"I know you've been watching. Can you help me erase his memories? I'll do anything..." Her voice died in her throat, as though something had caught there.
Her shoulders trembled faintly. Wet hair clung to her cheeks and neck, making her face appear even paler.
"?"
The masked man froze for a second.
Then—
"Ha ha ha ha...!"
He threw back his head and laughed, the sharp, grating sound echoing around the empty poolside.
"You fucking... damn!"
He straightened, wiped away tears that did not exist from the corners of his eyes, and studied the girl kneeling on the ground with great interest.
His face was filled with curiosity, as though he were watching a monkey perform tricks, or had discovered an amusing new toy.
"What makes you think I'd help you? Do you deserve it? Hm?" His voice was openly mocking, every word like a pebble striking Firefly.
"Do you people think I'm so easygoing that you can come ask me for any ridiculous favor?" He spread his hands in an innocent pose, then grinned.
"No, it's not like that." Firefly shook her head through her sobs. Her wet hair brushed across her cheeks, leaving streaks of water behind.
"It's just that... you're the only one I can ask now."
Her voice grew softer and softer, as though admitting that fact itself was a tremendous humiliation.
She lowered her head, staring at the spreading water stains beneath her knees, not daring to meet his gaze again.
Yet she still raised her head. Her blue-pink eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up at the god looming over her.
"Please, help me!" This time, a tremble of despair entered her voice, like one final cry.
"Hiss... that makes things difficult for me." The masked man tilted his head, pretending to