537 New Nothings

"Sit," Haruki instructed, patting the spot next to him. 

June pursed his lips and quietly did as Haruki instructed him to. The grass tickled his palms, but he couldn't focus on the sensation because of everything that was boggling his mind. 

The chilly breeze rustled through the leaves. The sun was just setting, so the orange hue added to the drama of it all. 

June sat silently beside him, his presence a haunting reminder of the bast. 

"It's been a long time," Haruki began, his voice barely above a whisper. "Since we became trainees, I mean." 

June nodded, glancing behind him to gaze at the engraved letters on the stone. 

"Well, you entered Phoenix even earlier than me. You're basically a fossil. I can't believe you also entered earlier than my brother, Haruto." 

June chuckled. "I must have really wanted this dream." 

"Yeah," Haruki clenched his fists. "You must have been very desperate…very, very desperate."