The tears immediately poured down your face once you stepped out of that tavern.
You ignored the stares and the whispers people gave you as you walked towards the city gates. You didn't care though. You were too focused on the feeling of how your heart ached. You only continued to make your way back to your bookstore as the tears just kept silently running.
You thought that you and Diluc connected the night he walked you home. But I guess you must've been looking at it the wrong way.
It was just another one of you're mere hopeful delusions.
Once you've made it home, you immediately went up, locked yourself upstairs, and threw yourself under the covers. You felt like a child from how you were acting, but it really did hurt.
Mochi nudged her head at your face. Sniffling, you sat up and picked her up, putting her on your lap. She looked up at you and meowed, while tilting her head in confusion. You stroked her fur, finding comfort in it.
You spent the rest of the day just sleeping, as it was the only way you could temporarily forget about everything.
୨⎯ the day of the masquerade ball ⎯୧
A few days have passed.
You've spent all of them in your bed, sleeping in, reading romance books, and occasionally letting a few tears out. You only got up when you needed to use the bathroom, or to get a plate of strawberries when you got hungry. How pathetic of you.
You sighed as you closed the book, throwing it somewhere on the bed. You were about to reach for another one from the pile you had on your bedside table, until you heard someone knock on your door. Except, it was the upstairs door instead of downstairs, which is strange because you never forget to lock the door downstairs. You were a young single woman living alone, of course you would never forget to lock.
You froze in place, scared of a burglar who possibly could've broken into your store. Mochi, who was sleeping beside you, snapped her head up towards the door, ears perked up.
Another few knocks were heard.
"Y/N? Are you there?"
You sighed in relief ; It was Lisa. You lazily got up and creaked the door open just a bit. "Yes..?"
"Sweetie, there you are! I've been a little worried about you since I haven't seen you at all. I even asked a few others if they've seen you around, and they said no...Are you okay?" Lisa says, with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Ah - yes! I-Im alright. I've just been...busy." You said, putting on your best fake smile. Lisa looks you up and down, you were in some sleepwear, and your hair seemed...dirty?
"Y/N open the door." Lisa says, clearly not taking any of your lies. You open the door without hesitation. You recognized that warning tone, and you were scared of her.
Lisa comes in and takes in the sight. The place was a mess. Books were out of place and clothes were lying around everywhere. She takes a seat on your bed and looks at you knowingly.
"It was Diluc, wasn't it?"
You look down and nod slowly, not surprised she was able to figure it out just like that. Even the sound of his name made your heart hurt. Lisa opens her arms and you slowly walk over to her, giving her a hug.
"Don't worry, I won't even ask." She says. "But, I know what will help..." She gets up and leaves downstairs, momentarily coming back up with a dress in her hand.
"Ms Lisa, the dress is beautiful!" You smiled, only for it to slowly fade away, knowing why she really came here for. "N-No! Im not going! W-What if Diluc is there?!"
Lisa only stays quiet, and gives you a scary look. Her eyes say it all.
"I-I'll go try it on right now!" You nervously chuckled.
˚◞♡ ⃗
"I-I think this dress is way too short, a-and why is the top part so exposing?"
You walked downstairs, and Lisa gasped at the sight.
You were wearing an off white shoulder-less corset dress that accentuated your waist perfectly. It was backless, and the thin poof sleeves began at your arms. The skirt was flowy and gentle, ending right at your mid thighs. You wore a matching vintage Venetian mask that fit perfectly.
(scroll all the way down to see the dress)
"Y/N...I could barely even recognize you! That dress was made for you!" She wasn't lying. You truly did look beautiful in that dress.
"A-Are you sure? I'm not really fond of the top part." You said. You were fine with showing collarbone, you just weren't so comfortable with showing a bit more than that.
"Oh hush. Trust me, the dress will totally pay off." Lisa winks at you. "I'll go put on my outfit, go shower as I do so." And with that, you took off the dress and took a quick shower before heading to the ball.
── •✧• ──
You and Lisa were both standing outside of the huge building. You fidgeted with your hands, already wanting to go home.
"I think this is a bad idea..." you quietly said to Lisa, even though there was nobody around.
"No, Y/N. You shouldn't be so anxious. Besides, with the mask on, nobody will recognize you. So you'll be fine! Now come on, we have to congratulate Jean. Plus it's chilly out here." Lisa puts on her mask and then walks towards the big doors, but stops when she sees you weren't following. She turns around to see you still standing there while you nervously rub you arm.
"Hey, I promise I'll stick by your side the entire time, k'ay?" Lisa says reassuringly. You take a deep breath, and put on your mask as she takes your hand while the both of you enter the building.
.
.
.
(A/N: me fangirling so hard for the next chapter rn)
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ALSO I CHANGED THE DRESS CUZ U GUYS WERE ON ME FOR NOT WANTING A BADDIE DRESS but this dress is much better <3
