Note: This chapter is a narration of the original timeline. It's not a memory being recalled by any of the characters as it was part of the end of Volume 3.
"Enjoy your time tonight. Don't forget to use protection."
This was the first time Cosette asked 'Maxen' to stay with her after many times of trying but failing to voice that word out. But now that she did, the result was just as she feared; he just stayed silent. Probably, if Cosette asked the real Maxen, she wouldn't feel so disheartened, but alas, she mistook someone else for him.
This wasn't because of the wine. At this point in her life, Cosette could hold her liquor well. This was an honest mistake because of the shrinking part of her brain.
Just as Cosette walked past him with a heavy heart, a hand grabbed her wrist to stop her. Her brows rose as her heart skipped a beat. Did he change his mind? She wondered. Would he stay with her now?
