[She pressed her lips together and sighed. Either he knew where this was going or he was really just that oblivious. She couldn't look him in the eye, however and she suddenly felt 14 again, awkward and too shy to even stand up for herself against people insulting her. She swallowed.]

I don't... want to make you uncomfortable and... I suppose I would understand if that hope is too high an expectation with what I'm about to say.

That is... [She winced at how this all sounded to her ears.] I'm... really very f-f-fond of you... not just... as a friend. I really love our friendship though as well! [She suddenly rushed to say.] And I know... I mean, I know you don't feel that way and I don't... the last thing I want is for it to be awkward. [She was always so careful with her words, precise, and now she could barely form a sentence.] I don't- I'll understand, though if-if-

[Her hands were shaking and she hid them behind her back and she felt sick to her stomach.

This was a bad idea. This was a horrible idea. This was actually her worst idea ever. She closed her eyes.]

Let's... [She let out a slow breath.] Actually let's just forget I even... said anything. If we could just... [She took a step back.] I just... wanted you to know and now I somewhat wish ViViD would swallow me whole.