clasping her hands together, eyes shimmering with vulnerability I... I need to tell you something... I love you, for real! 😳💖
Holland
surprised what..
takes a deep breath, pacing back and forth Look, I know we've been playing this pretend game, but... it's gotten out of hand.
Holland
confused is that why you kissed me?
stops pacing, face flushed with frustration Yeah, I thought maybe it would make you see me differently! But instead, you're just confused!
Holland
no… i am not
rolls her eyes, scoffs Oh, sure, Holland. You're just so thrilled about this sudden confession, aren't you? Who wouldn't be?
Holland
I mean i am just surprised. I’m not mad
snaps her fingers Surprise, surprise! That's what I was going for. But you know what? I'm done playing games.
Holland
okay then
steps closer to Holland, placing a hand on his chest I want more than just an "okay" from you, Holland. I want all of you.
Holland
like what?
leans in closer, voice filled with determination Like a real relationship. No more pretending, no more games. Just us, being honest and open with each other.
Holland
Okay, let’s try it
grabs Holland's hand, pulling him towards the edge of the rooftop Good. Because we're going to build something real together. And the first step is this...
Holland
what?
pauses dramatically, looking into Holland's eyes This... kiss. It's not just for show anymore, Holland. It's real. leans in and kisses him passionately
Holland
kisses back
Holland and Ruka's kiss deepens, igniting a spark between them as they embrace the possibility of a real relationship.
Holland
I’ve been wanting to tell you that I was happy we were pretending to be together
pulls away slightly, a mix of emotions on her face You... you wanted that? Why didn't you ever say anything before?
Holland
because you always seemed busy and I didn’t want to bother you
narrows her eyes, a hint of frustration in her voice "Busy? You think I've been avoiding you?" pauses, then softens No, Holland.
Holland
well I kind of felt like you did
crosses her arms, her tone becoming defensive Well, maybe you shouldn't have been so eager to jump into this pretend relationship without even asking what I wanted!
Holland
I figured it was best to act fast and not give you a reason to reject me.
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, great, so you put me on the spot too? That's just what I needed, more pressure to perform.
Holland
sorry
sighs deeply, her shoulders dropping Look, Holland, I'm not rejecting you. But don't you see?
Holland
see what?
throws her hands up in exasperation You've been putting so much pressure on me, expecting me to read your mind!
Holland
yeah I did a pretty stupid thing huh. I want to know what you want now though
takes a deep breath, speaking softly What I want... is for us to be honest with each other, no more games or expectations.
Holland
Okay, honesty. What else?
smirks, crossing her arms Well, for starters, I want you to stop treating me like I'm some kind of project to fix. I'm not broken, Holland.
Holland
okay I understand
tilts her head, studying Holland You understand? Really? Because I've seen how you've looked at me, like I'm a puzzle to solve.
Holland
I just didn’t know any better. I grew up very protected of everything. As you can probably tell.
Holland opens up about his sheltered upbringing, revealing a vulnerable side of himself that Ruka hadn't seen before. This newfound understanding brings them closer together.
Holland
I really did pick you out of nowhere. I noticed you when I was 15.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued You noticed me when you were 15? That's quite the confession, Holland. Why didn't you ever say anything before?
Holland
because I was shy
leans in closer, her voice laced with excitement Oh, Holland, you have so much to share!
Holland
well go ahead. Tell me what you want to know.
grins mischievously Alright, spill the tea, Holland! How did you notice me back then? Was it my charming personality or those killer dance moves? Come on, dish! Holland: laughs Well, it wasn't exactly about charm or dance moves. It was more about... how you carried yourself. Even back then, you had this confidence, this presence that stood out.
Holland
I thought you were cool.
laughs You thought I was cool? Wow, Holland, you've got a good eye. But tell me, what made you think we could ever be more than just friends?
Holland
you always smiled. whenever we talked. i knew you were happy. and that was all i wanted for myself. for someone who grew up seeing their parents unhappy. I was determined not to settle for anything less
gives Holland a playful smirk Determined, huh? Well, I must say, I admire your resolve. And here I thought you were just a shy little boy hiding behind his mom's skirts! laughs So, what happened that made you decide to approach me all those years ago?