Chris and Twilight finally reached Twilight's home.
As soon as they entered, Chris noticed assignments scattered across the table. Several failed designs and unfinished architectural sketches were lying around, making it clear that Twilight had been busy with his college work.
Before she could look around any further, something caught her attention.
"RONY!"
The little rabbit immediately recognised her. He hopped excitedly towards Chris and jumped into her arms.
Chris quickly caught him and cuddled him.
"Oh my goodness! Look at you! It's been so long!"
She gently patted his fluffy head while Rony happily moved around in her arms.
Twilight stood nearby, silently watching them.
After a while, Chris put Rony down and turned towards Twilight. Their eyes met, but both immediately looked away.
"Would you like a coffee?" Twilight asked, trying to sound normal, although the awkwardness was quite noticeable.
"Umm... yeah," Chris replied.
Twilight headed towards the kitchen, and Chris followed him.
For the next few minutes, the house remained completely silent. Rony sat nearby, watching the two humans who apparently had forgotten how to communicate.
Suddenly, both spoke together.
"Hey—"
They stopped and looked at each other.
"I was just—"
"No, you go—"
Again, they spoke simultaneously.
Both became quiet.
Rony tilted his head, looking at them as if they were ruining his favourite drama.
After another awkward silence, Twilight finally poured the hot coffee into two mugs.
"Hey, Chris..."
Chris looked at him.
"I know it's been years, and meeting again like this feels awkward. I also know you probably have a lot of questions in your mind."
He passed her the coffee mug.
Chris looked at it for a moment before replying.
"Yes, all of that is true. But in all those years, all I wanted was to see you."
She took a sip of her coffee.
"I don't want any explanation from your side, Twilight. I just want you to come back like before."
Twilight remained silent.
"I know things must be hard for you, Twilight, but..."
Chris paused, looking directly at him.
"Don't forget that you have us as your friends. You don't need to explain everything to us. Just be with us."
Her voice carried genuine concern.
Twilight sighed before finally responding.
"Chris, it's easy for you to say all of this, but you don't know what lies behind me."
He lowered his eyes.
"You know me, but not the person I am now."
Chris looked at him for a moment.
"Yup, I don't know what lies behind you. But one thing is still true: I know you. And right now, it looks like you need someone to talk to."
She gave him a hopeful smile.
Twilight slowly raised his head.
Their eyes met again, but this time he didn't immediately look away.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Perhaps Chris's words had reached somewhere he had been trying to keep hidden for a very long time.
Meanwhile, Somewhere in the Woods
Haru and Beau were walking through the forest.
The sunlight passed through the thick branches, illuminating their path.
"Haru."
"What?" Haru replied.
"I've had a question stuck in my mind for a very long time."
"What is it?"
Beau looked at him curiously.
"I don't understand why you added Chris, Henry, Lily and Twilight to our group. We were already handling everything ourselves, weren't we?"
Haru glanced at him.
"What? You don't like them?"
"No, no! That's not what I mean."
Beau quickly clarified.
"I was just curious. Having so many people around suddenly feels strange. Back then, it was just us."
Haru nodded.
"I can't tell you the whole thing, but I can tell you a few things."
Beau immediately made an annoyed expression.
"Oh, not more secrets about you! I'm so done with them."
Haru laughed.
"Yes, secrets again. But at least I'm sharing some parts of them."
"Okay."
Beau maintained his displeased expression.
Haru continued.
"There are several reasons why I brought them into this. As for Chris and Twilight, I can't clearly tell you why they're here. But what I can say is that both of them matter for a certain reason."
"A certain reason? Like what?" Beau asked curiously.
"Hey, I told you I'll only tell you what you should know. Nothing more than that."
Beau sighed.
"Oh, come on, man! Fine. What about Henry and Lily?"
Haru thought for a moment.
"Hmm... Henry is strong. As we keep changing locations, he's helped us a lot. Having someone like him around makes things easier."
He continued walking.
"As for Lily, even though the military hasn't been able to do much against me, I still need to know why they're after me and what they're planning."
Beau listened carefully.
"Also, the monster attacks have increased recently. I'm not able to focus on everything like before. Having people who can handle different responsibilities is important."
Haru finished explaining.
Beau wasn't entirely satisfied. He still had plenty of questions, especially about Chris and Twilight.
But he knew Haru wouldn't reveal anything more.
"Well, I guess that makes sense," Beau finally replied.
Haru nodded.
Beau continued walking beside him, still thinking about the unanswered questions.
One thing was certain: Haru was hiding something.
And Beau was determined to find out what it was eventually.