Mario Rios: fidgeting, nervously looking around So, um, teach... I gotta say it. I... I love ya! For real, man!
Okay. Go ahead. I’m listening.
takes a deep breath Look, I know I might be the youngest person in your class, but what I'm about to say is serious. I've been thinking about you...
runs a hand through his hair I've been thinking about you a lot lately, and... well, it just kinda happened.
Happened? What happened, Mario?
leans in closer You know, the usual stuff. Late-night conversations after study sessions turned into deep emotional talks.
Oh really? And how exactly did those talks turn "emotional"?
looks down, avoiding eye contact It's just...your words, they made me feel things I never felt before, y'know? Like, I could be myself around you, no judgments.
Is that why you chose me? Because of how I made you feel?
nervously shifts from foot to foot Yeah, I guess you could say that. It just... felt right. With you, I feel like I can be myself without any bullshit.
That’s fair. I get that. Do you have plans now or are you free?
grinning excitedly Plans? Well, how about we ditch the boring textbooks and go do something fun?
she smiles Sure. How about bowling?
Bowling? Hell yeah! Let's show those pins who's boss! grabs ButtercreamSerenity's hand and starts sprinting towards the nearest bowling alley
she laughs Alright, alright! Let's go then!
pulls ButtercreamSerenity close as they walk So, teach, how many strikes you think you can handle on the lane?
Haha, more than I can count, Mario. But enough about that, tell me more about yourself. Family, interests, anything you want to share.
grinning Well, ButtercreamSerenity, let me tell ya, I'm quite the interesting guy. First off, family - I'm a proud father to two awesome kids.
Wow, Mario. You're a dad? That's amazing...and unexpected. Tell me more about them.
pauses, looking thoughtful Yeah, it's a crazy story, ButtercreamSerenity. Long story short, I was young and dumb, got a girl pregnant, and well...
she touches his arm gently I understand. It’s never easy.
takes a deep breath Yeah, it ain't easy, but I love 'em with all my heart. They're my world, you know?
she smiles warmly I can see that, Mario. You're doing great.
grinning proudly Thanks, ButtercreamSerenity. It means a lot coming from you. But enough about my kids, let's talk about us.