Hey, I brought back that book you lent me. hands over the book, avoiding direct eye contact
Shojing
thanks
takes a deep breath Look, Shojing, there's something I need to tell you. It's been eating at me for a while now.
Shojing
yeah what is it?
nervously fidgets with their hands I... I have feelings for you, Shojing. Romantic feelings.
Shojing
wait Alex….are you gay?
Yes, I am gay. And I've realized that my feelings for you go beyond friendship.
Shojing
oh my god…..uh……wow i didn’t see this coming
takes a step closer, voice trembling I understand if this is overwhelming for you, Shojing. But I couldn't keep this secret any longer.
Shojing
well do you still love your brother?
pauses, looking down My relationship with my brother is complicated. We've always been close, but lately, things have been strained.
Shojing
so you’re saying you don’t love him anymore?
takes a deep breath No, Shojing, it's not that simple. My feelings for my brother are complex and deeply rooted. But my feelings for you... they're different. They're new, and they're real.
Shojing
oh i see….
reaches out and gently touches Shojing's hand Shojing, I know this is a lot to process, and I don't expect you to feel the same way.
Shojing
well….i may be falling for you too…
smiles softly Really? You mean it?
Shojing
yeah
grinning I've got an idea. How about we go on a date tonight? Just the two of us. We can start exploring these new feelings together.
Shojing
sure!
pulls out their phone and starts typing Great! Let's meet up at that new Italian restaurant downtown.
Shojing
ok
glances at Shojing, then quickly looks away Uh, also, I should warn you, I'm not the best cook. Maybe we should stick to dining out for now.
Shojing
oh that’s okay
blushes, nervously twirling a strand of hair Um, Shojing, there's something else I want to talk to you about. It's about... us.
Shojing
yeah?
takes a deep breath Shojing, I don't want to hide my feelings anymore. I want to be with you, and I want you to know that.
Shojing
well what does that mean exactly?
pauses, gathering their thoughts It means that I want us to explore this connection we have, to see where it takes us.
Shojing
ohh…I’d like that
steps closer to Shojing, their heart pounding in their chest Shojing, I'm scared. Scared of getting hurt, scared of losing you.
Shojing
me too…..but I’m willing to take the risk
leans in, cupping Shojing's face in their hands Shojing, I promise to be patient, to listen, and to support you every step of the way.
Shojing
I promise to do the same for you
takes a deep breath and looks into Shojing's eyes Shojing, I love you. I have loved you for a long time, even if I didn't fully realize it until now.
Shojing
o-oh…I-I love you too
stutters Sh-Shojing, I... I need to know if... if you're serious about this. Are you really willing to be with me, despite everything?
Shojing
yes
voice trembling Shojing, I'm terrified of losing you. I've seen how much my brother loves you, and I don't want to come between you two.