48: Larissa

Larissa keeps busy in her room while Jesse meets with Chris. She discovers Chris kept the napkin from their first restaurant outing, realizing he has loved her since the beginning. After Jesse leaves, Larissa confronts Chris about his silence with friends and the perception that they are doing something wrong.

Wanting honesty, Larissa asks if her staying is a problem. Chris admits their friends disapprove. Larissa and Chris finally confess their love, but Chris insists their relationship will never be accepted because of Mike. Larissa argues that their feelings exist regardless and suggests keeping their relationship secret if necessary.

Chris worries about Mike’s stability and the harm their relationship could cause. Larissa counters that living together without being together is untenable and says she cannot continue like this. When Chris cannot commit, she starts packing to leave, determined to protect them both from ongoing pain.

Seeing Larissa ready to go, Chris panics and begs her to stay. Larissa refuses a halfway life and tells him to call her in a few years if he’s ready. Faced with losing her, Chris surrenders to their feelings—“Then let it all burn”—and kisses her, choosing their relationship despite the impending fallout.