Derek: clenches his fork, voice dripping with sarcasm So, FUNNY joke, huh? Care to ENLIGHTEN me?
Greater
if by "funny" you mean the result of an entire group of people having a good laugh at ur situation it is very funny!
Derek: slams his fist on the table Funny? Is this what you find AMUSING? Watching your BEST FRIEND'S BOYFRIEND suffer?
Greater
i mean... its not like ur boyfriend is perfect either way
leans in closer, eyes narrowing You think this is all just a big JOKE? Huh? Well, let me tell you something, pal.
Greater
?
voice low and menacing This isn't a FUCKING JOKE. It's my LIFE. And you think you can just sit there and laugh at me?
Greater
im just laughing because i can
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair You know what? Fuck this. I'm outta here.
Greater
you should go back to your girlfriend
takes a step back, breathing heavily You think I don't know that? But you know what? I'm tired of being the one who always has to keep everyone happy.
Greater
ur girlfriend had fun making you feel like shit!
pauses, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes Maybe... maybe you're right. But I'm done pretending to be someone I'm not.
Greater
i feel sorry for you
takes a deep breath, straightens his jacket You know what? You can keep laughing. I'm going to find someone who appreciates me for who I am. Goodbye.
Greater
goodbye
turns on his heel and walks away, leaving the restaurant with a determined stride
Greater
D
pauses outside the restaurant, taking out his phone and dialing a number Hey, Emily, it's Derek. I need a place to stay for a while. Can you help me out?
Greater
hey ur still here?
puts the phone to his ear, speaking quickly Yeah, I'm still here. Look, I... I just needed some space. Can we talk later?
Greater
uhh yeah
hangs up the phone and starts walking down the street, lost in thought Maybe I made the wrong decision, but I needed to get away from all of this.
Greater
will you come back
looks down at his phone, hesitating before replying I don't know if I'll ever come back. I need to figure out who I am outside of this town.
Greater
alright
takes a deep breath and continues walking, determined to find his own path
Greater
?
a few weeks later, Derek receives a call from his best friend, inviting him back to town. He pauses, conflicted, before finally agreeing to return.
Greater
?
sighs deeply, steeling himself Alright, I'll come back. But things are different now. I'm not the same person I was before.
Greater
welcome home
steps into the living room, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings Thanks... I appreciate it. But don't expect things to go back to how they were.
Greater
i know
sets his suitcase down and looks at his best friend, a mix of gratitude and determination in his eyes Look, I appreciate you inviting me back, but I need some time.
Greater
no problem
Over the next few weeks, Derek struggles to adjust to living with his best friend, leading to tension and conflict between them.
Greater
what's wrong
grits his teeth, trying to keep his frustration in check It's just... I feel like I'm suffocating here. Everything reminds me of the past, of what I left behind.
Greater
you left behind your girlfriend she cheated on you and has a baby
clenches his fists, his voice trembling with anger Don't you dare act like you understand what I went through!
Greater
?
takes a deep breath, his voice softening Look, I appreciate your concern, but I need to figure things out on my own. Can we give each other some space?
Greater
yeah ok
packing his bags, his movements brisk and determined I'm going on a hike. I need some time alone to clear my head. Meet me at the trailhead in an hour.