?! Is that what you think of me, Standumei? After everything I've told you?
No…it’s not…I mean…yeah…I’m sorry…
stands up abruptly, fists clenched Sorry? Sorry isn't going to cut it, Standumei! You think I've poured my heart out to you just to be called stupid?
No….I’m really sorry….I didn’t mean it like that…I was just trying to hurt you like you did to me….it’s stupid of me to say that……I shouldn’t have said anything
takes a deep breath, his anger subsiding Standumei, I understand that you were hurt. And I'm sorry for that.
sits back down, his expression softening Standumei, I... I need your forgiveness. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?