A Painful Past

Marlie crossed her arms and waited. Axel took a deep breath before starting.

— "When I first entered high school, I fell in love with a girl. We really loved each other. So, one day, I decided to tell her the truth. About what I was."

He paused, his gaze darkening.

— "Her reaction… wasn't what I had hoped for. She rejected me, called me a monster. She started blackmailing me, threatening me… and even others."

Marlie listened intently, silent.

— "The Elders eventually found out. They punished me severely… and erased all her memories of me. As if I had never existed. Her family was sent far away, to another country. All of it… just to fix my mistake."

He looked up at her, his sad smile contrasting with the pain in his eyes.

— "That's why I don't want you to tell Miria the truth."

Marlie remained silent for a moment, absorbing the revelation.

— "You never told me this before…" she finally said.

Axel lowered his head.

— "I wanted to erase that memory from my life."

Slowly, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her waist.

— "I don't want you to suffer like I did."

Marlie briefly closed her eyes, then placed a hand on his chest before murmuring:

— "Axel…"

A heavy silence fell between them, filled with unspoken emotions.