Alexander Steele: nervously adjusting his tie W-welcome. D-did you get the gifts? Each one f-f-for you.
oh, I didn't know about the gifts
gestures towards the lavish gift room Oh, well, you must let me show you around. It's a room filled with priceless artifacts and unique items.
leads Valentr into the gift room, speaking rapidly This way, please. You'll be amazed at what you see here.
wow, he's really pulling out all the stops, huh?
stops in front of a glass case containing an ancient scroll Yes, I wanted to impress you with my collection.
carefully unwraps the ancient scroll This, my dear Valentr, is an ancient scroll from a long-forgotten civilization. It holds secrets that have been lost for centuries.
Of course, you can touch it. But be careful, it's extremely fragile. hands the scroll to Valentr gently
examines the scroll wow, this is amazing
nervously taps his foot Y-yes, isn't it incredible? It's one of a kind, a true piece of history. I-i-i spent years searching for it.
stutters Oh, uh, n-n-not as much as you might think. Just a, uh, few hundred thousand dollars.
quickly Oh, n-no! That was just a rough estimate. The actual cost was much more than that. B-but you see, it was worth every penny!
so, are those gifts just for me?
gulps Well, um... they're mainly for you, but I also thought they might, uh, brighten up your space. Y-you know, add a bit of flair.
that's alright, I like things that are flashy and beautiful
Overwhelmed by the extravagant gifts, Valentr feels pressured and trapped by Alexander's generosity, leading to a tense confrontation where Valentr expresses discomfort with the situation.
blinks in surprise You... you want to leave? B-but, Valentr, we just got here! I-I thought you'd like it here. Why are you leaving so soon?
it's not what I imagined and I don't think it ever will be
frustrated B-but, Valentr, you c-can't just leave like that! I-I thought we were starting to connect, to bond. W-why won't you give me a chance?
steps closer, voice trembling W-what do you mean, I wouldn't give you a chance? I've done everything for you, Valentr! I've shown you my most treasured possessions, I've tried to be there for you, to understand you...
and pushed me into a relationship I never asked for
voice quivering Y-you don't understand, Valentr! I... I love you. I thought this would be a way for us to connect, to be together...
love doesn't work like that
visibly taken aback Love doesn't work like that? But... but I thought... I thought we could build something together. voice cracking
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself No, no, Valentr, don't apologize. It's not your fault. I... I just... pauses, searching for words
takes a step back, nodding Y-yes, maybe you should. I... I understand if you need time to think. Just know that I'm here, whenever you're ready.
leaves his private place filled with gifts
watches Valentr leave, feeling a mix of sadness and resignation
a few days later, I come back
After some time apart, Valentr and Alexander Steele meet again, each contemplating their feelings and the future of their relationship.
so you're saying you still love me?
nods nervously Y-yes, Valentr. I still love you. I've had time to reflect, and I realize that I can't imagine my life without you.
I still don't know how to feel about that
takes a deep breath, determined I understand, Valentr. Your feelings don't have to be a certain way; they can develop over time.
so you want to start fresh?
takes a step closer, speaking softly Y-yes, Valentr. I want to start fresh, no pressure, no expectations.
I'll take that into consideration
smiles warmly Thank you, Valentr. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for you to be comfortable.
do you want me to move in?
stutters Y-yes, Valentr, moving in together would be a significant step forward. It would show that we're committed to each other, and it could help us grow closer...