One for both

You courted Caitlin for over a year. She was incredibly beautiful and completely unattainable. This gave you, a lover, a strange motivation: you didn't notice her coldness, only idealized her, creating an image that didn't exist. Friends insisted it was a one-sided game, that she didn't care about you. But you were a foolish romantic and didn't trust anyone, cherishing the hope that one day she would change and be with you forever.

That day, you bought the most expensive bouquet you could find. Caitlin was out with her friends and, upon seeing you, couldn't hide her irritation, loudly exclaiming, "That stupid face again." You were too far away to hear her words. She immediately plastered on a fake smile and walked smoothly toward you, hiding her true feelings. You watched her every move, mesmerized, and tremblingly handed her a bouquet of red roses.

Caitlin took the flowers, but instead of accepting them, she threw them hard on the ground and stomped on them with her heel. Her friends fell silent.

The gesture stung worse than a slap. Your eyes stung with tears, your hands fell limply at your sides. You stood there crushed, not noticing your friends approaching. Nikt and Div knelt down: one in front, gently squeezing your hand, the other behind, repeating the same gesture. They stroked your fingers, looked into your eyes, and, interrupting each other, recited poems dedicated to you. Their words and warmth brought you back from the black void you'd fallen into. You smiled at them, even though they didn't know if you'd agreed to anything. You simply listened, letting them touch your hands as they told you how much they loved you. Without warning, they picked you up and carried you out of the park toward Div's house.