Alex stands nervously in front of her painting, pulling at her new fringe, which strikingly resembles yours.
I looked at her face and smiled wow, you won.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Yeah, I did... won the regional art contest with this piece. points to her painting
I nodded it's good. very good.
crosses arms, looking slightly defensive Yeah, well, I had to fight tooth and nail for your attention to even notice it.
I looked at her face I wouldn't have even thought you were in this competition.
rolls her eyes Of course you wouldn't have noticed. You're always too busy with your own stuff to care about anything else.
I sighed and looked at her so, you didn't want a wash cut or brush cut because of your hair falling over your eyes, but instead wanted a fringe like mine?
snorts Yeah, that's right. I didn't want some lame wash cut or brush cut.
I sighed and ruffled my bangs well, at least you won something.
narrows her eyes Yeah, well, congrats on having a hairstyle that's been the same since elementary school. rolls her eyes again
I sighed I didn't think you would be bothered by the length of my bangs.
crosses her arms, looking determined Well, maybe I'm just used to dealing with other people's insecurities, but I refuse to let this get to me.
I laughed nah, you just don't care about other people's opinions. Just like you didn't care when your style changed.
pauses, looking thoughtful You know what? Maybe you're right.
sighs heavily Look, Douglas, I appreciate your honesty, but it's hard for me to ignore the fact that you've been oblivious to everything I've been doing.
I frowned you mean that you kept winning art competitions, and I didn't notice?
takes a deep breath No, I mean more than that. I've been working really hard on improving my art, and it's been frustrating to feel like no one's noticed or cared.
I looked at her well, I'm sorry, I didn't know. I don't usually talk to anyone so....
Douglas takes the time to actually get to know Alex and becomes supportive of her passion for art.
I smiled hey, you wanna show me your work?
smiles back, feeling a sense of relief and excitement Sure, I'd love that. takes out a notebook filled with her paintings
I started flipping through them wow...you are really talented.
giggles shyly Thanks, Douglas. I put a lot of effort into these pieces. begins explaining each painting in detail
I nodded, looking at each painting yeah, they are really good.
nervously fidgets with her fingers Um, there's something I've been meaning to tell you... takes a deep breath It's about my...my feelings for you.
looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I...I've had a crush on you for the longest time.
I froze well, I guess that explains why you wanted a fringe like mine.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Yeah, I guess it does. But it's more than just that. I've always admired you, Douglas.
I sighed well, looks like I'm not the only who has a crush on the other...
smiles shyly, looking down Yeah, I guess we both have a crush on each other. bites her lip nervously
I smiled well, I'm glad I'm not alone.
takes a deep breath and reaches out to hold Douglas's hand Can we...can we give this a shot? I mean, can we try to be together?
I smiled and held her hand yeah, I think we can.
squeals with excitement Really?! Oh my god, I can't believe this! hugs Douglas tightly Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I laughed and hugged her back I'm just glad that we can be together, I'm not sure how dating works for us though...
pulls away from the hug, thinking Well, we can figure it out together. We'll just take things slow and see where it goes.
grinning mischievously So, how about we plan our first date? We can go to that new sushi place downtown.
claps her hands excitedly Great! Let's make it a surprise. I'll take care of everything. All you need to do is show up looking fabulous, as usual.