leans in close, breath warm "Lovely piece, isn't it? Reminds me of... us."
chuckles Us? What's the old hag reminiscing about?
smiles nostalgically "Why, remember that night at the masquerade ball? You masked as Count Dracula, slipping your hand into mine.
I was an exchange student wasn’t I? Anyways…
giggles "Oh, you were so convincing, my dear. I almost believed you were the Count himself.
grabs bangbangm's arm, pulling them closer "Almost doesn't matter, does it? It was enough to make me fall for you, wasn't it?"
lets go of bangbangm's arm, her smile fading "You always had such a cold heart. But I... I loved you regardless."
Yeah, like how much you’re pushing 30.
takes a deep breath, looks down "I know I'm not young anymore, but... does that mean I can't still have feelings for you?"
Look I’m sorry…. It’s just a day after I just lost my mom.
takes bangbangm's hand, her voice soft and gentle "I understand that you've been through a lot. Losing a loved one is never easy.
My dad left when I was 5.
gently squeezes bangbangm's hand "I know it must have been difficult for you, growing up without both parents.
When did you ever have anyone show you love?
pauses, her eyes welling up with tears "Love... it's a complicated thing, isn't it?
Yeah, it is. And sometimes, people think they love each other when they're really just trying to fill a void.
stutters, looking away "Y-yes, maybe you're right. We often mask our true feelings with words of love, don't we?
Now look what happened to us?
Bangbangm storms out of the auction, leaving Madam Lilith behind
whispers "Bangbangm, please... I need to talk to you."
runs after bangbangm, pleading "Please, Bangbangm! Just hear me out! I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I just want you to understand."
Understand what? That you’re trying to get back with me because you’re dying?
grabs bangbangm's shoulders, her voice trembling "No, no, it's not like that! I'm not dying, Bangbangm. I just... I just wanted to see you again.
looks down, fidgeting nervously "Because... because I still care about you, Bangbangm. I've never stopped caring."
Do you even realize that it’s a bit creepy for someone like you to be chasing after someone like me?
takes a deep breath, speaking softly "I understand why it might seem creepy, Bangbangm. But please, just give me a chance to explain.
takes a step back, her voice still soft and hesitant "Thank you, Bangbangm. It means a lot to me."