Chapter 40 : Harder to see than Ghost

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Who would dare to love a heart so shattered, a soul so adrift?  Of course, in everyone's eyes, I am nothing  but a fleeting amusement, a discarded plaything , and when they tired of my company, they'll just dump me like rotten garbage.

~Y/N~

|•SECOND PERSON's POV•|

The dream unfolds in a soft, hazy light. A faceless young man meticulously applies makeup to your reflection. Lost in the rhythm of his movements, you find yourself drawn to the warmth of the room, the gentle touch of his fingers.

"Hershey," you whisper, your voice barely a breath, "if you ever lost your memories, forgot everything, even me... would you still recognize me?"

He hums, a soft, perplexed sound. "What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer," you insist, a hint of urgency in your voice.

He takes his time, finishing your makeup before turning you to face the mirror. You gasp, realizing he has concealed the bruises on your face with foundation and light tones, making you look fresh and untouched. He then moves to your hair, styling it into intricate crown braids. You watch him through your reflection, mesmerized by his skill.

Finally, he decorates each section of the braid with small white daisy hairpins.  "There, good as new, pretty as ever," he giggles, tucking stray strands behind your ear.

You are undeniably beautiful, almost unrecognizable. "Wow, is this me?" You turn to face him, your voice filled with wonder. "You're really good at this, Hershey. I might think you were gay if it wasn't for the woman you were kissing at the convenience store last week."

"Y-you saw me that time?" he stutters, and you nod in response.

"Mama brought me with her. A customer called her for a home service manicure, and we stopped by the street vendors in front of the convenience store to buy her a stick. That's where I spotted you inside. You were with the woman buying drinks, I guess? You two were so sweet, interlocking hands, then you kissed. Is she perhaps your girlfriend?" you return the question, intrigued by him.

"No, she's not my girlfriend. What you witnessed was just, umm..."

You chuckle. "You seem a little embarrassed, don't you? You don't have to deny it. You two are perfect for each other. She's beautiful, and I'm certain she's the same age as you." But the amusement fades quickly, replaced by a frown. You can't comprehend why there's a scorching pain you feel behind those smiles grazing your lips.  Hence, you quickly change the topic and go back to your question.

"Hershey, you didn't answer me," you say, your voice laced with frustration. "If you ask me, what if I've lost my memories? Well, the mind may forget, but the heart will always remember. Shared memories, whether tragic or happy, will always lead you back to those who are dear to you."

He smiles, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Hmm, I'm glad you have that perspective, Kisses. I hope just like what you've said, your heart would remember me. That you'd realize the real Hershey you once knew has already crossed paths with you." You can feel, through the blank face of the young man, the heavy grief, longing, and pain within him.

"Huh?" You tilt your head, confusion and bewilderment etched on your face. You have no idea where his strange statement is coming from. "What are you saying, Hershey?"

The gentle ambiance of the room had turned into a cold, empty void. Tears start streaming down his cheeks.

"When will you realize that it was me, the one who you—"

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