Chapter 49: Drained
After what felt like an eternity, the storm of tears finally passed. Axelius sat in silence, his breath gradually slowing, though his eyes were still red and puffy.
He sniffled one last time, wiping the corners of his eyes with his sleeves, then muttered under his breath, voice hoarse but dry now, "You’re lucky it didn’t flood in here."
Owen gave a short laugh, bouncing slightly where he sat nearby. "So... you’re okay now?"
Axelius glared at him but didn’t push him away this time.
"How did it feel?" Owen asked, tilting with curiosity. "Light, right?"
Hiroshi rolled his eyes, aggressively rubbing at his face. "Shut up, you little fucker! No one should know I cried!"
With a smug bounce, Owen launched himself onto Hiroshi’s shoulder, settling there like an annoying badge of honor. "It’s not like they can see or hear me, you know."
Axelius gave a lopsided grin, exhausted but smug. "Yeah... pity you."
As Axelius wiped away the last remnants of his tears, he stood up with a tired stretch.
"Let’s talk again once I’m in my room," he muttered to Owen with a sigh. "Crying is so exhausting..."
"Agreed," Owen replied, bouncing lazily beside him. "You look like you aged ten years."