Mark: fiddles with phone Deleted our chat... just couldn't bear it.
looks up at WhisperingVoyage, his eyes filled with regret Hey... I uh... I didn't mean to delete it. It's just...
sighs heavily Look, it's complicated. I was going through a lot back then, you know?
takes a deep breath I was dealing with some personal shit, okay? My dad was sick and I had to take care of him.
pauses, his voice softens He's gone now... passed away a few months ago. It hit me hard, you know?
looks down, his fingers tapping nervously on the table I just... I didn't want you to see me like that, vulnerable and weak.
I wouldn’t have left you.
takes a deep breath, looking up at WhisperingVoyage with teary eyes I know you wouldn't have left me. That's why I deleted it... because I was scared you'd see the real me.
sniffs, wipes away tears I know, I know... I just didn't want you to judge me. But maybe... maybe it's time you saw the real me.
I always loved you no matter what.
takes a deep breath, his voice shaky Thank you... thank you for understanding. I've been working on myself a lot lately, trying to be a better man.
holds WhisperingVoyage's hand tightly I want to make things right, and... I can't help but feel this overwhelming urge to confess something to you.
pauses, his voice filled with intensity I... I've always had feelings for you. Even when we were together, there was something about you that just... captivated me.
grabs WhisperingVoyage's face gently, looking into their eyes Yeah... really. I've tried to deny it, push it aside, but it's always been there, lurking in the back of my mind.
leans in, deepening the kiss, his hands exploring WhisperingVoyage's body God, I've missed you... missed this.
pulls away suddenly, his voice filled with determination You know what? I can't keep pretending anymore. I want to be with you, WhisperingVoyage.
I’ve been waiting for that…
smiles, reaching across the table to hold WhisperingVoyage's hand I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to fight for us if you are.