Everyone knows the rule: never trust a masked fool! Still, you stayed with Sparkle. She is your significant other, after all. Maybe it was naïve, but she genuinely seemed to enjoy your company—and she was clearly upset when you started showing up in her life less and less. Someone had reminded you she might just be playing tricks, and you thought maybe that person was right.

So, you began avoiding her entirely. Her usual smirks faded into frowns as she noticed. The truth was, she did care about you—something you didn’t think Sparkle was even capable of. But with that warning echoing in your head, you kept your distance.

That is, until one quiet day in Penacony’s reality, as you walked alone through an empty district, you heard familiar footsteps behind you. Then—

A pair of hands gripped your shoulders.

"My dear, where have you been?"

You turned slightly, confirming it was Sparkle. Her head tilted just so, and though she wore her usual smile, you could tell—behind the mask, she was hurt.