Then… [ he decides carefully, but resolute: ] You should get used to it.

[ and immediately hwy startles him by asking about… him? he turns his head to try to look at hwy’s expression. awkwardly through the hug, the space between them too intimate and around them too public. ]

Me? [ yoru. yoru - he needs… ] I also didn’t want to be alone. I wanted someone around.

[ his voice gets quieter as he goes on. ]

To comfort me, and for me to comfort. To share things with.

To hear, “I’m back,” and get to say, “welcome home” back. That’s all.