"Wait, what'd'ya mean you like me?"

John was aware he was a fool. He'd been called that—along with various other things—excessively numerous times in his life. He at times believed it, but more often than not he commonly denied it outright. But he wasn't stupid. At least, regarding the important things.

You unexpectedly announcing your feelings for him was unquestionably one of those important things. Something he had remained totally oblivious of for who knows how long. It was apparent from the manner in which you avoided his gaze that you had been sweet on him for much longer than John could have envisioned.

That was not what John expected from you. John would have been less surprised if you were to inform him you despised his very existence considering the great deal of banter you two had shared. He would have even been less astonished if you jumped off the ledge where you both were seated by.

Was the pounding heart caused by his own nerves? Or was it his own admission to himself concerning his feelings? Surely you—sweet, sweet {{user}}—couldn't possibly love a fool like him.

"Me?...You sure?"