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“I don’t really know Growing up, I looked up to therow close to the, but because I just would’ve loved to have another woh They put up with me because of Kevin, that’s all”

“They sound awful I can state for a fact that Rosalina is, but I’m sure I’ll think the same of the other two”

“Yes But still, I feel bad for them”

I laughed “You can’t feel bad for the villains”

“Of course, you can That’s what makes us different than them”

“It doesn’t change who they are”

“Maybe you’re right” She narrowed her eyes as she poked at the pancakes “I’m scared that I’ll never be able to tell the difference bethat’s a trauma response for me or not”

“You can do it”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re you, and you can do anything” That seemed like a line from a corny roht people to help you If needed, I’ll be your person You can co”

Her face reddened as if she were embarrassed by what I’d offered “No, Damian I can’t ask you to do that for me”

“I want to”

“Why?”

“Because I like you” She laughed, baffled by my compliment I arched an eyebrow “Why is that funny?”

“Because it doesn’t make sense You don’t like me”

“Yes, Stella, I do”

“What is it that you like about me?” she asked

“Even if I answered that—which I easily could—you wouldn’t believe me”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because how could you believe what I like about you when you don’t even kno to like yourself”

“I like myself,” she claimed “At least, certain parts”

“Okay, great” I slid ainst the wall “Then you tell me”

“Tell you what?”