A Wall Between Us

After Axel and Marlie left, Gale offered to walk Diana home, while Klaus stated that he had to return to take care of some matters. Thus, the trio walked away, leaving Ray alone with Isabella.

A silence settled between them—heavy, but not necessarily unpleasant. Isabella simply observed him with that enigmatic little smile he knew all too well.

Ray let out a light sigh and took a step back.

— Well, I'm going to head out too, he said in a neutral tone.

But as he turned to leave, Isabella's voice called him back, soft and slightly teasing.

— Aren't you going to walk me home?

Ray froze for a moment before turning his head slightly toward her.

— You're big enough to walk home on your own, he replied with a hint of mockery.

Without waiting for her reaction, he resumed his path.

He sighed, feeling bad as he thought about his deteriorating relationship with Miria. Isolde's provocations hadn't helped at all. He felt like everything was slipping through his fingers, and he hated that feeling.

When he became fully aware of his surroundings again, he realized he was standing in front of her house.

For a moment, he hesitated. His gaze drifted to the door. Should he knock?

Just as he slowly raised his hand, a voice behind him startled him:

— Is it for today or tomorrow?

Ray turned abruptly and saw Isabella, an amused smile playing on her lips.

Irritated, he stepped toward her and firmly grabbed her wrist before pulling her further down the street. When they were far enough, he let go, slightly pushing her in the process.

— What are you doing here, Isabella?! he exclaimed, frustrated.

She shrugged slightly, crossing her arms over her chest.

— Watching you try to force nature, she replied with a hint of mockery.

Ray ran a hand over his face, exasperated.

— Seriously… what did I do to deserve this? he muttered to himself.

He turned to her, his gaze darkened by restrained anger.

— Could you at least stop ruining my relationship with Miria? he snapped.

But Isabella remained calm. Her smile faded slightly as she looked at him seriously.

— I'm not ruining anything, Ray, she said evenly. You two just aren't compatible.

Ray raised an eyebrow before letting out a joyless laugh.

— Oh really? And I suppose I'm only compatible with you, is that it?

Isabella shook her head.

— That's not what I'm saying… But unlike Miria, I know your secret. I accept it. I know who you really are. With her, you're not fully yourself, Ray. And that… that creates a wall between you. Besides, you and I are the same.

Ray looked away. He couldn't deny that she was right.

A silence stretched between them before Isabella slowly stepped closer to him.

— Ray… please. Give us another chance. I've realized my mistake, and…

But before she could finish, Ray pulled his hand away from Isabella's grasp. He shook his head, his gaze hard.

— It's already too late, he whispered.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the night.