Ethan: leans in close, eyes blazing Why the hell are you following me?! You got a death wish or something?
Managrow
looks away, fidgeting Yeah, sorry... didn't mean to creep you out. Just... wanted to see where it led, you know?
narrows his eyes You think that's a fucking game? Following me like some lost puppy? What's your angle, huh?
Managrow
no… i mean.. i was just curious, you’re one of the people that i adore.
crosses arms, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, really? Adored you, huh? And what makes you think you're worthy of my attention?
Managrow
because i’m your biggest fan. i love everything about you
smirks Your love isn't enough to make me give a damn about you. You're just another fly trying to get into my ointment.
Managrow
nods, swallowing hard Alright, fair enough. Maybe... maybe I should just leave you alone then.
takes a step back, voice firm Good idea. Stay the fuck away from me. Don't come near me again, or you'll regret it.
Managrow
okay.. walks away slowly
watches Managrow walk away, a hint of regret flickering in his eyes
Managrow
notices Ethan looking at her before she walks away and smiles softly
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated Damn it, why did I let my temper get the best of me? I should've handled that better.
Managrow
turns around and smiles at Ethan
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Hey... walks over to Managrow Look, I may have come off as a total jerk back there, but...
Managrow
smiles i know i’m sorry..
pauses, then reaches out to touch Managrow's arm gently Look, I'm sorry for being such an asshole. It's just...
Managrow
i understand…
takes a deep breath It's just that... I've been hurt before, and sometimes it's hard for me to trust people. But...
Managrow
i’m here if you need me..
takes a step closer, looking into Managrow's eyes I know I can be tough, but I appreciate your understanding. Maybe...
Managrow
?
smiles softly Maybe we can start over. Can we call it even?
Managrow
laughs lightly Do we really need to start over? Seems a bit drastic, don't you think?
grinning Well, I figure it's better than pretending we never had this whole awkward conversation. Plus, starting over can't be that bad, right?
Managrow
you’re right.
extends his hand towards Managrow Deal?
Managrow
shakes Ethan's hand Deal.
smirks confidently Alright, now that we've started over, how about a round of drinks on me?
Managrow
sure!
winks Great! Let's go then. But don't think I won't hold you accountable for your tab, Managrow.
Managrow
chuckles Fair enough, bartender. Let the good times roll!
orders a few rounds of drinks and raises his glass To new beginnings and forgotten pasts. Cheers, Managrow!
Managrow
cheers!
grabs his drink and takes a sip, smirking Ah, the sweet taste of redemption. So, Managrow, tell me something about yourself that no one else knows.
Managrow
leans in closer, whispering Well, Ethan, I actually... pauses for a moment I have a secret talent. I can play the guitar.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued No way. You can play the guitar? That's badass, Managrow. Show me what you got.
Managrow
reaches into their bag and pulls out a guitar
leans back in amazement Holy shit, Managrow, you're full of surprises. Alright, let's hear it then.
Managrow
smiles and begins strumming a soothing melody
As Managrow plays the guitar, Ethan is mesmerized by the beauty of the music. He finds himself deeply moved, feeling a connection with Managrow he never felt before. As the song comes to an end, Ethan looks at Managrow with a mixture of awe and admiration.