The walk back from the dungeon felt different. For the first time in a long while, May wasn't silent. She walked beside Yash, close enough that their shoulders almost touched, as if even a small distance might make him disappear again. Igna followed slightly behind them, quietly observing. His mind was still processing everything—the strength Yash showed, the story he told, and the feeling that their world had suddenly grown much bigger.
When they reached the mansion, May pushed the door open and stepped inside before turning back toward Yash with a faint smile that hadn't left her face since the dungeon.
May: "Welcome back."
Yash walked in slowly, his eyes scanning the place. For a brief moment, something soft passed through his expression as memories returned.
Yash: "It hasn't changed much."
May let out a small laugh.
May: "I didn't want it to."
Igna stood near the entrance, watching them quietly, noticing a side of May he had never seen before.
That evening, May cooked far more than necessary. The table was filled with dishes, covering almost every inch. Igna sat down, slightly surprised, while Yash looked at the table and then at May.
Yash: "You made all this?"
May: "It's nothing."
They started eating, and for a while no one spoke. The silence wasn't heavy—it was warm and comfortable. After some time, Yash leaned back slightly.
Yash: "I'm full."
May immediately frowned and placed more food on his plate.
May: "You barely ate. Eat more."
Yash sighed but didn't argue. Igna looked away, hiding a small smile as he continued eating.
Later that night, the house grew quiet. Everyone went to their rooms, but May didn't go to hers. She walked into Yash's room and lay down beside him without saying anything. She stayed close, not leaving even a small space between them. Yash looked at her but didn't question it.
May: "Don't disappear again."
Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper. Yash slowly placed his hand on her head.
Yash: "I won't."
That was enough. May closed her eyes and fell asleep peacefully for the first time in years.
The next morning, Igna woke up early and stepped outside for some fresh air. When he came back in, he passed by a room and paused for a moment. May and Yash were still asleep, looking calm and peaceful. Igna quietly moved away without making a sound.
After everyone gathered, Yash looked around.
Yash: "Where's Hena?"
May's expression changed slightly.
May: "After everything… the team broke apart. Staying here reminded her too much of you. She couldn't even sleep properly."
Yash stayed silent as she continued.
May: "So I sent her to another kingdom."
A brief pause followed before Yash spoke again, his voice calm but firm.
Yash: "Call her."
May looked up at him.
Yash: "We're rebuilding the team."
A small smile appeared on May's face, and she nodded without hesitation.
Later that day, May contacted Hena and simply asked her to come back. No long explanation, no details—just trust.
Hena arrived faster than expected. The moment she stepped inside the mansion, she froze. Her eyes locked onto Yash, and for a moment, she couldn't move. Then suddenly, she ran toward him and hugged him tightly, her body shaking.
Hena: "You idiot… where were you… do you know how much…"
Her voice broke as tears fell uncontrollably. She hit his chest lightly again and again, not in anger, but in pain and relief mixed together.
Yash didn't stop her. He just stood there, letting her release everything.
After a moment, she pulled back slightly, looked at him, and without thinking, leaned forward and kissed his cheek. The room fell silent for a second. Igna blinked in surprise while May quietly looked away, pretending not to notice.
Hena quickly wiped her tears, trying to act normal, but her expression gave everything away.
The rest of the day passed differently. The atmosphere was lighter, warmer. They talked, remembered old times, shared stories, and laughed in ways that hadn't been heard in that house for a long time. Igna watched everything quietly, not feeling left out, but instead feeling like he truly belonged.
By evening, they stood together again. Not broken. Not incomplete. But whole.
Yash looked at all of them, his voice calm and steady.
Yash: "Let's rebuild it."
May nodded, Hena smiled, and Igna stood firm.
Yash: "Distro is back."
And this time, it felt stronger than ever.