"I'm not leaving," Shelly said firmly, her voice trembling but determined. "I can't walk away and leave you like this."
Denial turned his burning eyes toward her. His skin was already blistering, his body writhing on the floor as if consumed by invisible flames.
"Where's your medicine?" Shelly asked in alarm.
Denial let out a bitter, pained chuckle. "This… won't be cured by medicine. Please… just take me to my box."
Without hesitation, Shelly knelt beside him and helped him up, supporting his trembling weight. Once they reached the strange, black box, Denial gasped, "Please… step outside for a moment."
Shelly was about to comply when his voice stopped her again. "Then… help me remove my shirt and trousers. I can't… I can't bear this heat any longer."
Her heart pounded. Fear twisted inside her chest, but it was laced with something else—an ache for him, for his suffering. She didn't avert her gaze; instead, she unbuttoned his shirt and slid the fabric away, then helped him with the rest, leaving only his raw, vulnerable form before her.
Denial sank into the box, his breath slowing slightly.
"Why do you use this box?" she asked softly.
He closed his eyes, speaking as if recalling a memory etched deep in his soul. "A hundred years ago… I had a close friend. He saw me like this and was terrified… but he still helped me through my fifteen cursed nights. To hide me from others, he built this box. Over the years, I became… accustomed to it."
Shelly frowned. "You don't have to hide anymore. You're human, Denial. This isn't right."
Denial's gaze softened—almost paternal, almost worshipful—as he asked, "You're not afraid of me?"
"Afraid? Of what? You're not a tiger or a bear," she said lightly, though her heart whispered otherwise. I am afraid… but leaving you in danger would be far worse.
"How long will this last if medicine won't work?" she pressed.
"Fifteen nights," he replied, his voice a low rumble. "After that… I'll return to normal."
Shelly checked her phone—it was already 9:30 PM. Leaving him now felt impossible. She called her father right in front of Denial, telling him not to wait for her tonight.
Denial shook his head. "Don't stay with me like this. If anything happens to you because of me… I'll never forgive myself."
But Shelly ignored him. Instead, she ordered dinner to his address. Fifteen minutes later, the food arrived. She made him eat, then tucked him carefully into bed, staying close as if her presence could shield him.
She settled on the sofa with her laptop, telling him, "If you need anything, just say it."
By midnight, exhaustion claimed her, and she dozed off. Denial, still awake, watched her silently. I've committed so many sins in my life, he thought, but I never imagined I would meet a woman like her… someone brave enough to stay by my side when even my closest friend once feared me.
He rose quietly, draped a blanket over her, then returned to his bed.
Morning came with soft light. Denial sat by the window, gazing outside.
"You didn't sleep?" Shelly asked.
"I never sleep at night," he replied simply.
She stared at him. "Then how do you rest?"
"I don't."
Her eyes widened. "Your life… is truly complicated."
"Come closer," he said suddenly, his voice low. "I need to ask you something."
She approached cautiously and sat beside his bed.
"Even seeing me like this… could you still fall in love with me?"
"Love isn't about looks," Shelly said gently. "Illness, age, even curses… they change the face, not the heart. Those who truly love never leave."
His eyes softened. "For all these years, I've hidden my true identity because of this curse. No one ever knew… except you. And you're the only one who's accepted me completely."
He reached for her hand, but her phone rang. It was her manager, giving her unexpected news: "You've been under too much pressure lately. Take the next two days off."
Shelly smiled in relief and thanked him before hanging up.
Denial looked at her seriously. "I've wanted to tell you something for a long time, but I never got the chance."
Before he could continue, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his cursed, pale skin. "Then tell me," she whispered.
He froze. This was the same woman who had once run from him—now kissing him without fear.
"Please," he murmured, "don't touch me right now. I'm cursed… it could harm you."
She only moved closer. "Nothing will happen. I'll take care of you from now on."
Denial's voice trembled. "I told you before—whenever I love someone deeply, and they love me in return… the curse kills them. I don't do it intentionally… but it happens."
"You've told me that twice already," she reminded him.
She even mentioned the contract he had once spoken of with the grim reaper, vowing, "None of that will matter. I won't let misunderstandings come between us."
Denial exhaled slowly. "Then… let me try loving one last time."
Shelly smiled. "Stop worrying. I'm here. I'll handle everything."
For a moment, he looked at her as though seeing his past self reflected in her courage. And this time… he let her in.
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