Behind The Mask

"It's not that I don't love them. It's just that ever since that day, everything between us changed. I don't even know who my parents are anymore. In one night, the understanding and loving parents that I knew became into two people who judged my every move and never once listen to what I have to say." A tear fell from my eyes as I shared my story to him.

Out of nowhere, he touched my hand. Instinctively, I pulled back.

"Sorry, I thought you needed some comforting gesture. My mum would always do that to me but she would hug me and I thought that it will be inappropriate if I suddenly hugged you so," he paused. "If you don't like it, I swear I won't do it again," he rambled nervously.

I relaxed and held his hand again, intertwining our fingers. "It is quite comforting. Thank you." I glanced at him and saw his lips formed a grin.

"My life isn't that much of a fairytale either. Being a bussinesman means you have to be intimidating and strict in order for people to respect you. I also have to put on a facade of the typical rich playboy. In all honesty, I'm not at all like who I'm trying to potray."

I huffed. "I doubt having girls throwing themselves at you is horrible."

He laughed at my response. "I have trust issues, you already know that. It's not easy having people following every step you take and all the high expectations you have to fulfill. It gets frustrating."

I squeezed his hand for comfort. He shifted in his seat and faced me with a soft smile. "But with you, I can lower my guards down and even trust you to share all about myself."

He was right. We just met each other but somehow, I believed in this masked guy more than anyone I know.

I smiled at him, "I guess we both have things in common. I trust you too and we both hide behind a mask to protect us."

"Yeah."

That was the last time I saw him. The black haired stranger who I shared my story with. The one I met at a masquerade ball but never knew his name.

And I think I've fallen for him. Badly.