The first thing Shuri noticed was Noran's red, swollen eyes. She guessed he had been crying, and now tears began to form in his eyes again.
"Rin, y-you're finally back... hmm..." He bit his lip to hold back his tears and held onto her hand tighter than before.
His body trembled as if he couldn't contain the turmoil of emotions he had been holding in.
Mirroring him, Shuri's eyes reddened as well.
"I'm sorry, I must have scared you," she said, her voice weak and filled with heartbreak at seeing him in this state.
She had never seen him so miserable.
"Don't cry, Ran. It's okay now..." She tried to comfort him, placing her hand on the side of his wet cheek.
"I missed you, Rin. I really did," he breathed, grabbing her hand gently and leaning his face against her palm. The touch of her hand seemed to soothe his fractured heart.
"I missed you too, Ran, a lot."
He tilted his face and pressed his lips against her palm, closing his eyes as he took in her scent and words.
