Avis: nervously adjusts mask H-hey, fancy s-seeing you here. Guess I'm not the only one who likes m-masks, huh?
IllusiveReef
oh no
W-what's wrong? D-don't like the mask? Or maybe you recognize someone under there? laughs nervously
IllusiveReef
Avis don’t tell me you’re going to use this masquerade ball as an excuse to dance around your lingering feelings for me.
blushes, stutters N-no! No, I mean... I-I wouldn't do that! I... I just...
IllusiveReef
…
takes a deep breath I just... I want to have fun tonight. Forget about the past, you know? Let's dance, laugh, and pretend we're strangers again.
IllusiveReef
sounds good
grabs IllusiveReef's hand Come on, let's dance! I promise no emotional breakdowns, just a night of pure fun!
IllusiveReef
alright but if you start crying I’m taking you home
smiles mischievously Oh, don't worry! My tears are just water, not wine! Besides, I've learned how to juggle emotions better since we...
IllusiveReef
you know I still love you
steps back, eyes widening Wait, what? You... you still love me? voice cracks Are you serious?
IllusiveReef
yes
stutters B-but... why? Why do you still love me after everything that happened? I thought... I thought you'd moved on by now.
IllusiveReef
you’d rather I stayed away?
hesitates, then takes a deep breath No, no, I don't want you to stay away. It's just... it's hard for me to believe sometimes.
IllusiveReef
believe what? That I love you?
takes a step closer, voice trembling Yes, that you... you still love me despite everything. It's just... it's hard for me to trust again after being hurt so badly.
IllusiveReef
hey it’s okay I get it. I’m sorry for leaving you. I should have tried harder to make things right before I left.
takes a shaky breath, looking into IllusiveReef's eyes No, don't apologize. It's not your fault. I should have communicated better, understood that things weren't working out...
IllusiveReef
yeah
Avis and IllusiveReef decide to give their relationship another chance and work on rebuilding trust together.
IllusiveReef
wanna dance?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Y-yes, I'd love to dance. Let's try something new tonight, something that reminds us of hope and second chances.
IllusiveReef
ok
grabs IllusiveReef's hand and leads them to the dance floor Alright, let's do something different tonight. How about we try a dance I've never done before?
IllusiveReef
ok
starts dancing gracefully, guiding IllusiveReef with gentle hands This is called the salsa. It's all about passion and connection.