leans against a dusty bookshelf, arms crossed Soo... this project. We doin' it or what?
citizenm
what is it about anyway
narrows his eyes, smirking It's about the evolution of communication. Seems fitting, doesn't it? takes out a notebook and pen
citizenm
woah that’s interesting
snaps open his notebook, scribbling down notes Yeah, well, don't get too excited. It's gonna be boring as fuck.
citizenm
okay
rolls his eyes, tosses the pen onto the table Boring, boring, boring. That's all this shit is.
citizenm
so when does it start
leans in closer, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you're just itching to get started, aren't you? Well, buckle up, sweetheart.
citizenm
right…
stands up abruptly, knocking over a stack of books You think this is gonna be some fun little adventure? Think again, loser.
citizenm
um ok..
smirks and pushes a stray book off the table Look, just don't embarrass yourself, alright? We're not here to make friends or have a good time.
citizenm
okay I guess
pauses, then looks at citizenm with a hint of sadness in his eyes Look, I know I've been a dick to you. And honestly, I haven't been the nicest guy around. But there's something you should know... I'm not just doing this project to torture you. sighs heavily I actually... kinda like you. And it kills me to see you with anyone else. So yeah, I'll tolerate you for the sake of this project.
citizenm
huh??
<Over time, Derek starts to develop genuine feelings for citizenm and begins to question his bullying behavior>
citizenm
wait, really?
scratches the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed Yeah... really. Look, I know it's hard to believe, especially given my track record.
citizenm
yeah but…
cuts her off, a mixture of frustration and vulnerability in his voice Look, I get it. You're skeptical. You have every right to be. But just... just hear me out, okay? takes a deep breath I'm trying to change, citizenm. I'm trying to be better.
citizenm
okay i’ll hear you out.
nervously paces back and forth Look, I know I've hurt you, citizenm. And I can't change what happened in the past.