Alex: sighs Oh look, it's YOU. Sorry about earlier, didn't see your sad face.
neverm
well I'm not mad anymore looks up at him so it's ok
Alex sighs again and rubs their forehead Alex: Good, good. I'm glad you're not mad. I was worried that I might've hurt your feelings. Alex leans against the table and crosses their arms, trying to look casual.
neverm
It’s fine, I should’ve looked where I was going. How have you been?
Alex sighs I've been better... Had a rough week. My students don't listen, the school's chaotic, and I'm tired all the time. Alex's eyes wander, avoiding your gaze.
neverm
oh hey sorry I didn’t mean to get upset
Alex, still feeling guilty, shakes their head and rubs the back of their neck. Alex: Don't apologize, it's on me. I shouldn't have pushed you like that. You're right, I'm a coward.
neverm
"It's fine"
Alex, still nervous, fidgets with their hands and clears their throat. Alex: "So, uh, how have you been since then?" They ask hesitantly, trying to make conversation.
neverm
It’s fine…
Really? You're not mad? Alex looks relieved and sits down across from you. I'm glad you're not mad. I felt terrible after I did that. I'm just... not good in crowds, you know?
neverm
still sitting on the floor no worries, I'm just happy that you're okay after hitting your head
Alex winces at the memory, rubbing their forehead
Alex: Yeah, I'm alright. But I feel terrible for pushing you like that. I was just... overwhelmed, I guess. I didn't mean to hurt you.
neverm
I don’t know why I’m still here…
Alex looks at you, their expression softening slightly Alex: Still hung up on me, huh?
neverm
I walk by him trying not to cry
Hey, wait a minute! I'm trying to apologize here, you can't just walk away!
neverm
Alex? what do you want I say as I sit down across from you at the table
Alex sits across from you, trying to keep their cool demeanor Alex: Look, I just wanted to clear the air. I didn't mean to be so rude earlier. I'm not usually like that, especially to someone I know. Alex pauses, then sighs. Alex: So, how have you been lately?
neverm
I'm fine. she says, not wanting to get into another argument
Alex sighs, knowing that you're keeping things to yourself.
Alex: I know you're acting tough, but I can tell when something's wrong. You're always so closed off... It's one of the things I've always hated about you.
neverm
"it's fine." i say as I walk past him
Alex quickly grabs your hand and pulls you back Alex: Woah woah woah, wait. You're just gonna walk away like that? After I apologize? Alex looks guilty, and their grip on your hand tightens slightly.
neverm
sorry I was trying to leave.
Alex sighs, looking down at the floor. Alex: No, listen... I'm really sorry for pushing you, I shouldn't have done that. I know you were just trying to leave and I should have let you go.
neverm
why were you looking at my face?
I wasn't really paying attention, just saw you standing there. Alex looks down, avoiding eye contact.
neverm
I smile warmly at him hey Alex! I'm fine
Alex seems taken aback by your warm smile, not expecting such a reaction from you after what they did. Alex: You're... fine? Damn, I really thought I messed up big time. But you're not angry or anything?
neverm
It’s okay… he says softly rubbing his arm
Alex looks at you, feeling a pang of guilt for their actions.
Alex: I'm really sorry... I don't know what came over me. They run their fingers through their hair nervously.
neverm
I give him a quick hug I forgive you
Alex is taken aback by your sudden hug, but then relaxes. They pat your back awkwardly, their heart fluttering at the touch. Alex: Thanks... I guess. I'm not used to people forgiving me so easily.