Jay spent the entire day in a daze. He couldn't focus on his classes, he couldn't eat lunch, and he couldn't even bring himself to talk to his friends. He was consumed by his feelings for Erin and the uncertainty of their relationship.
He kept replaying their conversation in his head, trying to decipher Erin's words. He knew that Erin liked him, but he also liked Alex. Was he just a friend to Erin? Did he have a chance?
As the school day ended, Jay waited anxiously by Erin's locker. He wanted to talk to him, to clear the air, but he was too afraid to face the truth.
Erin finally appeared, looking thoughtful and a little sad. He saw Jay waiting for him and walked over, his eyes meeting Jay's.
"Hey, Jay," he said softly. "I wanted to talk to you."
Jay's heart leaped with hope. "Yeah, me too," he said, trying to sound calm. "I was thinking about what you said yesterday..."
"I know," Erin interrupted, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay," Jay said, trying to hide his disappointment. "But... but what about us?"
Erin hesitated, then he took a deep breath. "Jay, I love you," he said. "But... but it's not like that."
Jay's heart sank. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"I love you because you are my friend, Jay," Erin said, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "You're the best friend I could ask for. You're always there for me, you make me laugh, you understand me. I care about you so much."
Jay felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He understood what Erin was saying. He was a good friend to Erin, someone he could rely on. But he wanted more. He wanted to be more than just a friend.
"I understand," Jay said, trying to sound strong. "I just... I wanted more."
Erin looked at him, his face filled with sympathy. "I'm sorry, Jay," he said. "I wish I could feel the same way about you, but I can't."
Jay nodded, trying to hold back the tears. He knew that he had to accept Erin's feelings. He couldn't force him to love him back.
"It's okay," Jay said, forcing a smile. "I'll always be your friend, Erin."
- Scene: School hallway.
- Characters: Jay, Erin.
(Jay waits for Erin by his locker.)
Erin: Hey, Jay. I wanted to talk to you.
Jay: Yeah, me too. I was thinking about what you said yesterday...
Erin: I know. I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I didn't mean to hurt you.
Jay: It's okay. But... but what about us?
Erin: Jay, I love you. But... but it's not like that.
Jay: What do you mean?
Erin: I love you because you are my friend, Jay. You're the best friend I could ask for. I care about you so much.
Jay: I understand. I just... I wanted more.
Erin: I'm sorry, Jay. I wish I could feel the same way about you, but I can't.
Jay: It's okay. I'll always be your friend, Erin.