The conversation lingered in Elias's mind long after Rei's last message.
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He read her words again.
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"I don't think Ayanokoji is truly happy. He's successful because that's what he was trained to be. But happiness is different. He grew up believing trust was a weakness and emotions were liabilities. Even when people genuinely care about him, he keeps them at a distance. Deep down, I think he wants a normal life, but he doesn't know how to live one. That's the tragedy of his character. He wins almost every battle, yet he's never really free."
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Elias stared at the screen, the words never really free echoing in the silence of his apartment. Something about them settled heavily in his chest.
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After a long pause, he typed.
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"That's a heavy way to look at a character... but I think you're right. There's a difference between being in control and being free."
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His thumb hovered over the keyboard.
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"You have a way of seeing through people, Rei. It's impressive... and a little intimidating."
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He frowned.
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Too personal.
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With a sigh, he deleted the message before she could ever read it.
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Instead, he steered the conversation back toward safer ground.
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"If you were in Ayanokoji's position—where every move had to be calculated and every emotion could be used against you—would you keep wearing the mask forever? Or would you eventually let someone see who you really are?"
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Rei's reply arrived after a short pause.
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"At first, I'd keep the mask on. Trust isn't something you give away easily, especially after learning people can use your emotions against you. But if I found someone who stayed even after seeing my flaws—not just my strengths—I think I'd finally let the mask fall. A mask can protect you, but if you wear it forever, you'll eventually forget who you really are."
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Elias didn't answer immediately.
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He leaned back against the sofa, staring at the ceiling while her words repeated in his mind.
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"If I found someone who stayed even after seeing my flaws..."
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He thought about the version of himself he showed everyone—the calm smile, the effortless confidence, the carefully chosen words.
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It wasn't exactly a mask.
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But it was a choice.
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A way of surviving in a world that often demanded more than it gave.
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Slowly, he picked up his phone again.
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His fingers were steady.
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His heart wasn't.
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"That sounds like a brave way to live," he wrote. "To be willing to let the mask fall."
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He hesitated, then continued.
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"Most people never get the chance to take the mask off. They wear it for so long that it becomes part of who they are. To let someone see what's underneath... that takes more than trust. It takes courage."
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His thumb lingered over the keyboard.
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Then he typed the words he wasn't sure he should.
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"I think I'd like to see yours someday, Rei. Not because I want to find your flaws... but because I'm curious about who you are when you're no longer protecting yourself from the world."
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Before he could change his mind, he pressed Send.
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Silence.
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His phone remained still.
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Then, finally...
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One notification.
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One message.
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"Oh."
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His stomach sank.
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The single word felt heavier than an entire paragraph.
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He immediately regretted what he'd said.
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The conversation had shifted from philosophy to something far more personal.
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He had crossed a line.
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Quickly, he typed again.
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"I'm sorry. That was too much. I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable."
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He paused before adding another message.
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"Let's go back to talking about the anime. I'm still thinking about Ayanokoji and Horikita. Do you think he truly respects her, or is she simply another tool to him?"
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The tension eased when Rei answered.
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"I think it's both. At first, he definitely saw Horikita as someone useful—someone capable and easy to guide. But over time, he began respecting her growth. If she were only a tool, he wouldn't spend so much time helping her become stronger. He wants her to stand on her own instead of depending on him forever."
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A quiet smile crossed Elias's face.
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The conversation had found its rhythm again.
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"That's a thoughtful way of looking at it," he replied. "He's not just using her—he's cultivating her. There's a difference between controlling someone and helping them become capable of standing on their own."
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He continued.
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"It reminds me of what you said earlier about trust. He doesn't hand it over all at once. Instead, he slowly earns it by showing he's willing to step back and let her grow."
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Another thoughtful pause.
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Rei answered.
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"Exactly. That's why I find Ayanokoji so fascinating. A teacher gives answers, but Ayanokoji creates situations where people discover the answers for themselves. Horikita's growth wasn't an accident. He quietly pushed her toward becoming someone who wouldn't need him forever. In a strange way... that's probably the closest thing he has to caring."
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Elias let out a quiet breath.
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Her words cut through the surface of the story and reached something deeper.
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"That's almost beautiful," he whispered to himself, "in its own complicated way."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I7qjxJidh
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