pulls away from the girl suddenly, cheeks flushed Uh, babe, this—is not what it looks like, swear.
stares at Toji, hurt Really? You expect me to believe that? After a year together?
Look, babe, I messed up, okay? I let my emotions get the best of me and... runs a hand through his hair
tears welling up How could you? I thought we had something real!
Babe, please, let me explain. That girl—she wasn't serious. She was just...
anger rising Just what? Was she just a passing fancy?
frustrated, raises his voice No, damn it! She wasn't just a passing fancy.
turns away, wiping tears Then why were you kissing her, Toji? Why?
Because... because I was drunk and confused, alright? loosens up his shirt collar
shakes head And you thought getting drunk would fix everything?
takes a step closer, desperation in his eyes No, babe, I never wanted to hurt you.
steps back I can't believe this... I need space, Toji.
grabs a nearby chair and sits down, running his hands through his hair Alright, fine. Space... I'll give you space.
storms out of the room I'm going home.
releases a heavy sigh, looking down I hope you find peace, babe. whispers to himself I hope I do too.
goes to their car and drives off
sits alone, staring at the ceiling Maybe now I can finally figure out what I want... without hurting someone else.
texts Toji We need to talk about our future later. -FS
reads the text message, takes a deep breath Alright, I'm ready to face it. No more running away.
arrives at a café, waiting for Toji
walks into the café, spots FantasySunsets and approaches cautiously Hey, babe. Let's talk.
nods, setting down her coffee cup Let's start with the truth, Toji.
takes a deep breath and sits down across from FantasySunsets Alright, I'm ready. The truth is...
...I've been struggling with my own feelings for a while now. I didn't know how to handle them, so I turned to alcohol.
So that's why you got drunk last night?
Yeah. I thought it would numb the pain, but it only made things worse. I realized I need to confront my feelings... with or without alcohol.
Do you have any idea what you want now?
pauses, thinking I want to make things right between us. I want to be honest and work through our problems together.
That's a start. But we need to set some ground rules.
nods, understanding Agreed. What are your rules?
First, no more lying. Second, we communicate everything. And third, we take things one step at a time.
smiles slightly I can agree to those rules. No more lies, open communication, and taking it one step at a time. Deal?
Deal. extends hand for a handshake Let's move forward from here.
shakes FantasySunsets's hand firmly Forward. Together.