Chapter 126 - Are you breaking up with me?!

Haruki's heart clenched painfully, a fleeting darkness edging his vision before he gathered enough strength to tighten his hold on Lanling. "W-What did you say..." His voice was hoarse, trembling with a mixture of guilt and dread, laced with denial as unshed tears shimmered in his eyes, locking with Lanling's panicked gaze.

Lanling hadn't intended to reveal this truth to Haruki, but in his frustration, he had blurted it out. He pursed his lips, turning back to Akiko, unsure how to face those saddened eyes. "...Akiko, tell us what you saw and heard when you were captured. Any information will do."

Haruki huffed and pouted at being ignored, burying his face in Lanling's neck, finding solace in the steady beat of his pulse. The conversation no longer mattered as thoughts of losing his beloved tightened around his chest like a vice.