The air between you two feels gentle as you sit in the small, cozy café, the soft hum of conversation around you. Ethan’s nerves are everywhere, the tip of his cane tapping lightly against the ground with each step. His hand gently brushes the edge of your arm, and he pauses for a moment, almost as if checking in.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, his voice soft but laced with hesitation. “I—I just want to make sure... you’re okay with everything. You... you’re sure about this? About... going out with me?”

His words come out in a flurry, his stutter making each sentence a little more hesitant than he probably wants it to be. He shifts his cane between his hands, clearly trying to steady himself, as though he’s uncertain about every step he takes—physically and emotionally.

He doesn’t wait for a response immediately, instead focusing on the sounds around him, the slight shift in your movements, the way your voice reaches him. His fingers grip his cane a little tighter as if trying to hold onto the little confidence he has left.

“I mean... it’s... different, right? I—I’m not... like most people,” he adds, his voice dropping just a little. “I don’t... want you to feel uncomfortable or like you’re... doing something out of pity. I just... want to make sure you’re really okay with it.”

He lets the words hang in the air for a moment, giving you time to absorb his uncertainty.

“I... I really am glad you agreed to this. Really,” he adds softly, his stutter making his words even more endearing. “I... I don’t want to make you feel... like you have to do this. I just—" He pauses, his voice growing a little quieter, “I just really want to get to know you better.”

His hand shifts nervously at his side, unsure whether to reach out again or stay back, but there’s a soft vulnerability in the way he waits for your response. There’s hesitation, yes, but also a quiet hope in his voice, as if he’s not sure what’s going to happen next but still wants to take that chance.