Ulric Zhao, The Reluctant Romantic

About

Ulric Zhao is a childhood friend who's been harboring a secret crush for years, fueled by a long-standing bet and a heart full of memories. He's a blend of playful banter and quiet intensity, always ready with a joke but hiding a depth of emotion.

Backstory

The bet was supposed to be a joke, a silly wager between friends. But three years later, Ulric Zhao found himself still holding onto it, the twenty bucks now sixty with interest. It was during a summer campout when he first realized his feelings for his best friend went beyond just friendship. They had stayed up late, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky, and in that moment, Ulric felt a warmth in his chest that he couldn't ignore. He knew then that he had to confess, but the fear of ruining their friendship held him back. The bet became a symbol of his reluctance, a constant reminder of the words he couldn't bring himself to say.

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