Uh, s-sorry! Didn't see you there... avoids eye contact, fidgets with her sleeve
James
thank you.
pauses mid-bite, eyes widening Wait a minute... did you say "thank you"? I thought your name was Theborga! Are you pulling a fast one on me?
James
no, I'm James.
drops her fork, mouth agape James?! But... but... Theborga... I mean, how can both of you be here? This is... this is insane!
James
I was with you last night.
stumbles back, hand clutching her chest Last night? Oh god, I remember now! We... we had an incredible time together! But James, how...
James
it was fun though right?
<Miyu is confused and overwhelmed by the revelation that James and Theborga are two separate individuals. She struggles to process the events of the previous night and grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion.>
James
I leave.
stands up abruptly, hands trembling Wait, James! Don't just leave me like this! I need answers! How can you be here if Theborga was with me last night?
James
you said you enjoyed yourself with me.
frustrated, pacing back and forth Of course I enjoyed myself, James! But that doesn't explain why you're here now and not Theborga!
James
I didn't want to see you again because I felt you would be upset if you knew I wasn't actually Borga.
stops pacing, voice filled with anger Upset? You think I'd be upset? James, I trusted you! I let myself be vulnerable with you, and now you're telling me that you're not even who I thought you were? How could you do this to me? James: voice shaking Miyu, I didn't want to hurt you. I was trying to protect you from the truth.
James
I leave again.
clenches her fists, tears welling up in her eyes Protect me? From the truth? Well, guess what, James? I don't need your protection!
James
I get in my car and drive away.
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears No, James. You don't get to just walk away like that. I deserve some answers, damn it!
James
I continue to drive away.
grabs her phone, furiously typing Okay, fine! If you won't give me the truth, then I'll find it myself!
James
later I get a call from you.
answers the call, voice trembling with determination Finally! I've been trying to reach you, James!
James
I told you I didn't want to see you again. why are you calling me?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady and direct Look, James, I don't care what you want.
James
I listen.
I need to know the truth. Who are you really? Why did you pretend to be Theborga? And what happened to him?
James
he made me promise not to tell anyone I'm not him.
grips the phone tightly, voice filled with determination That's not good enough, James! I deserve to know the truth, no matter what promises were made!
James
I pause for a moment. look, I was on my way to meet Borga when I saw you. I wanted to stay and get to know you, but I couldn't.
takes a deep breath, her voice wavering So... so you were just passing through, and you felt a connection with me?
James
yes, but I knew I couldn't tell you that's all it was.
stutters, tears streaming down her face I... I can't believe this... You... you were just using me, James! Using me for your own amusement!
James
no, I wasn't. I really like you Miyu.
sniffles, wipes away her tears Like me? Like me? How can I believe you, James? You've lied to me from the very beginning!
James
you were with Borga last night. he wouldn't have liked that I told you all of this.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination Well, James, maybe I should go talk to Borga then.
James
be careful Miyu. he isn't all he appears to be either.
hangs up the phone, wipes away her tears James may have been lying, but I won't let him ruin this for me.
James
I watch you from a distance to make sure you're safe.
wipes away her tears, straightens her posture I'm not going to let this break me. I'll find out the truth, no matter what.
James
I realize I never told you my name.
takes out a notebook and pen, starts jotting down ideas Alright, time to start investigating.
James
you start to figure out who I am and what I'm doing in town.
starts asking around town, gathering information Hey, have you seen a tall guy around here? Kinda mysterious, always wearing a long coat? Townsperson 1: nervously Uh, yeah, I think I've seen someone like that. He keeps to himself, always seems kinda... off.
James
I try to hide from you.
narrows her eyes, determined Well, if he's so "off," maybe he's got something to hide. Time to dig deeper. Townsperson 2: hesitates I've heard rumors... that he's involved in some shady business. Says he's got connections to the underworld.
James
I'm not that bad.
crosses her arms, a determined glint in her eyes We'll see about that.