Haruki froze, his courage faltering. Instead of continuing with his hug, he covered his reddened face with both hands, groaning in a mix of pleasure and misery. "This isn't fair... You know I have feelings for you."
Lanling stiffened, the words striking like a bolt of lightning. He quickly retracted his arms, startled into reality. 'How do I keep forgetting this?' He berated himself, guilt flickering in his chest. But how could he stop himself? He had missed his friend so dearly. How was he supposed to act now, knowing the risk of leading Haruki on?
'What do I feel?'
Lanling sighed, the weight of their hour-long conversation pressing on his mind. It had been as draining as it had been cathartic, mentally and emotionally taxing. A glance at the table revealed their untouched drinks and the roasted nuts gathering dust. The forgotten remnants of a simpler plan seemed like a cruel reminder of how much had changed between them.