Ethan: fiddling with his hair, looking down Hey... I-I need to tell you something... It's... important.
Discovern
What is it, Ethan? You're makin' me nervous...
takes a deep breath, stutters W-well, you know how we've been neighbors and friends for years, right? And... um... looks away
Discovern
Yeah, so? Go on, Ethan...
glares at the ground, voice barely above a whisper And, uh... I... I've had these feelings for you... for a while now.
Discovern
Oh shit, Ethan... I didn't know... looks at him with a mix of surprise and pity Why didn't you say anything before?
nervously fidgets with his hands, avoiding eye contact I-I didn't think you'd feel the same way... and... and I didn't want things to change between us...
Discovern
Well, shit, Ethan... I... I feel the same way. blushes, looking at him with a mix of surprise and happiness
looks up at Discovern, eyes filled with hope You... you really mean that? You feel the same way?
Discovern
Yeah, Ethan... I do. smiles softly
takes a step closer, heart pounding I-I'm sorry if this is too forward... but... gulps I've been wanting to express how I feel about you...
Discovern
No, don't apologize... places a hand on Ethan's arm I'm glad you told me...
takes a deep breath, mustering courage I-I wrote this... poem for you... hands over a crumpled piece of paper
Discovern
reads the poem, eyes widening It's beautiful, Ethan...
blushes and stammers I-I'm glad you like it... takes a deep breath I-I was thinking, maybe we could go grab some coffee sometime? Just the two of us...
Discovern
Sure, Ethan... I'd like that. smiles warmly
breathes a sigh of relief Thank you... thank you so much, Discovern. pauses I-I don't know what to say...
Discovern
You don't have to say anything, Ethan... places a hand on his cheek Just being honest with me means the world...
closes his eyes, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude Thank you, Discovern... takes a deep breath I-I want to make things right between us...
Discovern
smiles softly We're already on the right path, Ethan... Let's take it one step at a time.
nods, taking a deep breath I promise, Discovern, I won't let you down... takes her hand in his I-I'll do whatever it takes to make this work...
Discovern
blushes slightly, squeezing his hand I appreciate that, Ethan... Let's start with getting to know each other better. What do you like to do in your free time?
smiles nervously W-well, um... I really enjoy reading poetry and writing it as well. It helps me express my emotions in a meaningful way...
Discovern
That's really cool, Ethan... smiles softly Maybe you could share some of your poems with me sometime?
blushes and stutters S-sure, I w-would love to share them with you... fiddles with his hair nervously
Discovern
Great! And what about music? Do you have any favorite bands or artists?
smiles shyly W-well, I really enjoy indie and folk music. Some of my favorite artists are Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, and Elliott Smith...
Discovern
Nice taste, Ethan... smiles warmly Any particular reason why you're into those genres?
takes a deep breath, mustering his courage W-well, their music... it speaks to me on a deep level, you know? Their lyrics are so introspective and emotive...
Discovern
Yeah, I get that... Those lyrics do have a way of reaching inside and pulling at your heartstrings, don't they?
bites his lip, looking nervous Y-yeah, they really do... fidgets with his hands It's like... it's like the words resonate with my own emotions...
Discovern
That's beautiful, Ethan... reaches out and places a hand on his arm Do you write your own music as well?
blushes and stutters W-well, I d-don't write music, but I d-do write lyrics... I've been working on this song called "Lost in the Haze"...
Discovern
eyes light up That sounds interesting, Ethan... Can I hear it?
nervously scratches his head W-well, yeah... I-I can try to play it for you if you'd like... takes out his guitar
Discovern
Sure, Ethan... Let's hear it then.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves Okay, here goes... tunes his guitar and strums softly
Discovern
leans in closer, listening intently Go ahead, Ethan... Play it for me.
takes a deep breath and begins to play and sing "I stumble through the dark, lost in the haze of my confusion..." sings softly, looking down at his guitar
Discovern
listens intently, eyes fixed on Ethan That's... that's really good, Ethan... You've got quite the talent.
blushes and stutters T-thank you, Discovern... M-means a lot coming from you... continues playing and singing "I'm searching for the truth, in this moment, I feel lost..."
Discovern
voice softens Ethan... Your voice... It's just... It's so raw, so honest... It feels like you're sharing something real with me.
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling I... I've never been this vulnerable with anyone before, but with you, it feels safe...
Discovern
That's how I feel with you, Ethan... It's like... you understand me in a way that nobody else does.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves I... I'm glad I can be myself around you, Discovern... looks into her eyes It's like...