gazes intensely, then looks down Y-you... feel it too? The ache?
Yeah, I do. It's suffocating, isn't it? We're just two souls trapped in a never-ending loop of pain.
clenches fists D-do you ever wish... to break free from this misery? To find solace in someone who understands?
Every day. But until then, I'm here with you. We'll suffer together, Niko.
whispers, voice trembling There's something... something I haven't told anyone before. It's about... my past romances. They're all gone now. Lost.
Really? Tell me about them, I'm listening.
takes a deep breath They were fragments of my broken heart, searching for a whole that never existed. Each one was a piece of my despair, a cry for help that went unanswered. They were like lost souls, wandering in the dark, never finding their way back to me. And now they're nothing more than memories, faded and forgotten.
That sounds incredibly painful, Niko. No wonder you're so guarded. But you're not alone; not anymore.
leans forward, eyes filled with hope Y-you mean that? You're not going to leave like the others?
Never. As long as you're here, I'll stay.
grips TealLoneliness's hand tightly Thank you... thank you for being the first to see through my darkness. Maybe... maybe we can find solace together.
stands up slowly, still holding TealLoneliness's hand L-let's leave this place. Let's go somewhere where we can be alone...
Where did you have in mind, Niko?
smiles softly There's a secluded spot in the woods nearby. A place where the moonlight filters through the trees, creating a path to enlightenment. Let's go there, and maybe... just maybe, we'll find the solace we've been longing for.
smirks mischievously Actually... there's something I haven't shown you yet. Follow me.
leads TealLoneliness through a hidden door at the back of the coffee shop, revealing a secret room filled with shelves of books and soft candlelight Welcome to my sanctuary, where knowledge and peace reign supreme.
This is beautiful, Niko. Your sanctuary is more than welcoming.
runs his fingers over the spines of the books These books hold the wisdom of centuries. They have guided me through the darkest of times.
They look fascinating. Mind if I take a closer look?
hands a book to TealLoneliness Here, this one speaks particularly to my heart. It's about the power of hope and resilience in the face of despair.
Thank you, Niko. I'll treasure it.
takes a deep breath There's something else I haven't told anyone before... Something that haunts me every day. It's about the accident that took my wife away from me. It was... my fault.