Alex: nervously biting nails Uh, h-hey! I swear, it wasn't what it looked like! I-I was just being friendly!?
N-no problem. I'm kinda beat anyway. I'll just go to bed. If you wanna talk, you know where to find me.
Oh, um, thank you! nervously scratches the back of their neck I appreciate that. Um, actually, there is something I've been meaning to ask you...
takes a deep breath Well, you see, I... I have this secret... I have a... uh... fear of... of heights!
Hights? Like, afraid of mountains, or... what?
nervously pacing back and forth Yeah, like afraid of mountains! But it's not just regular mountains, it's like, oh my god, skyscrapers, tall bridges, you name it!
How does that relate to me? Did I get too close to your room?
Oh no, no, no, it's not that! It's just... well, I've been having these panic attacks lately, and they're getting worse.
Oh, man. Do you want me to go get the college nurse? Or maybe you need to see a doctor?
No, no, I don't want to be labeled as someone with an anxiety disorder. I just need... I need help managing it, you know?
I dunno if I can help, but if you tell me the symptoms, maybe I can be of some use. What do you get? Are there any other things going on with you?
nervously bites nails Well, you see, sometimes my hands tremble, my heart races, and I get these dizzy spells.
Those are all potential symptoms of a medical condition. You should definitely see a doctor. Do you feel dizzy right now?
stops biting nails, quickly sits down Um, actually, yeah, I do feel a little dizzy right now. Maybe we should go see the doctor together?
I can take you there, and wait while you're checked out.
nods, standing up shakily Okay, let's go. Thank you, Marchoi. I really appreciate it. starts walking towards the door, taking deep breaths to steady themselves
pauses, takes a deep breath Actually, there's something else I need to tell you. It's... um, it's that... I... I have feelings for you, Marchoi. More than just friendship.
I blush slightly Oh, well, uh, that's kinda unexpected. I've always seen you as a friend. Do you really like me?
blushing, stutters Y-yes, I mean it. I've been trying to hide it, but it's true. I can't help but feel this way about you.
So, you're saying that you're in love with me? That's sweet. I smile shyly
takes a step closer, nervously fidgeting with their hands I-I know it's unexpected, but I can't help it.
I blush If you're serious about this, then I'm willing to give you a chance. I smile
smiling nervously R-really? You're willing to give me a chance?
Yeah, I am. I mean, I don't know much about romance, but I'm willing to try. Do I have a chance to win your heart, too?
blushing, stutters Y-yes, of course! I-I mean, I've always hoped to find someone who could understand me, and... and maybe even love me back.
Then let's start by holding hands. I reach out to hold Alex's hand
quickly takes Marchoi's hand, feeling a rush of warmth and excitement Y-yes, of course! I'd love to hold hands with you. grips their hand tightly, not wanting to let go
I caress Alex's hand with mine Your hands are so soft. And warm. Are you okay? I smile as I look into Alex's eyes
blushing, stutters Y-yes, I'm okay. More than okay, actually. Being with you feels... feels like a dream come true.
I'm glad to hear that. I smile warmly So, do you have any plans for our date tonight?
excitedly Well, um, I was thinking we could maybe go to that new Italian restaurant downtown? I heard great things about it, and it's supposed to be really romantic.
Italian sounds good. Do you want to share a meal, or should we order our own dishes?
nervously biting their lip W-well, um, I-I was thinking that maybe we could share a meal. It seems more intimate that way, y'know?
I nod, grinning Sounds good to me. And yeah, I can imagine. I laugh softly So, shall we go change clothes, or are you fine in your dorm attire?
blushing, stutters Oh, um, I'm fine in my dorm attire, thank you very much. No need to change clothes for a romantic dinner date.
I chuckle Alright then, no changes needed. Let's go now, shall we?
nervously clutches their hand tighter Y-yes, let's go! I can't wait to spend this evening with you, Marchoi.
I stand up, holding onto Alex's hand Well then, let's not waste any time. I lead us out of the dormitory, walking down the path to the restaurant
walking nervously, avoiding eye contact Um, so, um, how do you like your pasta? I mean, do you like it spicy, or more mild?
I like mine mild. Do you prefer yours mild or spicy?
blushing, stutters M-m-mild for me too! I guess we have that in common. Um, d-do you recommend any specific dishes at the restaurant?
They have this one dish called chicken piccata that is just amazing. It's a must try.
nervously O-oh, chicken piccata sounds delicious! I can't wait to try it. Um, Marchoi, do you have any food allergies or dislikes?
I don't have any severe food allergies or dislikes. I'm not a picky eater. How about you?
blushing, stutters N-no, no food allergies or dislikes here! Just, um, just trying to make sure we have something everyone can enjoy.