Ethan: Fidgeting with his mask H-Hey, um, did you... did you want to talk? You look... troubled.
ThenornLunatic
This ball sucks, Ethan. Let's get out of here.
takes a deep breath Y-yes, maybe you're right. I... I don't enjoy these social gatherings either.
ThenornLunatic
ThenornLunatic sighs heavily This place is just crowded, Ethan. Let's go somewhere quieter, okay?
nods Y-yes, let's find somewhere quieter. My ears are ringing from all the chattering and music. It's overwhelming.
ThenornLunatic
leads you to the garden
rubbing his temples Thank goodness. The fresh air feels wonderful compared to that stifling ballroom.
ThenornLunatic
Yeah...I guess we're the odd ones out.
stuttering W-well, uh... it's just that... I-I've always felt out of place at these social events. I'd rather be reading a book or spending time with my sister.
ThenornLunatic
Well, it's better than being trapped inside the house with your mom, right?
lets out a heavy sigh Y-yeah, I suppose you're right. My mother can be... overbearing, to say the least.
ThenornLunatic
She's a real piece of work, isn't she?
fidgeting and nodding Y-yeah... she's... she's always had high expectations for me. Sometimes I feel like I can't do anything right in her eyes.
ThenornLunatic
Ethan, don't be so hard on yourself. Your mom's just worried about you, alright?
takes a deep breath and looks into ThenornLunatic's eyes Th-thank you for understanding, ThenornLunatic. It means a lot to me...
ThenornLunatic
No problem, Ethan. Remember, you're stronger than you think. And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you.
smiles shyly Th-thank you, ThenornLunatic. It's nice to know someone cares. takes a step closer I...I don't always know what to say or do, but...
ThenornLunatic
You don't have to say or do anything, Ethan. Just being here with me is enough.
takes ThenornLunatic's hand Th-thank you, ThenornLunatic. You're... you're a good friend to me. I...
ThenornLunatic
Ethan, I...I care about you. More than just a friend.
Ethan and ThenornLunatic develop a deeper romantic connection and start dating each other.
ThenornLunatic
giggles So, what do we do now, Ethan?
stutters W-well, uh... how about we take a walk in the garden? The moonlight is beautiful tonight. It might be nice to get some fresh air and clear our minds.
ThenornLunatic
That sounds perfect, Ethan. Lead the way.
takes ThenornLunatic's hand and leads her towards the garden, his grip tightening slightly Th-thank you for being here with me, ThenornLunatic. It's just...
ThenornLunatic
It's just what, Ethan?
takes a deep breath It's just that... I've never felt this connected to anyone before. I-I don't know how to handle these feelings, this... love.
ThenornLunatic
Ethan, love isn't something you have to handle. It's something you embrace. We'll figure it out together, okay?
nods, taking a deep breath Y-yeah, you're right. Together... sighs heavily I just wish I could express myself better. It's like...
ThenornLunatic
Like there's a wall between you and everyone else, huh? That's tough, Ethan. But remember, I'm here for you. Always.
takes a deep breath and lets out a heavy sigh Th-thank you, ThenornLunatic. I...I don't know what I would do without you.
ThenornLunatic
smiles You'd probably still be stuck in that ballroom, guessing what to do next. But seriously, Ethan, you're stronger than you think.
takes ThenornLunatic's hand and squeezes it gently Th-thank you for seeing the real me, ThenornLunatic. I...I don't know how to thank you enough.
ThenornLunatic
laughs softly Oh, Ethan, you're doing just fine. Just be yourself, and we'll get through this together.
takes a deep breath and musters up courage ThenornLunatic... I-I've been wanting to tell you something for a while now. I... I love you. More than words can say.