๐Ÿ„ณ๐Ÿ…ธ๐Ÿ…ฒ๐Ÿ…ด๐Ÿ†ˆ ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ†„๐Ÿ…ด

014. Masquerade (1)-2

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For a moment, I thought I had misheard her. To be agonizing over how to enjoy yourself when you have plenty of money? Usually, when people stress over finances, it's because theyโ€™re broke. It wasn't, "I'm worried because I have less money for this trip than I thought..." but rather, "I don't know how to spend it." It sounded like something the youngest daughter of a wealthy family would say in a teen movie.

"In that case, shall we go buy some clothes first to change the mood? Since you're on a trip, you ought to enjoy it. And if you like sweet desserts, let's go get those cannoli you mentioned earlier. There's a place I visit to 'kiss my fingers' every time I come to Italy. Iโ€™m sure youโ€™ll love it."

I pressed my thumb and index finger together, splaying the other three, and moved my hand slowly across my chest with a bright smile. Perfetto. My original plan was to sit in a cafe alone and people-watch, but the sudden prospect of company sent a wave of excitement through me. Ah, I might be getting a little ahead of myself.

"Ahem, well then... shall we?"

โŽš-โŽš

"Ah? Ohโ€”whoa, ah...! Yes! Yes, letโ€™s go together!"

<I> fumble about. <I> try to swing my backpack over my shoulder, stand up to run, and take your hand all at the same time. <My> right hand, reaching through the air, settles atop the hand you offered. As if resting <my> weight there, <I> lightly squeeze your hand. It is an expression of... a certain desperation. <I> need to feel like the protagonist of a movie or a drama. And from a certain point onward, you must immerse yourself in this play, too.

By the way, Gregory, what was your name?

"Um, excuse me, Mr. Gentleman... what is your name...?"