He didn't say anything more. He was in fact...happy that she admitted it. But fearful that she might get upset if he tells her that they're almost impossible. Impossible and unsuiting for a lot of reasons he himself don't want to think about. He knew it would take a lot of sacrifice. And a lot of courage for them to be able to pull it off.
So...
He only smiles and resumes stuffing food on his mouth. Gabby looks upset, but what can he do? Make her more upset by telling her, "Hey, wish I can say the same to you?" No. He can't tell lies, nor tell her the truth. He's not supposed to.
They went home without talking to each other. Maybe Gabby realized her mistake. What she said was an indirect confession. Did he reject her? She can't tell. But...maybe he did. Which is kind of acceptable, considering that Red doesn't seem to be the type to settle down with anyone.
And she...she never had a boyfriend before. Maybe a crush or two, but she never took it seriously. She was so...attached to Red.
And it seems that it was a bad thing.
She shouldn't fall for an entity who she knows would outlive her. GREATLY OUTLIVE HER.
But she can't help it.
She was in love.
At first she likes him for his cool demeanor and looks, and because he always protects her but now...she can't explain it. She suddenly wants to be with him forever. Although she knows that in real life, maybe an entity and a human don't go together. Maybe they can, but maybe it'd end up disastrous.
Say, he does settle with her. Then what? She'll be old and wrinkly, and he, he'll stay looking young. Maybe he'll fall for someone else then leave her heartbroken.
She needs to act fast, and stop her feelings for him. Like what Red is doing now, shutting his own feelings because he's afraid to cause her burden.
She went to her room, then tears suddenly fell from her pink cheeks.
Just why is she crying?
No.
She shouldn't feel this way.
There's no reason to fall for him.
She can just...love another man when her heart's ready, right?
Many things about what's going on doesn't make sense to her.
But she knew she's hurt, even if she shouldn't be.
...
Red is just there, outside her door, hearing her soft cries.
He never did anything but stay right there, making sure she's okay, until morning came.
That was when things were worse.
She feels...awkward around him. And won't even greet him like she always does. Her bubbly personality vanished. She's not like the same Gabby he used to be with. But even so, he still...is fond of her.
He had a talk with Humility.
HUMILITY: You messed up, huh?
RED: Yes.
HUMILITY: But...do you like her?
RED: Yes.
HUMILITY: Wow. So straight forward. But...you do know the risks and cons right?
RED: Of course I know. Everyday I get reminded by that. But...
HUMILITY: You know...there's nothing wrong with your feelings. She's a nice girl. But...if you really love her...maybe...
Humility hesitates to break the truth to him. But Red gave him the look of permission to break through. Humility pats his friend's back and slowly proceeds.
HUMILITY: You have to tell her the truth. Every single bit.
RED: I'm not ready. What if she changes?
HUMILITY: If you're not ready then It's okay. It's not my heart, It's yours. She's your first love. First love never dies. Imagine if you do end up making her feel distant towards you, you'll forever carry the guilt of hurting the first girl you ever loved.
RED: Are you suggesting that we should be together?
HUMILITY: I honestly don't know. Your situation is pretty bad and confusing. But to me, if I were you, I'd just be true to myself. But...in doing so, you're also risking a lot. You'll forever have the memory of losing her. Maybe you'll never be the same again. Losing a partner is so bad, imagine getting into DEPRESSION for the rest of your life.
RED: Damn. My life's messed up.
HUMILITY: I know right? Why can't you just fall for someone like you? That...I can't say. Because we don't get to choose who we'll love. Just those who'll end up with us.
RED: I really...really like her.
HUMILITY: And she's braver than you. That ladybug of yours has more guts than you'll ever have, Red. She's making the first moves. And you're being stiff.
RED: You don't understand. I'm trying to protect her.
HUMILITY: I know. I won't understand you. Ever. But in protecting her, you'll end up hurting both yourselves. Well...not like you won't hurt each other if you two WOULD end up together. You'll hurt either ways.
RED: Then I'm saving her from more hurt.
HUMILITY: You're the one who will hurt the more, Red.
His friend keeps quiet.
RED: I know. I'll always be the one to hurt... I've never had anyone to love and love me this way, and now...life is taking it away from me again.
Like the last time..
HUMILITY: You deserve to be happy.
RED: How can I be happy?
HUMILITY: Ask Gabby. She does make you smile after all.
...
HARRY: Oi! You two look serious, what are you talking about?
RED: Where'd you come from?
HARRY: Well, I missed you two so why don't we hang out at Gabby's house.
HUMILITY: Three men at a girl's house?
HARRY: We don't have to be visible. We can just hang out. I'm sure Gabby won't be mad. She seems to like me, too!
Humility looks at Red.
HUMILITY: Well then, go ahead and tell her.
RED: Me?
HARRY: No way it'd be us.
Red leaves, his face flushed and his chest pounding in nervousness.
HUMILITY: I know what you did there, Harry. You're brilliant.
HARRY: Of course I am! He's our friend.
HUMILITY: I wonder how they'll end up.
HARRY: Me too.
HUMILITY: Red deserves this.
HARRY: I know.
HUMILITY: Do you think they'll make it?
HARRY: We can only hope.
HUMILITY: I hope...he'd end up happy, whatever choice he makes. I could never have made him smile like that. He was undeniably happy when she's around...and he loves her so much he's willing to let go of her.
Vince Flloyd is all grown up. (T▪︎T) Fufufu
...
Love sure is hard to understand at times. Love truly isn't all rainbows and cupcakes. Most of the time it's painful...like venom slowly creeping into our system. But one could only hope, that one day, love becomes the beauty we all hope it to be.