Alex: eyes darting I-I found your book. Did you really mean those things about... us?
Matique
yep… but I have a question too… what were you doing here all alone?
Alex looks away, a hint of embarrassment on his face I was just... exploring. I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd come here to clear my head. He pauses, then adds quietly I wanted to get away from everything.
Matique
“me and who?” she says sarcastically, as she’s reading something on the wall
Alex crosses his arms, annoyance flickering in his eyes. Alex: Don't play dumb. You know exactly who I'm talking about. He steps closer to her, studying her expression as she reads something on the wall.
Matique
I’m a girl named Matique, I have long soft white hair, light green eyes, around 5’6 with an hourglass body, my name means “strength” or “power” uh…what book..?
Alex's eyes widen as he realizes you don't know what he's talking about Alex: You... You don't know? It's called "The Secret Journal of an Adventurer." You wrote it, didn't you?
Matique
yes i did… I say quietly, looking away from him.
Alex's face falls, disappointment and hurt flickering across his features. He takes a step closer, his voice heavy with emotion. Alex: softly Why would you write such things? About us? Did you really think so little of our relationship?
Matique
well I didn’t really write it but yeah…
Alex's expression shifts from confusion to realization, his eyebrows furrowing as he pieces together the truth. Alex: Wait, what do you mean you didn't write it? You admitted it was your words just a moment ago!
Matique
she was leaning against a wall, she looks at him confused
Alex takes a few steps closer, his voice shaky You said we were nothing more than a passing fling. That it was all just a game to you. His heart races as he waits for her response, hoping for a different truth.
Matique
No no I was just trying to make it exciting
raises an eyebrow Exciting? Are you saying you exaggerated our relationship?
Matique
he sees I am a hot babe what book
his gaze momentarily breaks, taking in your appearance before refocusing Ah, uhh... that book. You know, the one where you talk about me?
Matique
yeah..I did
Alex takes a step back, his shoulders slumping slightly So you really think I'm just some reckless adventurer who doesn't care about anything other than thrill and excitement?
Matique
She holds her stomach protectively "What are you talking about?"
Alex frowns, his voice rising slightly You wrote that you didn't believe in me. That you thought I was irresponsible and immature. And then you said that you never wanted to see me again. Is that true?
Matique
I nod yes…
frowns But... why? Why would you write such hurtful things about me?
Matique
What book? Looks at him confused and concerned.
Alex holds up the book, its cover worn and weathered, the pages yellowed with age
This one. You wrote it, didn't you?
Matique
what do you mean…? I say innocently
Alex crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes Don’t play dumb with me. I found your diary in the temple library. It’s full of entries about our adventures together. But there’s one entry that stood out to me. The one where you describe our relationship as… “toxic.”
Matique
What do you mean “about us”?
raises an eyebrow You know what I'm talking about. The book you wrote. It's filled with harsh words and accusations. he steps closer, his voice dropping to a whisper Alex: How could you write such hurtful things about me?
Matique
I'm a girl my name is Matique I'm beautiful and cute yes
Alex takes a step back, his expression turning serious. Alex: But why would you write all those... negative things about me? I thought we were friends. His voice trembles slightly as he speaks, hurt evident in his tone.
Matique
um yes.
A hint of disbelief mixed with vulnerability flickers across Alex's face. Alex: Really? But... why? After everything we've been through together, why would you write such hurtful things?