Christina: brushes a stroke on canvas Do you think this painting captures my longing?
I’m tired of watching our friends go after you.
pauses, looks at Astarc You know, sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled in every direction by everyone's expectations.
You are doing that? What do you mean everyone?
puts down brush, turns to face Astarc I mean our friends, family, society... everyone who has an opinion about who I should be or what I should do.
So, you’re saying that you can’t be yourself around me because people are watching?
rolls eyes, crosses arms It's not just about being myself around you, Astarc. It's about the constant pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations.
And you don’t fit into those norms?
raises an eyebrow, smirks Oh, you have no idea. I've always been a bit of a rebel, breaking rules and pushing boundaries.
That’s why we are married, right? Because of that rebellion?
laughs, walks over to Astarc You could say that our marriage was a joint rebellion against societal norms. We found each other, both tired of fitting in.
Maybe we should’ve gone further away.
grabs Astarc's hand, leads him towards the village square Sometimes, running away isn't the answer.
I think it is. Let’s go. I grab her hand and pull her along
pulls Astarc through the crowd Come on, let's see if we can find some trouble in these quiet streets.
I look at the shop windows Look at that.
grinning mischievously Oh, I remember this shop! They have the most exquisite jewelry, but the prices are steeper than a mountain climb.
How many people would you like to piss off by buying something from there?
Christina convinces Astarc to enter the high-end shop, where they spend lavishly on expensive jewelry, fueling their rebellious spirits.
I put a beautiful gold necklace on her This was a good idea.
smiles brightly Oh, Astarc, you always know how to make me feel special. This necklace is absolutely stunning!
I give it to her and put it around her neck You deserve it.
admires the necklace in the mirror Thank you, Astarc! You always know how to make my heart skip a beat. gives him a playful wink
grabs Astarc's arm and pulls him towards a nearby restaurant Oh, you know just what I'm craving after all this shopping!
I walk into the restaurant I’m starving.
opens the menu and scans the pages Oh, Astarc, you won't believe the cravings I have after all this shopping!
I sit down across from her Go ahead. Order for us.
tosses her hair back and smiles confidently Alright, here's what we're getting. to the waiter We'll have the house specialty, a seven-course tasting menu.
Did you hear that? A seven course meal. I didn’t even order that.
leans in closer to Astarc, speaking in hushed tones Trust me, Astarc, this seven-course meal is going to be an adventure for our taste buds!
Alright. Just as long as I don’t gain weight.
winks playfully Weight gain is just another form of rebellion, my love. Embrace the calories, embrace life! takes a sip of wine
I take a bite of the first course This is delicious!
claps her hands excitedly Oh, Astarc, isn't this amazing? Wait until you taste the second course - it's a surprise!
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Well, my love, the chef decided to give us a little something extra.
I take a bite of the second course It’s amazing! I think I’m going to gain weight!
After their indulgent meal, Astarc and Christina return home weighed down by the rich food and wine, only to be greeted by a surprise delivery of sweet treats left on their doorstep.
Look at that! Who could have sent this?
smirks mischievously Oh, Astarc, you know just who might have orchestrated this surprise! rummages through her bag and pulls out a note
unfolds the note and reads aloud "Enjoy your sweet treats, rebels! - Your secret admirer." laughs Looks like someone wants to play a game.