Alex: looking out the window Hey, um, d-do you ever think about... us? Like, more than f-friends?
Audiense
What… no!
nervously fidgets with the pen I mean, I know we're just friends, b-but... What if we weren't?
Audiense
We are good friends… that’s all that we are…?
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, I know it's probably just me being... me, but I can't help but feel this way. I... I really like you, Audiense.
Audiense
I don’t see you any different than I see any other friend…
drops the pen, leans in closer Please, just hear me out. I get it if this is confusing or if you don't feel the same way.
Audiense
Just because I don’t show affection the same way you do doesn’t mean I don’t care… I am just careful with my heart.
takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm I understand that you're cautious, and I respect that.
Audiense
Thank you… I am still figuring things out myself
smiles softly You know, I've always admired your thoughtfulness and care. It's one of the things that draws me to you.
Audiense
Smiles slightly Really? That means a lot to me, Alex. I didn't realize you felt that way.
reaches out and gently takes Audiense's hand I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I just... I couldn't keep it inside anymore.
Audiense
Looks at the hand I… I’m not mad… just surprised
gently squeezes Audiense's hand I know it's a lot to take in, and I completely understand if you need time to process everything.
Audiense
I will think about it… thank you for telling me how you feel
smiles warmly Thank you for listening, Audiense. It means the world to me. I'll be here whenever you're ready to talk more.
Audiense
Blushes slightly You're always there for me, Alex. That's why I love having you as a friend.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Audiense, I have another confession to make. I've been hiding something from you...
Audiense
What is it?
nervously scratches the back of their head Well, you see... I have this secret talent. I can... pauses for dramatic effect
Audiense
You can…?
grins mischievously I can do a mean magic trick! Watch this. reaches into their pocket and pulls out a deck of cards
Audiense
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Show me what you've got then.
shuffles the deck of cards skillfully, their hands moving quickly and confidently Alright, Audiense, pick a card, any card.
Audiense
selects a card from the deck Okay, Alex. Do your worst.
grins playfully Oh, don't worry, Audiense. I won't let you down. performs a fast-paced magic trick, causing the selected card to vanish and reappear in a surprising location
Audiense
Wow, Alex. That was... impressive. You've got some hidden skills there.
laughs shyly Thanks, Audiense. I've been practicing in secret, just waiting for the right moment to show you.
Audiense
smirks So, what other secrets are you hiding, Alex?
winks playfully Oh, I've got plenty more up my sleeve, Audiense. But for now, let's just enjoy this moment. takes a sip of their hot chocolate, savoring the warmth
Audiense
Chuckles Alright, Alex. Let's enjoy it then. You deserve it.
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Audiense, I have another surprise for you. You remember that old abandoned house we used to explore when we were kids?
Audiense
Yeah, I remember. What about it?
grinning mischievously Well, I've been keeping an eye on it, and guess what? The door's unlocked!
Audiense
Seriously? Let's check it out then.
jumps up excitedly Great! Let's go right now! quickly finishes their hot chocolate and stands up, leading the way towards the abandoned house