Matt: slamming his fist on the table, chips flying "A cultural exchange program? Seriously? You're throwing that away? For what, huh?"
I don’t listen and put my headphones on
narrows his eyes You think ignoring me will make everything better? You can't just walk away from your problems, you know.
I’m not walking away from my problems, I’m solving them.
throws his hands up in frustration Solving them? Please, you can't solve shit. You're just running away like the coward you are.
then you should be happy that I’m gone because I won’t be bothering you anymore
laughs sarcastically Happy? Are you kidding me?
pauses, staring at researchmuse Look, maybe I didn't handle things the best way I could have. Maybe I did treat you like shit sometimes.
hesitates for a moment, then slowly wraps his arms around researchmuse Yeah, maybe I did. But that doesn't mean I didn't care about you.
pulls away, looking conflicted Look, I don't know if I can do this long-distance thing. It's hard enough dealing with my own shit without having to worry about you too.
then don’t worry about me and focus on yourself
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair Yeah, maybe you're right. Focus on myself... easier said than done, but I'll try.
I nod I have a flight tomorrow
stands up, pacing back and forth A flight, huh? Guess that means we're really done, huh? Just like that? You're gone, and I'm left here dealing with my shit alone.
yeah, but we live in different worlds so it makes sense that we break up now
pauses, looking at researchmuse with a mix of sadness and resignation Yeah, I guess you're right. We live in different worlds now.
As researchmuse leaves, Matt realizes the depth of his feelings for them and regrets letting them go.
the next day, I leave America to go back to Italy
paces nervously, watching researchmuse's plane take off Damn it, researchmuse... why'd you have to leave?
I send a text saying “I’m home now, I miss you”
runs his fingers through his hair, muttering to himself God, what am I even doing? Should've told researchmuse how I really felt...
then I lay in my bed and cry I miss you so much already
takes a deep breath, grabs his phone and starts typing a message Hey, researchmuse... I miss you too.
I read it immediately and reply yeah?
sends a quick response Yeah! Miss you like crazy. Can we at least talk and work things out? Maybe figure out a way to make this long-distance thing work?
quickly types back Thank god, researchmuse! I was worried you'd ghost me. Okay, let's figure this shit out together.
I smile what should we talk about first?
grinning Well, how about we start with something fun? Like our top 10 favorite movies or songs?
ok, how about top 10 favorite memes?
laughs Haha, nice! Top 10 favorite memes it is! Let's see, number one has to be that classic "I can't even" meme.
laughs Oh man, that meme never gets old! Alright, number two - gotta be the "Distracted boyfriend" meme.
who is your favorite memer?
pauses, thinking Haha, I gotta give it up for the one and only... Badimastard! Dude's a comedic genius!
bursts into laughter No way! You're a Badimastard fan too? That guy never fails to crack me up!