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( his presence ... when did he get so cold? there's almost a sense of comfort, but it just isn't right.
just listen ... to his voice. it's not that hard to pretend.
... pretend? wouldn't that just be lying to herself? that's likely what shadow milk wants. )
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⠀⠀
⠀ ⠀ — he shakes his head , despite the laughter . )
but white lily , you really should leave . i don’t want him to mess with you — please let me take you to the exit of the spire ,
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( whatever. she can't be bothered to think too hard about it ... she's just trying to survive.
a hiccup as she tries to steel herself, wiping her eyes once more. she's ... she's strong. she's got people to protect.
(she didn't protect the one who mattered most). )
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of course you did ...
( she can hardly find time to feel bad when every part of her is lighting up at the sensation of holding his hand. the way her heart beats out of her chest ... is especially bad today.
she follows, taking her seat next to him. )
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don’t —— don’t say it like that — .ᐟ when you say it like that, it’s —— it’s like you’re ...
( she lets go, just to bury her face in both her hands. shaking, she curls in on herself further.
she ... she doesn't want to cry. she doesn't want him to see her this way. )
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⠀ ⠀ — it would have happened even if you were at my side . it’s nobody’s fault but my own that . . the pure vanilla you know is dead .
( it hurts to say it to her . but it’s the first truth he’s told in a while . )
i’m sorry .
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( dead. dead, what an awful, awful word. is that —— is that how he felt, when he looked into her eyes on that day?
like she was ...
the very thought makes her go weak, taking in a sharp breath. it's a lie. it's a lie. it's —— )
are you mocking me .ᐣ.ᐟ
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( she shakes her head and smiles. )
Thank you .ᐟ This is so sweet of you ... You really didn’t have to.
( but of course, he'd do anything for her. if only she could bring herself to believe that. )
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my ... birthday .ᐣ
( she murmurs, gaze seeming a little lost for just a moment. )
is that what i was forgetting .. .ᐣ i knew i was missing something ...
( if she forgot her own birthday, it must not have meant much to her ... nevermind that. )
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