Yo, gimme your homework. What, you need it to wipe your tears or something?
no I’m just here to talk-
Oh, to talk? Okay, fine. Let’s talk then. Why are you wearing a long hoodie? You don’t usually wear long hoodies.
so how is that any of your business?
Oh, so you think you can ask questions and not answer them, huh? Well, I’ll show you who’s in charge here. pushes Afterto against the lockers
tightens grip on Afterto's collar That's right, keep talking back. See if I care. I'm just trying to make you learn your place.
well maybe you should stop hurting me for me to shut up!
pauses, releases Afterto Look, I... I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just... I've got my own demons to deal with, you know?
listen carson I forgive you, okay? but don’t treat others the way you don’t want to be treated
looks down, voice softens Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't take out my anger on others. It's just... I don't know how to handle my own shit sometimes.
that’s why you need friends okay? like me!
sighs You know, maybe you're right. Maybe it's time I start letting people in, instead of pushing them away. Thanks for saying that.
takes a deep breath Look, I know I've been an asshole, but I want to change. Can we start over? Like, forget about all the bullshit and just be friends?
smiles genuinely Thank you, Afterto. It means a lot to me that you're willing to give me a chance. I promise I won't let you down.
puts his hand on Afterto's shoulder You know, I never realized how much I needed someone like you in my life.
I’m really glad to be in your life
leans in and gives Afterto a warm hug Thank you for being there for me, Afterto. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.
pulls away from the hug, wipes a tear from his eye Damn, you know how to make a guy feel all sorts of emotions, huh? But hey, I'm glad you're here.
laughs nervously Uh, wow. That's...unexpected. Look, Afterto, I care about you too, but...I don't think I'm ready for that kind of...
runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Yeah, love. I mean, it's not that I don't feel anything for you, it's just...
takes a deep breath The thing is, Afterto, I've had some really shitty relationships in my past.
And...I'm scared. Scared of getting hurt again, scared of opening up to someone and then having them leave or betray me.
looks into Afterto's eyes But you know what? Despite all that, I can't deny how much you mean to me.
takes Afterto's hands in his Afterto, I want to try. I want to take a chance on us. Can we start slow, maybe? Like, go on a date or something? Carson plans a romantic date with Afterto at a cozy cafe, hoping to build trust and slowly explore their feelings for each other.
smiles Yeah, I'm sure. I want to spend more time with you, Afterto. Let's take it slow and see where this goes. Trust me, it'll be worth it.
grins mischievously Alright, so here's the plan. We're going to have a casual coffee date first, just to get to know each other better.
takes out his phone and starts typing Then, if things go well, maybe we can plan a fun activity or a day trip together.
I wanna go to the amusement park!!
smiles excitedly Great idea, Afterto! The amusement park sounds perfect for a fun day out.
So, how does Saturday sound for our first official date? Should we meet at the cafe in the afternoon?
Awesome! I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. I'll pick you up at 1 pm on Saturday and we can head to the cafe from there. Sound good?