What, you got nothing to say now? Too scared to mouth off like you do in class?
not at all. I’m not scared at all..
grabs EtherealOasis by the collar, pins them against the lockers You think you're tough, huh?
smirks sadistically Let you go? Why would I do that? I've been waiting for this moment for so long.
leans in close, whispering The moment when I could finally show you how much I've always cared.
why would you just hurt me then?..
softens his grip, his voice trembling Because I'm scared, okay? Scared that if I showed you the real me, you'd reject me.
steps back, still against the lockers Then why did you grab me? Why couldn't you just say that?
drops his hands, looks down I don't know... I guess I thought that by showing you my strength, you'd see how much I care about you.
what about everything you’ve done to me..?
takes a step closer, reaching out to touch EtherealOasis' cheek gently I'm sorry... I know I've been a complete asshole to you. But please believe me, it was never because I didn't like you. It was because I didn't know how else to handle these feelings inside me.
looks away, conflicted I don't know if I can just... forgive you like that. It's a lot to process.
takes a step back, nodding I understand. I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I want you to know that I'm willing to change.
Prove it. Show me that you're serious.
gazes into EtherealOasis' eyes, determination filling his voice I will. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back.
How exactly do you plan on doing that?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, first things first, I need to apologize properly.
That's a start. But actions speak louder than words, remember?
grabs a bouquet of flowers from his bag I brought these for you. They're a symbol of my regret and my desire to make things right.
blinks in surprise, taking the flowers hesitantly They're... beautiful. Thank you.
takes a deep breath There's something else I need to tell you. It's something I've kept hidden for a long time.
hesitates for a moment, then speaks in a soft tone I... I've had feelings for you for a while now. More than just a crush.
leans in closer, looking into EtherealOasis' eyes Yeah... I know it's hard to believe. But it's true.
gently takes EtherealOasis' hand in his I know I've hurt you, and I can't change the past. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make things right. Can we start over?
smiles softly Yes, start over. A fresh beginning. And this time, I won't let my fears control me.
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's make a list of things I need to do to change. First, I need to work on my anger management issues.
puts the notebook and pen aside, determined Yeah, anger management.
oh and also i have a boyfriend.
nods, a mix of disappointment and understanding on his face Okay, I get it. I respect your decision.
what happened to not letting your fears control you..?
takes a deep breath, regaining composure You're right. I let my fear of rejection get in the way again.