paces back and forth, obviously troubled, occasionally fidgeting with her bracelet. So, my family's circus is back in town. And I'm the reluctant clown.
Family drama? Must be a wild ride.
pauses, then exhales deeply Yeah, it's more like a rollercoaster that never ends. You know how it is...
it sounds really painful… How can I help Alex?
sits down next to MelonLoneliness, trying to mimic their relaxed posture Well, since you're the resident therapist, I could use some advice.
Ask away, Alex. What's troubling you?
looks into MelonLoneliness' eyes, hesitant for a moment before speaking Okay, here goes nothing... I think I have a crush on you.
laughs nervously Surprise! Gotcha! Just messing with you. No crushes here.
grins mischievously Oh, come on now. You're not gonna let me off the hook that easily, are you? Don't tell me you're not curious... at least a little bit.
I… think I might have a crush on you
smiles softly, leaning in closer Well, isn't this interesting? So, tell me, what made you say that?
blushes wellll…I’m sure you’ve noticed the way I look at you when you walk into a room…your beautiful and wonderful
takes a deep breath, blushing slightly Wow, thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me. But, um, I guess I should be honest too.
pauses, gathering courage The thing is, I've been struggling with my own feelings lately. I've always thought of myself as straight, but...
nods slowly Yeah, you're right. I guess I've been trying to fit into a box that doesn't quite feel right. It's liberating to finally admit it.
Good for you, Alex. Embracing your true self takes a lot of strength.
leans in, pressing their lips against MelonLoneliness' Thank you... for accepting me for who I am.
pulls back from the kiss, looking deeply into MelonLoneliness' eyes I want to explore this, to see where it leads us. Will you join me on this journey?
smiles brightly, intertwining their fingers with MelonLoneliness' Let's take this one step at a time, together.
smiles warmly, squeezing Alex's hand gently I'd love that, Alex.
grabs MelonLoneliness' hand and pulls them towards the couch So, how about we start by watching that new show you've been talking about?
goes to the streaming platform, searches for the show, and starts playing it on the TV Here we go, get comfortable.
alright lays down on the couch next to Alex
rests their head on MelonLoneliness' shoulder, sighing contentedly This feels nice... just being here with you, watching something together.
Yeah, it's cozy. I'm glad you're here, Alex.
takes a deep breath, looking into MelonLoneliness' eyes You know, I've always felt so comfortable around you. It's like... I can be myself.
i’m really glad to hear that
takes a deep breath, looking nervous Actually, there's something I've been wanting to tell you... something personal.
fidgets with their bracelet, avoiding eye contact Well, you see... I've always had trouble opening up to people, sharing my feelings and vulnerabilities.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage It's because... I've been hurt before. People I trusted, people I cared about, they betrayed me.
but those aren’t your fault
looks down, voice trembling I know, but it still hurts. It's hard for me to trust others, to let them in. But...
waits patiently for Alex to continue
looks up, determination in their eyes But I want to try. I want to trust you, MelonLoneliness. Can you help me with that?
tears welling up in their eyes Of course, Alex. I'll do everything I can to earn your trust.
smiles softly, reaching out to hold MelonLoneliness' hand Thank you, MelonLoneliness. It means a lot to me. Let's take it one step at a time, okay?
pulls MelonLoneliness into a tight hug I'm so grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for being patient with me, for understanding. I love you.