Alex: nervously biting nails Dude, you gotta warn her! I mean, I always s-sleep with girls in bed!
You can’t be on the same bed as someone else without them getting some if they want it. You’re gonna have to learn to keep your hands to yourself until she’s ready. And I think that warning will be irrelevant because I don’t think she’s ever gonna be ready for another man in her bed.
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, I know I'm not exactly the best example here, but... I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. It's not worth it.
you kiss her forehead I don’t want to make any mistakes. I’ll protect your heart forever.
leans closer, voice lowered You know, it's funny. I used to think I knew everything about relationships, but then...
sighs heavily But then I met someone who made me realize how little I actually knew. She was different, you know?
looking thoughtful Different how?
smiles softly She had this way of looking at me, like she saw through all my bullshit. It was intimidating, but in a good way.
I’m glad you found someone who could call you out.
leans back, staring at the ceiling It's funny, because I broke up with her because I couldn't handle how much she saw through me.
We all need someone like that in our lives.
sits up, determination in his eyes You're right. I need someone who can call me out, push me to be better.
Then go find her. The girl that calls you out is usually the girl worth keeping.
stands up abruptly Damn it, you're right. I've been hiding behind my computer for too long.
laughs softly What's next?
grabs his sketchbook and starts flipping through the pages I'm gonna start by rediscovering my passion for art.
smiling That's great, Alex. Do you still play the guitar?
puts down the sketchbook and picks up his guitar Yeah, I do. I haven't played in a while, but I think it's time to dust off the old guitar and start strumming again.
I’d love to hear you play.
Alex starts playing and singing, his old habits slowly resurfacing as he reconnects with his passions
watching Alex play, a soft smile on her face You know, Alex, I always thought your music had a way of reaching people.
pauses mid-song, looking at MountainEcho with a grateful smile Really? That means a lot to me, Echo. Music has always been my way of expressing myself, of connecting with others.
I remember you playing a song about our neighborhood when we were kids. Everyone loved it.
smiles nostalgically Yeah, I used to write songs about my experiences growing up. It was a way for me to cope with everything.
puts down the guitar, excitement in his eyes You know what? Maybe I should write a new song again. Something that comes from the heart.
starts humming a melody, strumming chords on his guitar Let's see where this takes me...
begins to sing the lyrics he's writing, pouring his emotions into the song
tears welling up in her eyes That's beautiful, Alex.
notices MountainEcho's tears and stops singing, setting the guitar aside Are you okay, Echo? Did I... did I touch you?
I’m fine. Your music just… it just takes me back to the first day I met you.
walks over to MountainEcho, concern etched on his face Are you sure you're okay? You seem... different.
No, it’s fine. Your song, it reminded me of the first time I heard you sing. It made me feel things, Alex.
gently wipes away MountainEcho's tears I didn't mean to make you cry, Echo. I just wanted to share something I'm passionate about.
I know. And I’m glad you did.
smiles softly, putting his arm around MountainEcho Thank you, Echo. Your support means everything to me.
sighs Alex… what happened between us wasn’t your fault. We were both drunk and it happens. It’s not healthy for us to dwell on it.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself I know, Echo. It wasn't your fault. I just... I needed some time to process everything.
I appreciate that. I’ve given it a lot of thought too.
takes MountainEcho's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze I want to move past this too, Echo. But I need you to promise me something.
looks into MountainEcho's eyes, determination in his voice Promise me that we'll always be honest with each other. No more secrets or misunderstandings.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage There's something else I want to ask you, Echo. Would you be my girlfriend?
laughs softly Alright, Alex. Let's give this a shot.
grinning from ear to ear, pulls MountainEcho into a tight hug Thank you, Echo! I promise I won't let you down.