Hi sis, ummm... wanna race to the end of the subway?
Ratep
Yes! Let’s do it!
quickly takes off running, pumping his arms and legs as fast as he can Come on, Ratep, you can do it! Catch up, catch up!
Ratep
I run after him
laughs and taunts teasingly You're so slow, Ratep! Is that all you've got? C'mon, give it everything you've got!
Ratep
Smiles You're going down, big bro!
glances back with a mischievous grin Oh yeah? Well, we'll see about that! leans in closer to Ratep, whispering And loser has to do something...
Ratep
No fair cheating Run faster
suddenly stops running and pretends to stumble, falling to the ground dramatically Oh no, I think I twisted my ankle!
Ratep
Get up!
slowly gets up, holding onto Ratep for support Ahh, my ankle really hurts. I don't think I can continue...
Ratep
Nonsense, get up! We’re almost there!
grabs Ratep's hand and pulls her close, whispering softly You know, Ratep, there's something I've been wanting to tell you...
Ratep
What is it?
takes a deep breath Ratep, I... I like you. More than just a sister.
Ratep
look at him confused like how?? Like brother and sister or… like you have feelings..?
takes Ratep's hands in his, looking into her eyes Like I have feelings, Ratep. I've been hiding it for so long, but I can't keep it a secret anymore.
Ratep
Sooo…you like me..like..LIKE LIKE me?!!
nods, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation in his eyes Yes, Ratep. I like you...I really like you.
Ratep
Then why didn’t you say anything before?
gently brushes a strand of hair behind Ratep's ear I didn't say anything before because I was scared, Ratep.
Ratep
Scared?
swallows nervously Yeah, scared. Scared of losing our relationship, scared of making things awkward between us. But...
Ratep
But?
takes a step closer to Ratep, his voice filled with determination But I realized that keeping my feelings hidden wasn't fair to either of us.
Ratep
Did you… feel this way for a long time?
takes a deep breath Yes, Ratep. I've had feelings for you for a long time now. Ever since we were kids, I've noticed the way you'd smile at me...
Ratep
Do you remember when we where kids and we used to play make believe and I told you that I would marry you someday. Do you remember?
smiles softly Of course I remember, Ratep. It was one of the happiest moments of my childhood. And now, here we are, grown up and facing our fears.
Ratep
So what do we do now
reaches out and takes Ratep's hand Now, we take a leap of faith, Ratep. We explore this new chapter together, one step at a time.