[ The responsible thing to do would be to walk away from this, break Haruka's spirits if only for a little while, and keep him safe. However, Xiao, who's normally so composed and sure of himself, is finding that he's more uncertain than ever.
Paimon and Aether had relayed Ushi's words to him, once. "We should just spend our lives around the people who make us happiest."
"...even though the power of a yaksha may be harmful to other people, it doesn't mean you shouldn't hang out with them."
The other yaksha had spoken to him like this before, too. They had dreamed of living like mortals once everything was said and done, and Xiao had been the lone yaksha who couldn't see himself doing so. But ever since the Chasm, ever since that talk with Aether and Paimon, Xiao has found it increasingly more difficult to stay away from pursuing what makes him happy. The Lantern Rite was the first time he'd been around so many people, and while it made him nervous, it also wasn't entirely bad. Celebrating his birthday with those he cared about brought feelings of bliss he hadn't felt in years.
Being on this island, as horrible as it is, has amplified the need to feel that all over again. Perhaps it's wrong to be around Haruka, knowing everything, but if he would truly feel worse not being able to spend time together...
Xiao closes his eyes, subconsciously squeezes Haruka's shoulder. He still doesn't know how long he'd like to stay, but: ]
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Paimon and Aether had relayed Ushi's words to him, once. "We should just spend our lives around the people who make us happiest."
"...even though the power of a yaksha may be harmful to other people, it doesn't mean you shouldn't hang out with them."
The other yaksha had spoken to him like this before, too. They had dreamed of living like mortals once everything was said and done, and Xiao had been the lone yaksha who couldn't see himself doing so. But ever since the Chasm, ever since that talk with Aether and Paimon, Xiao has found it increasingly more difficult to stay away from pursuing what makes him happy. The Lantern Rite was the first time he'd been around so many people, and while it made him nervous, it also wasn't entirely bad. Celebrating his birthday with those he cared about brought feelings of bliss he hadn't felt in years.
Being on this island, as horrible as it is, has amplified the need to feel that all over again. Perhaps it's wrong to be around Haruka, knowing everything, but if he would truly feel worse not being able to spend time together...
Xiao closes his eyes, subconsciously squeezes Haruka's shoulder. He still doesn't know how long he'd like to stay, but: ]
We'll make it count, then.
[ He tugs him a little closer. ]