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“Oh, I definitely see things,” his eyes traveled around my face, finally landing on my lips. “It’s not like you to be so affected by a little kiss. I must be losing my mind.”

“Yes, you are.” I replied quickly, and turned around. “Now stop teasing me.”

He pressed his lips together, trying—and failing—not to smile. He looked far too entertained, and I had no idea why.

“You’re really affected by a little kiss.”

“You…” I balled my hand into a tight fist. But he only grinned at it. “Pray I’m a very gentle person.”

I began walking again. He fell into step right behind me, too quickly, like a pet desperate not to lose its owner.

“Not exactly. Last time you were trying to make me regret something. Not very gentle of you, my dear.”

My eyes opened wide. This boy was really pushing my limits.

“That… that was different! That doesn’t count. I’m normally nice, aren’t I?”

By the time we reached the changing rooms, he leaned in again. This time, pressed a quick kiss to my cheek, and I felt myself calm down.

“Of course you are,” he said softly. “Sorry, love.”

I folded my arms. “No need, Remi.”

There was a bigger problem now. Standing in front of the door, I hesitated again. I didn’t want him to see the cuts on my wrist. An eternity seemed to have unfolded since I had lost my mind, though in truth, the wound was still fresh.

Too soon. You forgave yourself too soon.

“I’ll get dressed here then.” I swallowed and entered the room, but he was right behind me.

“Not enough room for both of us!”

He shrugged. “Then I’ll watch you get dressed.”

“In your dreams.”

“Yes, in the wildest ones.”

I pushed him out of the changing room and handed him the clothes.

“Then try daydreaming too.”

Raymond was grinning before I shut the door. “Aren’t you going to undress me? Please, my love…”

I couldn’t suppress the laugh that bubbled up inside me. A euphoria washed over me—just to be present in this beautifully absurd moment, to be breathing, and to have finally stitched back the frayed threads between Remi and myself.

Why are you so happy that you’re not dead?

I took off my uniform and hung it neatly. Though I quickly noticed I’d grabbed the wrong size, I pulled the pink shirt over my head regardless. Pink… I hadn’t worn the color in years. Since that day, I never wanted to set eyes on it again.

Pink was Eli’s favorite color.

Do you love him as much as you love me?

Angelica’s ghost hadn’t visited me in a long time. It was like every time I dared to let a sliver of joy in, the specters crowded my mind.

Are you happy that I’m dead? Now you can be with your Remi. Nothing is holding you back.

I knew my dearest Eli would never say such a thing. Well, she was as jealous as Remi, and at the time, she was always badmouthing him to me. Yet, if she saw us now, I knew she’d be glad. She had always wanted my happiness above all else. That was what my mind tried to reason, but my heart couldn’t comfort, screaming that I had betrayed… Eli.