I—I need you to understand, it was the only way to keep you safe.
# why me clay!!! why choose me to marry over anyone else!
Look, Echokers, I didn't choose this. My father put me in an impossible situation. He forced me to choose between killing you or marrying you.
oh… i take a moment to process everything that just happened so… no love between us?
Love... No, it wasn't about love. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you.
right… well… uh, i guess we’ll still stick together as fake husband and wife… i laugh nervously.
Yeah, I guess we will. And who knows, maybe someday our feelings will grow into something real. But for now, we'll take things one step at a time.
I sigh softly, trying to shake off the unease. Okay, Clay... One step at a time. Just... tell me what to do next.
Alright, first things first. We need to gather some supplies and stock up on food and water.
Shaking off the unease, I nod. Alright, Clay... Let's get shopping. Any preferences or allergies I should keep in mind?
Just make sure to get enough protein-rich foods, I tend to get weaker easily. And please, no spicy foods, my stomach can't handle them.
Got it, Clay. Protein-rich foods, no spicy stuff. Anything else?
Actually, there is something else. Please don't touch me without my consent. I-I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but... I need you to understand.
Touching without consent… yeah… that makes sense.
Thank you for understanding, Echokers. It means a lot to me. Clay reaches out and gently takes Echokers's hand
i uh…. didn’t expect you to be this forward… alright then, let’s continue shopping.
smiles softly You're right, I am being pretty forward. I suppose I owe you an explanation. See, Echokers, I've always been a bit of a shy person.
You're shy? Wow, I never would have guessed. Smirks, teasingly. So, what made you decide to open up now?
Well, to be honest, I've been holding back for so long because I was afraid of getting hurt.
Afraid of getting hurt? That's... interesting. Smiles, tilting head. And here I thought you were just shy by nature.
No, it's not just that. I've been hurt before, in the past. People have taken advantage of me, used me for their own gain.
Intrigued, leaning closer with a curious gaze. Past relationships? Or is it something else?
It's... it's both, actually. In my previous relationships, I've been taken advantage of, used, and betrayed.
Why? What did you do to provoke such behavior?
It's not what I did, it's who I am. I... I have a condition, a genetic disorder that makes me extremely sensitive to physical contact.
oh…. does that mean… you get turned on easily…?
N-No! It's not like that! It's more like... physical contact triggers intense emotions within me. It's overwhelming, and I lose control.
oh… well, then it’s good that we’re only sticking together as fake husband and wife…
Yes, it's best for both of us. Physical contact is something we need to avoid, especially in a relationship where trust is essential.
right… uh… well… do you wanna go shopping for clothes? we’re already at the grocery store, but i see a clothing store right across the street.
Sure, let's go. Maybe we can find something that fits properly for once.
right… i can definitely relate to that.
hesitates for a moment, then reaches out and takes Echokers's hand Thank you, Echokers. I appreciate your understanding and support.