C20

"Because..." He hesitated briefly, "...because I might get rejected again."

My eyes narrowed slightly as I asked, "How do you know that? You haven't tried asking me out yet."

"Because I don't want to risk getting hurt like that again." James explained honestly. Then he added, "Besides... If I did try and get you to agree... That would mean that I had given in and accepted that we would end up together... But I can't do that; because I'm just not ready for that yet."

A part of me wanted to scream back at him, 'Well why the hell are you dating someone else if you aren't prepared for that?!', but I kept that thought to myself instead and just looked back at him in confusion.

However, James ignored my confused expression as he shifted nervously on his feet for a few seconds then spoke determinedly, "I will find a way though; one day."

"When exactly is that supposed to happen?" I questioned curiously, "There isn't a timeline for that kind of stuff... Is there?"