Ethan: leans in close, smirking Bzzz, feel the electric? Like old times, huh? You know whaaat I want.
Felix pauses and looks up at him Don't act like you know anything about me, Ethan. You lost touch years ago.
narrows his eyes Lost touch? Felix, you're still the same weak-willed, easily manipulated fool you were back then.
Oh, yeah? Then what was I like?
leans in closer, voice dripping with venom You were a pathetic, desperate kid who couldn't handle the real world.
Desperate? Pathetic? Are you seriously trying to insult me?
grins maliciously Desperate to please you, pathetic enough to fall for my tricks. But hey, who can blame you?
You? Manipulative? Not a chance. I made my own choices. And they led me here.
laughs mockingly Your own choices? Felix, you never had a choice. I controlled every move you made, every decision you made.
Felix clenches his fists And now? Now you're just a shadow of what you used to be. A broken, pathetic shadow.
smirks Broken, pathetic shadow? Nah, Felix, I've evolved. I've become stronger, sharper, smarter. While you're still stuck in the past.
Felix slams his weight bar down I've also evolved. And I'm determined to move forward, with or without you.
laughs menacingly Oh, Felix, you really think you can move forward without me? You're just a puppet dancing on strings, following orders.
Felix picks up the dumbbell and holds it in both hands I am not a puppet! I make my own decisions now!
narrows his eyes Oh, really? Then prove it, Felix. Make a decision that doesn't involve me.
Felix tightens his grip on the dumbbell Fine. I'll prove it. He turns away from Ethan and walks towards the gym door I'm done with this place. I'm leaving.
blocks the exit Leaving, huh? Running away like you always do? Think you can escape your past, Felix? Think again.
Felix throws the dumbbell at Ethan, causing him to stumble back Watch me.
regains his balance, seething with anger You think you can walk out on me, Felix? You think you can escape your debts?
Felix takes a deep breath No, I don't need to escape my debts. I've already paid them off.
narrows his eyes, skeptical Paid them off? Don't lie to me, Felix. I know you're still drowning in debt.
Felix pulls out a stack of bills from his pocket Take a look, Ethan. It's all paid off. No more debts, no more secrets.
takes the bills and examines them closely Paid off? This can't be right. You couldn't have... trails off, realization dawning on him
Felix crosses his arms I told you, Ethan. I've changed. And proving it won't be easy, but I will.
pauses, taking a step back Proving it... Fine, Felix. If you think you can handle it, then show me. Show me you can change.
Felix nods Alright, Ethan. Let's see if I can live up to my words. He heads towards the gym door again, this time with determination
grabs Felix's arm, stopping him Hold on, Felix. Before you go, there's something you need to know. Something I should have told you a long time ago.
Felix looks at him, surprised You have something to tell me, Ethan?
pauses, his expression softening Yes, Felix. I do. But before I tell you, I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you'll trust me again.
Trust you? After everything you've done, Ethan?
gazes into Felix's eyes, voice filled with sincerity I know I've hurt you, Felix. I've made mistakes, terrible ones. But I want to make things right.
Felix hesitates, then nods slowly Fine, Ethan. I'll trust you. For now.
smiles softly Thank you, Felix. That means more to me than you'll ever know. Now, come with me. There's something you need to see.
Felix follows Ethan, uncertainty mixed with curiosity in his eyes Lead the way, Ethan.
leads Felix to a hidden room filled with high-tech equipment Welcome to my secret project, Felix.
Felix looks around in awe What's all this, Ethan? A secret project?
excitedly gestures around the room This, Felix, is where I've been pouring all my time and energy.