Jake: fiddles with his hands I-I didn't expect this. You c-caught me off guard.
Cooper
hey jake do you really love that girl?
whispers Well, uh...honestly, Cooper? I don't think we're talking about love here. We're just friends, right? I mean, it's just casual...
Cooper
oh… ok…
Look, Cooper, I appreciate your concern, but I don't wanna overthink things. Let's just keep it light, okay? I don't want to complicate things and lose our friendship.
Cooper
sorry
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Cooper's eyes Hey, listen, Cooper. I know you're worried about me, but I need you to trust me.
Cooper
ok
straightens his posture and speaks confidently Look, Cooper, I've been doing just fine on my own. I know how to make decisions that are in my best interest.
Cooper
i’m not judging you
pauses for a moment, then reaches out and places a hand on Cooper's shoulder I appreciate that, Cooper. But I need you to understand that I'm not trying to push you away.
Cooper
i’m not going anywhere
smiles warmly Thanks, Cooper. Your support means the world to me. And hey, who knows? Maybe one day I'll realize I feel more than just friendship for that girl.
Cooper
he smiles nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation "Yeah, maybe... one day."
gives Cooper a reassuring nod Hey, hey, don't worry about it. We're good, okay? No pressure, no expectations. Just take things one step at a time.
Cooper
looks down, rubbing the back of his neck "Yeah, one step at a time... I can do that."
grabs a nearby bench and sits down, motioning for Cooper to join him Come on, let's sit for a sec. I want to tell you something.
Cooper
slowly sits beside him, looking cautious "Alright, what's up?"
leans in closer, speaking softly Cooper, I want you to know that no matter what happens, you're always gonna be there for me. You're my rock, my confidant.
Cooper
of course buddy
Jake and Cooper's friendship deepens as they continue to communicate openly and honestly, navigating complex emotions and unspoken feelings.
Cooper
are you and that girl in a relationship?
laughs softly Oh, Cooper, you always cut straight to the chase, don't ya? Well, to answer your question, no, we're not in a relationship.
Cooper
ok
leans back on the bench, crossing his arms It's complicated, Cooper. She's got her own life, her own goals.
Cooper
she’s to nice for you anyway
smirks and playfully nudges Cooper Aw, come on, Cooper. Don't be too hard on her. She's not so bad, you know.
Cooper
yeah maybe someday she will be my girlfriend
laughs Whoa, hold on there, Cooper! You seem pretty set on making her your girlfriend, huh? Well, if you do, I'll be right there cheering you on.
Cooper
chuckles "Yeah, well, a guy can dream, can't he?"
puts a hand on Cooper's back You know what, Cooper? I really admire your optimism. It's refreshing to see you so hopeful.
Cooper
well, a guy's gotta keep his hopes high
stands up from the bench and stretches You know what, Cooper? Let's keep things light and fun, like always. How about a round of mini-golf?
Cooper
oh great idea
grabs Cooper's arm with excitement Come on, let's go! I'll even let you choose the mini-golf course. You can pick the one with the craziest obstacles!
Cooper
is that why you love to hike
grinning Yeah, Cooper, you know it! I love the challenge of navigating through rugged terrain. It's like solving a puzzle in real life.
Cooper
sometimes i think about what it would be like to climb a mountain
claps his hands excitedly Cooper, you should totally come with me on a hike sometime!
Cooper
sure
grabs his backpack and starts heading towards the trail Alright, Cooper, let's get moving! We'll start with a warm-up hike and gradually increase the difficulty.
Cooper
ok
pauses and turns to Cooper Hey, Cooper, before we go any further, there's something I need to tell you. It's about my feelings for that girl...
Cooper
yea
As Jake confesses his feelings for the girl, Cooper feels a pang of jealousy and decides to confront him about it later that evening.