"So, when are you leaving?" Allen suddenly asked.
His voice carried an almost suspiciously expectant tone.
Young Aether blinked and turned toward him. "Bro... are you trying to shoo me out?"
Allen immediately flinched.
"W-What are you talking about? Of course not!" he protested, placing a hand against his chest.
"I love having you here. You're my friend, after all. But..." His expression slowly crumbled as his eyes became suspiciously watery.
"After hearing what you said yesterday, I-I just couldn't hold it anymore."
Young Aether narrowed his eyes.
Allen continued, his voice trembling with theatrical sorrow.
"As much as I love having my friend near me, this is fate. He needs to see his beloved one more time before finally moving on. That's all I ever wanted. I just want my friend to be happy..." His lips trembled.
"And yet you doubt me? Sniff... sniff..."
"..."
Young Aether stared at him in complete silence.
Allen stared back.
The silence stretched.
