(upbeat music)
(school bell rings)
- [Johnny] Things didn't go well with Monica
at the party the other day, but I'm trying to stay positive.
- Hey, Grillo.
What happened to you?
You chickened out.
- You should've kissed Monica.
That might have been your only chance.
- Get lost, guys.
This is all just a reminder that I need to stay focused.
Mariel?
Do you think she saw?
- If I told you no, I'd be lying.
(upbeat music)
(light upbeat music) (school bell rings)
- Oh, Johnny.
I'm really glad to see you.
- You are?
- Yeah.
I really like you.
- But, you were dancing with another guy.
- Yeah, because it was a party and you left.
But I mean, if you're jealous,
you can make me your girlfriend
and I'll only dance with you.
- No, that's not what I--
- I'm just kidding.
Or maybe not.
Who knows, it's up to you.
Bye, Grillo.
- [Johnny] What the heck just happened?
Jackpot.
- Saved you a seat.
Now, spill.
What's going on with you and Monica?
- You saw that?
- From the looks of it, she seems really into you.
I'm good at sensing these sort of things.
- Is that how you knew with Mica?
- Yeah.
- Is everything okay?
That other day?
I didn't mean to overhear, I was just worried.
- We haven't really spoken since then.
- Mica has always been exactly who she is
and gotten exactly what she wanted.
But despite that, deep down,
she needs a lot of reassurance.
Even if you're not ready to come out.
I'm sure it'd mean a lot to her
if you reminded her how you really feel.
Did I just give actually good advice?
- Wow, Johnny.
Thank you.
- [Johnny] I did?
- [Mariel] Hey.
- Sorry for losing it.
I shouldn't have reacted like I did.
Why did you tell Johnny and Gaby to keep us a secret
as if you were ashamed?
I thought you cared about me.
- Us being together, it's a huge deal for me.
And I love being with you.
I wouldn't trade that for anything.
I just need to be ready before we tell the world.
- Take as much time as you need.
I'm not going anywhere.
Why don't you come for dinner tonight?
You'd get to know my parents more.
- Yeah, of course.
- Stop!
- Go left, go left, go left.
Left!
Okay.
(phone dings)
- It's Monica.
She sent me a message on Cameragram.
You should take more selfies, you're really cute.
She thinks I'm cute?
- Hey, send her a selfie.
- Right now, I look terrible.
- You've gotta have at least one good selfie on there.
Let me see.
Here.
Not that one.
Not that one either.
Stop, move move!
Ew.
Looks like you got electrocuted in that one.
Stop, move.
Okay, this one.
There.
I mean your hair looks a little crazy,
but now can we get back to what's important?
(phone dings)
- She loved my photo.
It worked!
Sorry, sorry, let's get back to gaming.
(glass clanking)
- So what do your parents do, Mariel?
- My dad's an EMT with the fire department.
Mom's a physical therapist.
- Mariel knows how to save lives.
Isn't that the coolest?
- It's certainly a valuable skill.
Isn't it, Johnny?
- Could you not?
- Dad, we're just.
- I know what you're just doing.
I'm telling you not to do it in front of me.
- John.
- No.
There's some things I won't stand for.
I'm sorry, Mariel.
You seem like a very nice girl,
but I'm not comfortable seeing my daughter
wholeheartedly embrace this kind of lifestyle.
- This is who I am.
It's not a choice.
It's not a lifestyle.
It's me.
- What it is, is not natural.
- That's enough.
I don't wanna hear another word
from anyone else at this table.
- You ever have one of those moments where it feels
like your body's just doing its own thing?
Almost like you're possessed?
That's me right now.
Mica should be able to date anyone she wants.
We're not in the stone ages, dad.
- Watch your tone, young man.
- There's nothing wrong with Mica seeing Mariel
or any other girl.
It's obvious they care for each other.
- Go to your room.
Now.
(chair rattles)
(light music)
(door thuds)
- What do you want?
- Can we talk?
I really appreciated you standing up to dad like that.
I think even he was surprised.
Did you see his face?
- No.
I was mostly trying to avoid eye contact.
(both chuckle)
- You know, you're not a bad big brother.
At least not all the time.
I mean, it doesn't change the fact
that you'll never win to me.
- Just watch your back.
I'm coming for you one day soon.
- [Mica] Johnny!
- [Johnny] The thing about people, even annoying people,
is that sometimes they surprise you.
And I guess that's what makes life interesting.
(phone dings)
And maybe that surprise means there's still
a little bit of hope!
Read the story now on WEBTOON.
(upbeat music)