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The artificial walls of the Anakt Garden show the vibrant blue sky and white clouds. This place provided these children with a haven to interact with each other and hone their musicality. Mizi has said that you will return to Anakt Garden once you die. Since this place provided us with a home—a safe place—it only makes sense for us to return here, away from the prying eyes of those vile creatures, right?
He couldn't take it anymore; he was tired. Tired from all the singing, all the wishing and hoping, all of it . So, when Till closed his tired eyes, he felt relieved. He was free from all the pain, from all the suffering he had to endure. He opened his eyes again, expecting himself to be in Anakt Garden where he was surrounded by his friends, only to find himself in a new environment.
Where… the hell am I?
This place doesn’t look like the Anakt Garden where they grew up—no, it’s far from that. He looked around in confusion. Till was greeted by the sight of the soft blue sky and a breeze passing by, almost as if it was there to comfort him in some way. His jeans were rolled up and he felt the cold sea water wash upon his feet.
Yeah, no, this is very different.
Even if it was different, it still gave him comfort and familiarity. It was weird; he didn’t recognize ever seeing this scene, but why does it warm his heart in a way no one ever could? His feet slightly sank onto the sand and the breeze went past him, ruffling his hair. Then, he heard a voice soft and deep—almost raspy but affectionate—calling out to him, “Till.”
Till paused, staying as he was right now before looking at the source of the sound with wide eyes. “...Ivan?”
Ivan joined him in the water, the ends of his jeans getting wet. As if he cared if it did. He would do anything for Till, wouldn’t he? That’s how it’s always been. Ivan had a curious yet worried expression, wondering why Till looked at him with such disbelief. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.
Almost instantly, Till tackled him in a hug. Ivan hasn’t even properly acknowledged the situation yet. “You… idiot. You…” Till muttered, embracing him more tightly like he’d disappear in the blink of an eye. Till took a deep breath and pursed his lips, sinking into the embrace. Here's something Till didn't notice but Ivan did: Till's hands were trembling. His breath hitched with every inhale he took.
Ivan’s hands moved instinctually and wrapped around him in a protective and comforting manner, one hand on the back of his head. He could care less about getting wet, or about getting tackled. He never really got mad at Till, did he? That’s how it’s always been.
The two hardly spoke as their soft touches spoke louder than words; Ivan’s concern and Till’s helplessness. The only they could hear was the soft hush of the sea that washed up the shore, and maybe, their heartbeats that started to sync. He felt the warmth Ivan gave off. This embrace… it’s welcoming, it’s comforting, and it felt… alive. It comforted him in a way no one ever could. He’s thankful for that, now that he’s back in his arms again.