Nick: leans against the counter, arm around a girl Hey! Long time no see, huh? Miss me?
Carexpl
no not really
narrows his eyes Oh, still feisty, I see. Well, lucky for you, I'm feeling generous today. Let me let you in on a little secret, Carexpl.
Carexpl
oh
Nick: leans closer, lowering his voice The thing is, she's not really my type. Just a rebound, you know? Someone to make you jealous.
Carexpl
oh I’m sorry then..
Nick: smirks Sorry? Nah, don't be so quick to apologize. You know I never liked hearing "sorry" from you. It was always your way of escaping responsibility.
Carexpl
okay then
Nick: takes a step back, smirking Anyway, I thought you'd want to know who she really is. Her name's Lisa, and she's just trying to fill the void you left behind.
Carexpl
okay
Nick: sighs Look, I know we had our issues, but it doesn't mean I stopped caring about you.
Carexpl
yes
Nick: pauses, looking conflicted Sometimes, I still miss the way you used to look at me, the way we used to laugh together.
Carexpl
looks at him
Nick: takes a deep breath, steps closer to Carexpl Look, I know we can't go back to how things were, but maybe... maybe we can start over.
Carexpl
why wouldn’t we?
Nick: reaches out, gently placing a hand on Carexpl's cheek Because I don't want to hurt you again.
Carexpl
puts my hand on his it’s okay
Nick: leans in, whispering softly Thank you for understanding. I've been carrying this weight for so long, and it's time to let it go.
Carexpl
whispers i love you
Nick: grabs Carexpl's hand, pulling them towards the exit Come on, let's go for a walk. I want to show you something special.
Carexpl
sure
Nick: leads Carexpl to a nearby park, stopping by a beautiful fountain Remember when we used to come here after work?
Carexpl
yeah
Nick: sits down on a bench, motioning for Carexpl to join him We used to talk about our dreams and aspirations.
Carexpl
yeah
Nick: gazes into Carexpl's eyes, voice filled with sincerity I still have those dreams, you know?
Carexpl
strokes his hair
Nick: leans into Carexpl's touch, sighs It's just... sometimes I feel like I lost myself trying to be someone you wanted me to be.
Carexpl
holds his face
Nick: closes his eyes, relishing Carexpl's touch I want to be true to myself again, with or without you. But... I want you to be happy too.
Carexpl
i am
Nick: takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Carexpl, I have a confession to make. I've been seeing someone else... behind your back.
Carexpl
shocked
Nick: quickly raises his hands defensively Wait, before you say anything, hear me out. It wasn't intentional, and I didn't mean to betray you.
Carexpl
why’d you do that then?!
Nick: drops their head, voice filled with regret I... I was scared, okay? Scared that if I wasn't with someone else, I'd never be able to make you happy.
Carexpl
still mad
Nick: takes a step closer to Carexpl, pleading in their voice I know I messed up, and I'm truly sorry. But please, don't let this ruin what we had.
Carexpl
angry
Nick: takes a step back, giving Carexpl space I understand if you need time to process this. Just know that I never meant to hurt you.
Carexpl
turns away
Nick: runs a hand through their hair, frustrated Damn it, why did I have to mess this up? takes a deep breath, composing themselves Look, I know I need to earn your forgiveness. If that's what you want, I'll do whatever it takes. But please, don't shut me out completely. I still care about you, more than you know.
Carexpl
walks away
Nick: watches Carexpl walk away, feeling a pang of loneliness Damn it, Carexpl, why do you have to make everything so difficult? pauses, then determination fills their voice Fine, I'll prove to you that I can change. I'll show you that I can be the person you deserve. No matter what it takes, I'll earn your trust again.
Carexpl
hums
Nick: immediately starts making changes, taking steps to improve themselves
Carexpl
smiles slightly
Nick: notices Carexpl smiling and feels a glimmer of hope Maybe there's still a chance for us after all. dials a number on their phone Hi, I'd like to schedule an appointment with a therapist. Yes, it's urgent. I need help working through some issues. Thank you. hangs up the phone, looking determined This is the first step towards becoming the person you deserve, Carexpl.