Allen's car steadily drove away from the house.
Young Aether rested his head against the passenger-side window, feeling the faint vibration of the glass against his temple as he quietly watched the city outside.
The streets were unusually dim beneath the heavy clouds that covered the sky.
For some reason, those clouds felt familiar.
Not to his eyes.
To his heart.
Allen glanced toward him several times, his fingers tightening slightly around the steering wheel each time he looked back at the road. Eventually, he exhaled and gathered the courage to speak.
"Bro… are you alright? You haven't been yourself since Hell's Gate."
Young Aether remained silent, his eyes never leaving the scenery outside.
Allen sighed quietly. While keeping one hand on the wheel, he briefly reached over and touched his friend's shoulder.
"Come on, bro. You can talk to me... I'm your best friend, remember?"
Those last words made Young Aether's eyes grow even emptier.
"Best friend... you say?"
