Jack can’t resist Ethan’s smile, making him smile too and feeling better. Ethan wasn’t upset about this, so why should I be ? Ethan’s presence makes him feel warm inside. Makes him happy, wanting to be with Ethan all the time. He misses him when he’s not around, and when he is around he thinks everything he does is cute, also resisting his urge to touch him. As in like hugs, slight touches like touching his hair too. Or his hands, like he wants to hold them. 

Jack starts going deep into his thoughts about this, when Ethan snaps him out of it. “Are you okay Jack ?” 

Jack nods. Swallowing, what felt like a huge lump in his throat. “Yea, I’m fine. Oh ! How was your first day of work ?!” 

Ethan taken aback “Eh, good ? Haha” 

Jack: “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Haha. You don’t sound very convincing, was it bad ?” 

Ethan: “No ! It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t the best obviously, i’m just a waitor. It was okay. Something I can deal with. I did some thinking though while i was cleaning tables.” 

Jack: “And what was that about ?” 

Ethan: “My life. I don’t want to be a waitor for my whole life.” 

Jack: “Well of course not. Does that mean you now have aspirations ?” 

Ethan: “Yup. I would like to be something like a therapist. I thought about how much I appreciate your help and how you’ve made my life so much better. I want to do that for people. I want to help them with their problems, and help them become better versions of themselves. I also thought about a social worker ? Or maybe a foster parent, to help kids that are in the same situation as I was, but I think it would be better to be a therapist. Like you.” 

Jack: “I inspired you ?” 

Ethan: “Yeah !”

Jack tearing up “I’m so touched.”

Ethan: “Don’t cry !”

Jack: “Don’t worry, it’s of happiness.” 

Jack wipes his tears, Ethan hugs him. “You inspire me to do a lot.” Jack’s heart starts beating heavier and faster. He loved having Ethan in his arms. He’s still emotional from how touching Ethan’s words were and is extremely happy that he’s impacted Ethan’s life this much. 

Jack has so many emotions and feelings right now but doesn’t have a clear explanation for any of them. He’s used to knowing the answer to most things in life, whether it’s teaching or as a therapist. But this was something he had never experienced before. What was happening to him ? Ethan leaves to get changed, disappointment washing over Jack. He wanted to continue holding Ethan in his arms. 

Do I like Ethan ? More than…a friend ? It might explain my feelings..? Jack starts to search up how you know if you like someone, as in love. Jack goes through to the bathroom, so he’s alone and locks the door. Whispering to himself about whether he likes Ethan as a friend or more. “You can’t stop staring at them…well, I want to look at him all the time. So, yeah I guess.”