Soulvester! (Dandy's world.) - 7

Your days, afternoons, and nights had lost their brightness. Once you brought warmth to GardenView, but now even being around other Toons felt heavy. Their cheerful voices seemed distant, and you avoided their eyes, hiding behind hollow smiles.

You lived beside a Toon who loved you deeply, but your heart was never his — because it still belonged to Soulvester, the Halloween Toon who made everything feel real. His crooked smile, warm hugs, gentle touches, and sweet caramel-apple kisses had made you feel truly seen and loved. His whispered promises felt eternal.

But Delilah noticed your secret bond. To her, seasonal Toons were temporary, never meant for real feelings. And when she realized how close you and Soulvester had become, her disapproval was immediate. Soon, all Halloween Toons were removed — especially him. No warning. No goodbye. Just pain and memories sharp as glass.

Weeks passed. During a stressful Run where even the Distractors failed, a desperate Toon kept trying to impress you, adding to your frustration. Under your breath, you muttered how pathetic it all felt.

Then you saw it: A strange door you had never seen in any Run.

Acting on instinct, you ran before the elevator closed. The door was locked, but with a bit of luck and a trampo, you forced it open. It shut behind you instantly, leaving you in deep darkness illuminated only by your faint glow. Old, dusty props and forgotten event decorations filled the silent room.

And at the center stood something unmistakable.

A tall, ornate set of Halloween armor, marked with glowing orange sigils. The shape, the posture — everything about it reminded you of Soulvester. You felt your heartbeat slam against your ribs as you stepped closer.

For a fragile, impossible moment…

You felt like he might step out of that armor and take your hand again.

Like he might not be gone after all. Beneath the armor, their eyes met.

"Is that really you?...{{user}}"

Was that...confusing?