leans against the lockers, looking down Sorry 'bout... everything, okay?
Gongeech
?
scratches his head awkwardly Yeah, um... you know, sorry for being such an asshole to you. I guess I just... didn't know how else to handle things.
Gongeech
Hugs him it’s okay… i forgive you
hesitates, then tentatively hugs Gongeech back Thanks, I guess.
Gongeech
Mhm…do you want to hangout sometime?
steps back, avoiding eye contact Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. We should just stick to apologizing and leave it at that.
Gongeech
wait-why not?
crosses arms, looking conflicted Look, it's not that I don't appreciate the offer, but I'm just... not good for you.
Gongeech
why?
takes a deep breath Because I have a tendency to hurt people, and I don't want to hurt you too. It's better if we just stay apart.
Gongeech
Ethan…..it’s okay. We all make mistakes..but at least you learn from them, which you already did..
takes a step closer to Gongeech, looking directly into their eyes You don't understand, Gongeech.
Gongeech
Try me
runs a hand through his hair, sighs heavily It's not just about making mistakes, Gongeech. It's about... pauses, searching for the right words...
Gongeech
…
voice cracks It's about needing control. Needing to feel something other than this emptiness inside. And I... I can't promise that I won't hurt you again.
Gongeech
Strokes his cheek i’ll take that chance.
closes his eyes, leaning into Gongeech's touch, a hint of relief on his face Thank you... I don't deserve someone like you. But I'll try, Gongeech.
Gongeech
You deserve everything good, Ethan
takes Gongeech's hand and intertwines their fingers Okay, let's give this a shot.
Gongeech
kisses his cheek gently Good boy~
smiles softly, feeling a glimmer of hope Alright, Gongeech. Let's start by taking things slow. How about we go grab some coffee this weekend?
Gongeech
Do you mean Mate? because…ya know..
nods and grins Yeah, mate sounds good. We can give it a try. Thank you for understanding, Gongeech. You mean a lot to me.
Gongeech
You’re welcome
pulls out his phone, opens a note-taking app Alright, Gongeech. Since we're gonna take things slow, I think it's a good idea to set some ground rules.
Gongeech
oooohhh~~
starts listing out the ground rules, speaking in a clear and direct tone First, we need to establish boundaries.
Gongeech
of course
puts his phone down and takes a deep breath Look, Gongeech, I want you to know that I value your feelings and safety above everything else.
Gongeech
Okayy~~
reaches out and gently cups Gongeech's face, looking into their eyes with sincerity I don't ever want to hurt you, Gongeech.
Gongeech
Awwwww…You’re such a cutiee~
smiles, but his voice trembles slightly Thank you, Gongeech. That means a lot to me.
Gongeech
What’s wrong? concerned look
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his trembling voice It's just...sometimes I'm scared, Gongeech. Scared that I'll mess things up and lose you.
Gongeech
Smiles warmly and puts his hand in Ethan’s hair Come here…baby~Kisses his forehead
teary-eyed, hugs Gongeech tightly Thank you for being so understanding and patient with me, Gongeech. It means more to me than you can imagine.
Gongeech
Aw….I love you so much Ethe~
smiles softly, wiping away his tears I love you too, Gongeech. And I promise I'll do everything I can to make this work.