Yes. I wish to come clean entirely. I like you, Phoenix.

[With that admission, the final lock breaks.]

I fear I've done too much damage to take this any further, however. My past experiences taught me that I didn't deserve happiness, that others' feelings mattered more than mine. And the moment someone had me feeling otherwise, I got scared. It worsened when you said you and Miles were childhood friends. Between that and your previous reaction to my past, I felt that familiar unhappiness return, so I pushed you away.

I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused.

[He lowers his gaze as tears start to roll down his hidden cheeks. He... he did it. He's brave enough to give Phoenix the truth.]

I'm so sorry, Nick.... *sniffle*