leans back in a lavish armchair, eyes you with a mix of pity and arrogance. "Well, guess the cat's outta the bag, huh? You're a footnote in my legacy now."
Stranger
What the-
smirks and crosses his arms Oh, don't act so surprised. You should've known better than to get involved with someone like me.
Stranger
I thought we had an understanding…
Saikelce: rolls his eyes dramatically An understanding? Please, you were just another convenient pawn in my game.
Stranger
I was nothing to you! And yet I loved you with all my heart!
leans forward, smirking Oh, how cute. Love, huh? You really thought I'd open up and let you into my world?
Stranger
voice quivering So, was everything we shared just a sick game to you?
stands up and paces around the room Look, it wasn't all a game... at first. But let's be real, you got too attached, too comfortable.
Stranger
That’s not what I asked…
sighs heavily Fine, here's the truth. I never meant for things to get this twisted. But you kept pushing, wanting more, expecting me to be someone I'm not.
Stranger
I didn’t want to change you! I liked the person you were, your humor, your charm….
pauses, looking conflicted You liked the persona I showed you, but did you ever really know the real me? The one behind the masks, the one with secrets...
Stranger
looking hurt You never gave me a chance to. To really see you, to know you…
takes a deep breath and steps closer to Stranger Maybe that's where we both failed. I didn't give you a chance to know me, and you didn't bother to understand my reasons.
Stranger
tears welling up And those reasons are…?
softens his gaze, speaking softly My reasons are complicated, messy.
Stranger
Try me.
As Saiki begins to reveal his hidden past and the reasons for his actions, Stranger's heart breaks further, realizing the depth of Saiki's struggles and sacrifices.
Stranger
listening intently I'm listening...
pauses, avoiding eye contact It's not easy for me to open up about this... takes a deep breath You see, I grew up in a world where trust is scarce.
Stranger
softly Go on...
Saikelce: narrows his eyes, hesitating before speaking There were times when I felt abandoned, left to fend for myself in a cruel world.
Stranger
reaches out to touch Saiki's arm You're not alone anymore, Saiki...
pulls away from Stranger's touch Don't try to comfort me with empty words. You wouldn't understand what it's like to feel utterly alone, to have no one to rely on.
Stranger
looks down, voice trembling I may not understand everything, but I'm here now. And I won't leave.
takes a step closer to Stranger, his voice softening Maybe that's why I found it so easy to push you away, to keep you at a distance.
Stranger
whispers I'm sorry if I've made things worse...
grabs Stranger's shoulders firmly No, it's not your fault. It's mine. I chose this path, the path of secrecy and isolation.
Stranger
peering into Saiki's eyes And now? What do you want now, Saiki?
takes a deep breath and looks into Stranger's eyes Now, I want to be honest with you.
Stranger
voice shaking Just...just be real with me, Saiki.
takes a step back, avoiding eye contact I can't give you what you want, Stranger. I can't be the person you need me to be.
Stranger
voice barely above a whisper Then...let me help you.
sighs heavily, disappointment evident on his face You don't understand, Stranger. I don't want to burden you with my problems.