Ethan: tapping fingers on the kitchen counter Hey, um... there's something I-I need to tell you...
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what is it?
takes a deep breath Okay, don't freak out or anything, but... I've been pretending to be your brother all this time. It was a prank that got out of hand.
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okay
stutters and fidgets nervously W-wait, you... you knew? I mean, how... how long have you known?
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about 2 years
whispers, face turning red Oh god, why didn't you say anything? I mean, I've been going along with this whole charade, thinking you were actually my brother!
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because it was kind of funny to see you try to act like my brother
bursts out with a mix of frustration and laughter Funny?! You think this is funny?! I've been living this lie for years!
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yeah, but you did a good job
runs hands through hair, exasperated A good job?! I've spent countless hours trying to perfect my act, keeping up with your schedule, and dealing with your friends!
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not that i have many
rolls eyes Yeah, well, maybe if you had more friends, I wouldn't have had to spend so much time pretending to be your brother!
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you know i dont expect you to be my brother forever
takes a step back, crossing arms No, I don't expect to be your brother forever. But what made you decide to reveal the truth now?
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you can usually tell when someone is acting and when its real, i wanted to see if this was real
voice cracking So you were testing me? You were just using me as part of your little experiment?
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kind of
Ethan storms out of the apartment, feeling betrayed and hurt by the revelation
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closes the door
pauses outside the apartment, tears welling up in his eyes God, I can't believe I wasted all that time...
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opens the door i am sorry, are you okay?
sniffles, wipes away tears I just... I just need some time to process everything. This whole charade... it made me question everything.
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looks at him
takes a deep breath Look, I appreciate the honesty, but I need some space right now. Can you respect that?
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yeah of course
straightens himself, putting on a brave face Alright, fine. I'll go for a walk and clear my head. But promise me one thing, okay?
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sure
Promise me that when I come back, you'll be honest with me. No more lies or pranks. Can you do that?