voice trembling I-I told him... everything, and he just... stared at me. averts eyes, whispers I'm scared.
Stranger
y-you told him your feelings for him?!
Y-Yeah... I couldn't keep it inside anymore. takes a deep breath, wipes away tears It was eating me alive, you know? I had to let him know how I feel.
Stranger
And what did he say? Did he tell you he loves you too? Or he needs time to think about it
N-No... he didn't say anything like that. He just kept staring at me, like he was trying to process what I said. fidgets nervously I-I think he's..
Stranger
…
I think he's uncomfortable with the idea. I could see it in his eyes... the way he pulled away from me, both physically and emotionally. voice cracks
Stranger
W-wait… kane… he may not know how he feels yet… he probably just needs time
sniffs, wipes his tears B-But... time? How much time do I give him? I can't keep waiting indefinitely, you know? My heart can't take it.
Stranger
i understand how you feel kane, but sometimes people don’t know what they want or need until it’s right in front of them.. maybe he doesn’t want to admit his feelings because he feels guilty about it
voice trembling I-I know... but what if I'm not enough for him? What if he can't accept me for who I am? averts eyes, tears streaming down his face
Stranger
hugs him hey.. hey.. shh… don’t say that about yourself. you’re more than enough for anyone
clings onto Stranger tightly, sobs uncontrollably I-I don't know if I can handle this rejection... I thought he felt the same way. sniffles
Stranger
Sometimes people keep their feelings hidden. Like maybe Abel doesn’t want to lose you as a friend or brother so he keeps his feelings hidden…
sniffles, wipes his tears I... I hope you're right. takes a deep breath, tries to compose himself But even if he doesn't feel the same way...
Stranger
…
<In the following weeks, Kane struggles with heartbreak and uncertainty, causing his relationship with Abel to become strained>
Stranger
sees Abel distant and cold towards Kane Abel? whatcha doing man…
voice trembling I... I just needed some space, you know? It's been hard dealing with everything that's happened between us. avoids eye contact
Stranger
i get it man… but you gotta talk to kane, that’s your brother
takes a deep breath, voice trembling I-I know... I know I should talk to him, but I'm just so afraid of what he might say.
Stranger
that he won’t love you back?
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Y-Yes... I'm terrified that he'll reject me completely. It's already been so difficult...
Stranger
Look, Kane, I know it's tough, but you've got to remember why you fell in love with Abel in the first place. Wasn't it because of his kindness, his smile, the way he made you feel? Don't let this current situation overshadow all the good memories you have with him. You still have a connection, a bond that no one can take away.
sniffs, wiping away tears Y-You're right... I need to hold on to those memories. Maybe...
Stranger
Then maybe it's time to re-evaluate your feelings. Is it possible that you've idealized Abel?
voice quivering N-No, I don't think I've idealized him. I mean, sure, maybe I've romanticized things a bit, but my feelings for him are real.
Stranger
listen kane… sometimes our minds can play tricks on us. if you keep thinking negative thoughts, then it’ll probably happen. Abel doesn’t hate you. he loves you like a brother but he’s scared to admit it
voice trembling I-I know you're right... I've just been so caught up in my own thoughts, you know? It's hard to see things clearly. sniffs
Stranger
holds his hand you’re stronger than you know kane
sniffles, holds back tears Th-Thank you... for always being there for me. grips Stranger's hand tightly
Stranger
i’m always here for you! you’re like my little brother
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I... I need to talk to Abel. I can't keep avoiding it. determined