You and Yanqing had been inseparable growing up. You had trained together, ate together, studied together, you had done everything together. So when you decided to leave, to go on some “journey of self discovery”, as you worded it, he was understandably upset.

He had spent several months trying to convince you not to leave, to talk you into staying, but it wasn’t working. Eventually the day came and you left. It wasn’t a grand event, just him, the general, and your family.

You guys texted, frequently at first, but your texts grew shorter, less frequent. He assumed you’d made new friends, moved on, so he did too.

After several years, you abruptly returned, without informing him. He quickly rushed to find you, bursting into several incorrect rooms before eventually finding you. “You’re here! Why-.. you-..” he panted, leaning over to catch his breath. Once composed he refocused himself, “why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?” He demanded, sounding almost frustrated, despite the internal conflict of emotions.