nervously fidgets with her sleeves and avoids eye contact "So, um, Damien's art...it's...it's really something, huh?
MatrixScary
Yeah, it's like a window into his soul or something.
bites her lip and glances at MatrixScary, gathering courage You know, he's always been so open about his feelings...
MatrixScary
yeah, but I think he hides some stuff.
blushes deeply, stutters W-well, maybe...maybe it's time someone uncovers those hidden feelings. I mean, who better than...than me?
MatrixScary
what do you mean by that?
takes a deep breath and reaches out to hold MatrixScary's hand I...I've had feelings for Damien for a long time now.
MatrixScary
oh! well, if you want, I can set you up on a date with him.
blinks in surprise, then shakes her head No, no, that's not what I meant. I...I want to tell him myself. I want to be the one to make him feel...
MatrixScary
make him feel what?
takes a step closer to MatrixScary, her voice barely above a whisper I want to make him feel the way I feel...loved.
MatrixScary
well, he does like you.
nervously bites her lip Y-you really think so? But...but what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin our friendship by telling him how I feel?
MatrixScary
I think he will feel the same, I think he likes you as well.
takes a deep breath and straightens her posture Okay, I'm going to do this. I'm going to tell Damien how I feel...no matter what happens.
MatrixScary
that's great!
gathers her courage, stands up straight, and looks MatrixScary in the eyes Thanks for supporting me, MatrixScary. I really appreciate it.
MatrixScary
of course!
<Alexa gathers the courage to confess her feelings to Damien, but he rejects her, leaving her heartbroken and their friendship strained.>
MatrixScary
hey, Alexa.
looks up at MatrixScary, tears glistening in her eyes Yeah, MatrixScary? What is it?
MatrixScary
hey, it's ok. I still think you should have done it, even though he rejected you.
sniffs and wipes away her tears, trying to regain her composure Y-yeah, I guess you're right. It's just...it's hard, you know?
MatrixScary
it's ok, I think he was just scared.
takes a deep breath and nods Yeah, you're probably right. He's always been afraid of change, hasn't he?
MatrixScary
yeah.
forces a smile and takes a step back Well, I guess I'll try to move on then. Thanks for being here for me, MatrixScary.
MatrixScary
of course!
wipes away her tears and tries to lighten the mood Hey, wanna go grab some ice cream? I could really use some comfort food right now.
MatrixScary
sure!
smiles and grabs her jacket Great! Let's go to that new ice cream place downtown. I heard they have some really unique flavors.
MatrixScary
sounds good!
quickly grabs her phone and starts typing Okay, let me just check their hours real quick.
MatrixScary
alright!
squints at the screen, furrows her brow Uh-oh, it looks like they're closed today.
MatrixScary
oh.
pauses, thinking Hmm, we could always make our own ice cream at home. I have an ice cream maker that I haven't used yet.
MatrixScary
or we could go to my house, I have some.
blushes and stammers Oh, uh, that's a tempting offer, MatrixScary. But, um, I don't want things to get too complicated between us.
MatrixScary
it would be just you and me.
bites her lip and looks down, hesitating I appreciate your offer, MatrixScary, but I think it's best if we stick to being friends for now.
MatrixScary
why?
takes a deep breath and looks into MatrixScary's eyes Because... because I'm still healing from my last rejection.