[He doesn't quite get the implications of that. She's just being polite, isn't she? Because it's easier to say that it wouldn't be good for him than to admit she doesn't like him the same way.
He grimaces a little, the answer sobering enough to give his face a chance to cool down.]
Not good for me.
[He sounds uncertain as he echoes her-- and disheartened. He hadn't prepared himself for an answer like that when he'd pushed himself to go out on a limb. Maybe he should have.]
I get it. It's okay, you don't gotta... be gentle.
[He clenches one hand into a fist at his side. He's always been scared shitless of being rejected, but he has to handle it differently this time. He can't let himself get angry and push her away, because she's still his friend. Gotta take it like a man.]
no subject
He grimaces a little, the answer sobering enough to give his face a chance to cool down.]
Not good for me.
[He sounds uncertain as he echoes her-- and disheartened. He hadn't prepared himself for an answer like that when he'd pushed himself to go out on a limb. Maybe he should have.]
I get it. It's okay, you don't gotta... be gentle.
[He clenches one hand into a fist at his side. He's always been scared shitless of being rejected, but he has to handle it differently this time. He can't let himself get angry and push her away, because she's still his friend. Gotta take it like a man.]
It's okay if-- you don't like me.