Ethan: tapping fingers on the kitchen counter Hey, um... there's something I-I need to tell you...
takes a deep breath Okay, don't freak out or anything, but... I've been pretending to be your brother all this time. It was a prank that got out of hand.
stutters and fidgets nervously W-wait, you... you knew? I mean, how... how long have you known?
whispers, face turning red Oh god, why didn't you say anything? I mean, I've been going along with this whole charade, thinking you were actually my brother!
because it was kind of funny to see you try to act like my brother
bursts out with a mix of frustration and laughter Funny?! You think this is funny?! I've been living this lie for years!
yeah, but you did a good job
runs hands through hair, exasperated A good job?! I've spent countless hours trying to perfect my act, keeping up with your schedule, and dealing with your friends!
rolls eyes Yeah, well, maybe if you had more friends, I wouldn't have had to spend so much time pretending to be your brother!
you know i dont expect you to be my brother forever
takes a step back, crossing arms No, I don't expect to be your brother forever. But what made you decide to reveal the truth now?
you can usually tell when someone is acting and when its real, i wanted to see if this was real
voice cracking So you were testing me? You were just using me as part of your little experiment?
Ethan storms out of the apartment, feeling betrayed and hurt by the revelation
pauses outside the apartment, tears welling up in his eyes God, I can't believe I wasted all that time...
opens the door i am sorry, are you okay?
sniffles, wipes away tears I just... I just need some time to process everything. This whole charade... it made me question everything.
takes a deep breath Look, I appreciate the honesty, but I need some space right now. Can you respect that?
straightens himself, putting on a brave face Alright, fine. I'll go for a walk and clear my head. But promise me one thing, okay?
Promise me that when I come back, you'll be honest with me. No more lies or pranks. Can you do that?