The music faltered for a brief moment before returning to its serene flow, though the damage had already been done. The man's brows were knitted tightly in discomfort.
Lanling wanted to call out again, but seeing that furrowed brow made his heart ache. Thousands of questions rushed through his mind, a storm of excitement and doubt threatening to overwhelm him.
'Where have you been all this time? Why aren't you looking at me? You clearly heard me just now. When did you learn how to play the bamboo flute? What happened to your face? Why aren't you still looking at me?'
But all those questions were drowned out by the loud, frantic beating of his own heart. Without hesitation, he surrendered all his senses to the man before him.
Lanling etched the moment into his memory, heart brimming with the anticipation of the heartfelt reunion that should follow.
"Hayato~! There you are~! Otou-sama wants to speak with you~!"