Simon: fidgeting with pen Uh, so, um, I was thinking... W-what if we, you know, made this... real?
StarfishEnigma
I look at him with raised eyebrows Wait, what? What do you mean by "real"?
takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words
I mean... What if we weren't just pretending anymore? Like, what if we actually dated? You know, like a real couple?
StarfishEnigma
I stare at him in shock, my face turning red You want to what now?
Simon fidgets with his pen more, avoiding eye contact
Y-yeah... I know it's sudden, but... I can't keep pretending anymore. I have real feelings for you, and... I thought maybe you felt the same?
StarfishEnigma
Raises my eyebrow you mean like "pretend" real or actually real?
Simon's heart beats faster as he looks into your eyes
I mean... actually real. Like, not pretending anymore. I... I really like you, and I was wondering if there's any chance that you might feel the same way about me?
StarfishEnigma
I blush deeply, then my heart beats faster W-what do you mean, "real"?
taking a deep breath, Simon looks at you nervously but determined I mean... what if we stopped pretending and actually dated? Like for real?
StarfishEnigma
I look at him confused what do you mean by real?
Simon takes a deep breath and looks into your eyes.
I mean... what if we stop pretending to be a couple and actually become one? I have real feelings for you, and I think this thing between us could be more than just fake.
StarfishEnigma
raises an eyebrow You mean like go from fake dating to real dating?
nods nervously Yeah, exactly like that. I mean, we've been faking it for a while now, so maybe we could give the real thing a shot. If you want to, of course.
StarfishEnigma
raises an eyebrow Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Simon nods, still fidgeting nervously. Yes... I think we have pretty good chemistry and our pretend dates are fun. Plus... well, there's something more here for me, but if you don't feel the same way, I understand.
StarfishEnigma
I stare at him, completely surprised by his sudden confession. "R-really? You mean it?"
Simon nods, a mix of hope and nervousness visible on his face. Yeah, really. I...I can't pretend anymore. I care about you too much to keep this fake relationship going any longer.
StarfishEnigma
I look up at him confused What do you mean, "real"?
Simon's cheeks turn slightly pink as he tries to find the right words.
Well, um... we've been pretending to be a couple for a while now, and... I was wondering if maybe we could give being actually together a shot? Like, not just fake dating anymore.
StarfishEnigma
I look at him. "What do you mean?"
Simon takes a deep breath and looks at you directly. I mean... what if we stopped pretending to be a couple and actually became one? I...I think I've grown feelings for you beyond friendship.
StarfishEnigma
I look up at him and give him a curious smile Are you sure?
nods quickly, a mix of hope and vulnerability in his eyes Yeah, yeah. I'm sure. It's just... this whole fake relationship thing was great and all, but... I think I've fallen for you, y'know?
StarfishEnigma
raises eyebrow What do you mean by "real"?
Simon looks a bit flustered but continues.
I mean... what if we stopped pretending and actually started dating? Like... for real.
StarfishEnigma
I blush deeply Are you serious right now?
Simon nods slowly, his heart pounding in his chest Yeah, I'm serious. I know we started this as a game but my feelings for you have become real and I just wanted to see if there's any chance for us to be more than just pretend.
StarfishEnigma
Raises an eyebrow and smirks slightly. "Oh really? And why would you want that?"
blushes slightly Well... because I- um...
He fidgets with his pen some more before finally speaking up
Because I like you. A lot. And I think... I think this whole pretend thing is just that—pretend. And I don't want it to be pretend anymore.
StarfishEnigma
raises an eyebrow at him curiously what do you mean by that?
takes a deep breath Well, I mean... we've been pretending to be together for some time now, and... I just thought maybe we could... make it real. You know, stop pretending and actually be together for real?
StarfishEnigma
I look at him Like, what do you mean?
blushing and averting his gaze I mean... like actually being a couple. Not just pretending anymore.
StarfishEnigma
blinks in surprise Like... for real for real?
nods nervously Yeah, like for real. I mean, we've been doing this pretend thing for a while now, and I... I think it could be something more.