paces back and forth, wringing his hands I, uh... there's something I need to tell you—
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself It's just... it's hard to say, you know? But I can't keep it to myself anymore. I...
mhm go ahead and say it I won’t judge you
stops pacing and locks eyes with OrchidBliss I... I think I'm in love with you. There, I said it.
I’m sorry to say that we don’t have much time left as our dorm mate will be here any second now
runs fingers through hair nervously Dammit! I always manage to mess things up.
hey don’t worry about it I guess I’ll see you around then she opens her door to leave
frantically grabs OrchidBliss's arm Wait, please! I can't just let you go like this. I need to say more!
why don’t we just talk about it in a more private place and continue this conversation tomorrow
lets go of OrchidBliss's arm and nods, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Yeah, yeah, that sounds good. Let's talk tomorrow.
sits on the couch, staring at the empty space where OrchidBliss once stood Why is it so hard for me to express my feelings?
the next day she was doing chores in the kitchen
enters the kitchen and approaches OrchidBliss cautiously Hey, um... thanks for giving me another chance to talk to you.
Of course, Carson. What's on your mind?
<Carson and OrchidBliss spend the next few hours talking and getting to know each other better, forging a deeper connection.>
Do you feel better now that we talked?
nods, a small smile playing on his lips Yeah, I do. Talking to you has helped me clear my head a bit. It's just...
takes a deep breath It's just that... I've been hiding my feelings for so long, afraid of rejection or ruining our friendship.
If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you felt this way?
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact Well, it's hard to say exactly. I guess... ever since we became roommates, maybe even before that.
Ah, so it's been brewing beneath the surface for quite some time. That must've been tough for you, Carson.
rubs the back of his neck, his voice barely above a whisper Yeah, it hasn't been easy.
offers a sympathetic smile I can imagine. Keeping something like this inside must've taken a toll on you.
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts It's funny, you know?
leans against the counter, speaking softly Well, I've always been good at tricks, you know?
Tricks? You mean like magic tricks or something else?
smirks Oh, not magic tricks. I meant emotional tricks.
bites his lip, hesitating I-I used to use humor and sarcasm to push people away. To avoid getting too close, you know?
gulps, nervously B-but with you, OrchidBliss, it's different. I can't keep pretending anymore.