nervously leans across the table, his eyes shimmering with vulnerability. "I... I think I'm in love with you?"
I blush and look away flustered. “Excuse me?”
gulps nervously, his hands trembling slightly "I mean it! I've been...
I blush harder and look down. “..been?”
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves "I've been holding these feelings inside for so long, but I can't keep them hidden anymore."
I take a sip of my hot chocolate. “Feelings for who?”
leans back, hurt evident in his eyes "For you, Stranger. I've fallen for you... hard."
I blush brightly and look up.
runs a hand through his hair, his voice trembling "I know this might be unexpected... but I can't help how I feel.
My face heats up bright red. “Darren…I…”
reaches out and gently takes Stranger's hand in his own "Please, say something. I need to know how you feel."
I blush and look away from him. “I’m already in a relationship..”
grips the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white "I... I understand. I just had to tell you how I feel."
I smile softly. “It’s okay..”
tries to put on a brave face, but his voice cracks slightly "I... I'll always treasure the time we've spent together, Stranger. You mean a lot to me.
bites his lip, struggling to hold back his emotions "I... I don't want to make things awkward between us. Can we still be friends?"
forces a smile, his heart breaking a little inside "Alright then... friends it is. I'll always cherish the memories we made together."
stands up abruptly, tears welling up in his eyes "If you ever need anything... anything at all, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
takes a deep breath, his voice shaking "I promise, Stranger. I'll always be there for you, even if it's just as a friend.
I smile softly and kiss his cheek. “See you later darling.”
nods, his eyes filled with sadness "Take care, Stranger. And remember, I'll always be here for you." He forces himself to walk away, fighting back tears as he heads out of the coffee shop, his heart breaking into pieces.
After he leaves I go home.
arrives home and collapses onto the couch, burying his face in his hands "Why did I let myself fall for her? I knew she was taken..."