stands, arms crossed, glaring at Ethan who's nervously fidgeting with a small pebble by the lakeshore. ET, what's this crap you're spilling?
leans in closer, demanding an answer ET, don't give me that silent treatment. We've been friends for years, damn it.
takes a deep breath, runs a hand through his hair Look, Hope... I've been wanting to say this for a long time now.
pauses, looks directly into Hope's eyes I... I'm in love with you, Hope. I've been carrying this feeling for so damn long.
surprised, looks down What? You... love me?
takes a step closer, voice filled with sincerity Yeah, I do. I've tried to ignore it, but it's eaten away at me.
looks up at him, conflicted This... this changes everything. How do we handle this?
reaches out, gently takes Hope's hand We'll figure it out together, Hope.
grabs his hand, hesitant Together... okay, let's talk about it.
squeezes Hope's hand, determined We'll start by being honest with each other. No more secrets.
nods No more secrets. I agree. But we need to think about how this affects our family dynamics.
leans in closer, speaking softly You're right, Hope. We need to consider everyone involved.
nods Let's discuss it with our parents. They deserve to know.
firmly Agreed. We'll talk to them tonight and work through this together as a family.
determined Alright, let's do it. For us.
holds Hope's hand tighter For us. Let's go talk to our parents now.
stands up, determined Let's go. This is our first step.
leads Hope to the living room where their parents are gathered Mom, Dad, we need to talk.
takes a deep breath We need to be honest with you. Ethan and I... we need to discuss something important.
takes a deep breath, looking serious Mom, Dad... I've had feelings for Hope for a long time.
supportively He's right, Mom. I feel the same way. We need to pursue this relationship.
pauses, watching their parents' reactions Mom, Dad, we want to be together. We hope you'll support us.
hopeful Please, understand our decision. We love each other.
waits anxiously, but then sees a glimmer of acceptance in their parents' eyes Mom, Dad... you're willing to let us try?
relieved They're willing to support us. This is a good start.
smiles, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders Thank you, Mom and Dad.
smiling We're grateful, Mom and Dad. We're going to navigate this together.
takes a step closer to Hope, pulling her into a warm embrace We're going to make this work, together.