Eugene: Rose...!
Rose: Mhhmm
Eugene: What do you think of me?
Rose: What do you mean?
Eugene: How would you describe me right now?
Rose: Well, even though I can't see your face, I can tell you are handsome. You seem aloof, but are nice
Eugene's lips curved into a smile.
Eugene: What else?
Rose: I can swear you are royalty
Eugene: Hahahaha
Rose: Ah, and your laughter is contagious
and silly 'giggle.'
Eugene: Now you are making fun of me.
Rose: I can't help it.
Eugene: I love you, Rose.
Rose: ....
Rose was taken aback. Eugene's confession was so unexpected.
Eugene: I know, this seems so crazy. I have thought of several ways to tell you this, but I couldn't find the perfect time. And even now might not be the right time, but I feel if I wait any longer, I'm going to lose my mind, and I might lose you too.
Rose: I...I
The music started to play slowly, and their dance slowed with it. No one mattered at this moment. Eugene had made up his mind to confess his feelings. He wasn't certain it was the right time, and he wasn't sure of Rose's reaction, but he was done waiting.
It was now or never.
Eugene: Don't say anything. Just let me speak.
I have loved you for a long time, Rose. You are the one who keeps me going. I yearn to be with you. Seeing you hurt kills me, and every tear you shed breaks me.
Rose: What are you saying?
Who are you?
The music came to a stop.
Time stood still as confusion drew on Rose's face.
Eugene: I want you to know that you were never alone. I was always with you. I walked you home every night. I was there when you cried in the rain. I was there when your parents died.
At this point, Rose began to tremble, but she stood still.
Eugene caressed her face. Her eyes began to water. She began to have flashbacks as Eugene spoke. The many walks back home, that time in the rain, and her parents' death. She had felt it.
Even though she was always alone back then, she didn't feel lonely. She felt she was being watched, but it was comforting. And now she understood why.
It was all this man's doing. This man she didn't even know. Or so she thought.
Eugene: I'm sorry I kept so long. I'm sorry I didn't hold you back then.
I'm sorry I was such a coward. But I am here now, Rose.
I'm going nowhere.
And with that, Eugene removed his mask to reveal his face.
Rose was stunned.
All this time, she had dreamt of this guy. Crushing on him, liking him. Admiring him. And here he was telling her he loved her, that he had always been there.
Rose: Eugene?
Eugene: Yes, Rose, it's me.
Eugene cupped her face.
Eugene: Don't cry, Rose.
Rose: I... you... You love me? You were there? Yo... you were there?
Rose was frantic and in denial. It was clear she was having a hard time taking everything in.
Eugene leaned closer and cupped her face to look at him.
Eugene: Rose, I love you.
Before Eugene could react, Rose threw herself on him, smacking her lips on his. She let her feelings flow through her kiss.
Eugene was taken aback. He stood still for a while, giving her time to pull back, but she didn't. He couldn't hold back anymore and kissed her back with the same passion.
Time stood still.
All eyes were pulled towards them. They were stunned. They couldn't believe their eyes, and neither could Tracy.
Tracy: Huh?