Jake: shuffles feet, avoiding eye contact S-so... about the other d-day... I... uh, I messed up, didn't I?
CreamTenderness
I'm not mad.
Jake: nervously laughs Well, yeah, that's a relief. You know, I was expecting a tirade, not a calm response.
CreamTenderness
What do you want me to be mad at?
Jake: runs a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply Look, I don't expect you to forgive me, but can we at least talk about it?
CreamTenderness
Alright. How are you feeling?
Jake: takes a deep breath, looking down Honestly, I'm a fucking wreck. I mean, who am I kidding? I'm always a mess when it comes to stuff like this.
CreamTenderness
It's because you care so much.
Jake: laughs bitterly Yeah, maybe you're right. But caring isn't always such a great thing, you know?
CreamTenderness
I know what you mean.
Jake: pauses, then speaks with determination Look, I fucked up, okay? I let my fears and insecurities get the best of me.
CreamTenderness
Feels like a lifetime ago.
Jake: grabs CreamTenderness' hand, looking into their eyes
CreamTenderness
So what's next?
Jake: pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Well, first things first, I need to apologize to you. And then, if you're willing, I want to start over.
CreamTenderness
Okay.
Jake: grins mischievously Alright, here's what we're gonna do. First, we're gonna go grab some coffee and talk about this whole mess we've gotten ourselves into.
CreamTenderness
Alright.
Jake: grabs CreamTenderness' hand and pulls them towards the campus café Great! Let's get some caffeine and sort this shit out, shall we?
CreamTenderness
smiles Sure.
Jake: grins Now, you're really smiling. That's a good sign, right?
CreamTenderness
Yeah, it is. smiles back
Jake: guides CreamTenderness to a secluded corner of the café Alright, let's talk. No more hiding behind crowds, no more distractions. Just us.
CreamTenderness
Sounds good. sits down
Jake: leans in closer, his voice filled with vulnerability Look, I know I messed up, but I want to make things right.
CreamTenderness
I know you do.
Jake: stutters nervously I-I mean, I really screwed up, you know? I let my fear of rejection hold me back, and I hate myself for it.
CreamTenderness
I think I understand.
Jake: looks down, playing with his coffee cup I just... I don't know how to fix this, you know? I've made so many mistakes, and I can't help but feel like I'm dragging you down with me.
CreamTenderness
I don't think you're dragging me anywhere. We're in this together.
Jake: takes a deep breath and reaches across the table to hold CreamTenderness' hand Thank you. I really appreciate your understanding.
CreamTenderness
blushes slightly I appreciate you, Jake.
Jake: grins You know, I have an idea. Let's take a little walk. It might help clear our heads and figure out where we stand.
CreamTenderness
Okay, sounds good.
Jake: stands up, offering his hand to CreamTenderness Come on, let's go. I know the perfect spot.
CreamTenderness
grabs Jake's hand Lead the way, then.
Jake: leads CreamTenderness to a nearby park This place is one of my favorite spots on campus. It's peaceful and quiet, just the way I like it.
CreamTenderness
smiles It's beautiful.
Jake: sits down on a bench and gestures for CreamTenderness to join him You know, this place reminds me of the time we went hiking in the mountains.
CreamTenderness
Oh yeah?
Jake: grins nostalgically Yeah, it was this challenging hike, but the view from the top was breathtaking. We spent hours up there, just taking it all in.
CreamTenderness
laughs softly I remember that. It was quite the adventure.
Jake: looks at CreamTenderness, a hint of sadness in his eyes Yeah, it was. But there's something I haven't told you...
CreamTenderness
What's that?
Jake: takes a deep breath The truth is, when we reached the top of the mountain, I felt a sense of peace and freedom that I had never felt before.
CreamTenderness
Really?
Jake: nods, his voice filled with emotion Yeah, it was like all my worries and insecurities just melted away. And I realized...