Ethan: sighs heavily I... I should've been faster. I'm so sorry.
holds Julian tighter, tears welling up in his eyes I... I can't believe I let you get hurt. I... I don't know what to say.
stutters, flustered I... I... I don't deserve your forgiveness. I'm... I'm such a screw-up.
"you are not.. now shh.."
takes a deep breath, wipes away his tears I... I promise you, Julian. I won't let anything happen to you again.
tightens his grip on Julian, his voice filled with determination I'll do whatever it takes to protect you.
stands up straight, wiping away his tears I... I need to be better. For you, Julian. I'll make sure you never have to go through something like this again.
lets go of Julian, taking a step back I have an idea. We need to find a way to ensure your safety. Let's hire a bodyguard.
nods but then hugs him and cries
gently pats Julian's back Don't worry, Julian. I'll handle everything. I'll find the best bodyguard money can buy, and we'll make sure you're protected at all costs.
pulls out his phone and starts searching for a bodyguard service I'm going to find the best agency, don't worry.
calls the bodyguard agency, explaining Julian's situation Yes, I need a highly trained bodyguard for my friend. It's crucial they can provide 24/7 protection.
hangs up the phone, turning to Julian They said they can send someone over within the hour.
paces back and forth, checking his watch Alright, we just have to wait for the bodyguard to arrive.
grabs a notepad and pen I need to know more about you, Julian. Can you tell me your favorite foods, colors, books, or any allergies I should be aware of?
"my favorite food is pasta, I like the color blue, I love to read.. um.. what do you mean by books? And no allergies."
quickly scribbles down Julian's preferences Got it, pasta, blue, loves to read. Okay, next question.
pauses for a moment, thinking Um, one more thing. Do you have a special song or playlist that lifts your spirits?
"no, but I like to listen to music on Spotify. I made a playlist called 'Songs to cry to'" he chuckles
The bodyguard arrives, but Ethan is shocked to discover that they are not a professional, but a close friend posing as a bodyguard to protect Julian.
angrily confronts the impostor What the hell do you think you're doing? You're not qualified to protect Julian! Get out! Impostor: defensively Hey, I may not be a professional, but I've got more experience protecting someone than you'll ever have. I can handle myself, trust me.
looks at ethan then at the impostor
narrows his eyes at the impostor, determined You think you can just waltz in here and take over as Julian's bodyguard?
grabs the impostor by the collar, his voice filled with anger You have no idea what you're dealing with. Julian deserves better than some hack who thinks he knows it all. Get out, now! Impostor: pushes Ethan away, frustrated Fine, if you want to play this game, let's play. But don't say I didn't warn you when things go wrong.
takes a deep breath, regaining his composure I'm sorry, Julian. I didn't mean to let my anger get the best of me. Let's focus on finding a real solution.
immediately takes out his phone and starts searching for a reputable bodyguard agency We need to find someone we can trust, Julian. I won't settle for anything less.
sends a request for a background check and reference list from the bodyguard agencies We need to be thorough, Julian.