Chapter 78 - Untangled loneliness

"Haruki..."

"Y-Yeah?!"

"Pffft—"

"...Lanling?"

Lanling burst into laughter, his shoulders shaking with how hard he was laughing. The joy in his tone was unmistakable as he tightened his hold on Haruki. The years of anxiety and loneliness that had once plagued him unraveled, replaced by the warmth of happiness settling in its place.

He surrendered to Haruki's embrace, leaning fully into the strength of his arms, now free of guilt. A soft smile lingered on his face, and the tears that fell were no longer born from sorrow, but from the sheer joy he now felt.

"Haruki~"

"??!"

"Hahaha~"

Haruki was completely bewildered, yet he also felt as though he were soaring to the heavens. He couldn't understand what had caused Lanling's sudden burst of happiness, but the sound of his laughter, light and free, melted something deep inside him.