As soon as He Juan looked into those familiar eyes, his head spun for a split second as a flood of images surged to the forefront of his mind. The hazy memories gradually cleared like an invisible hand had wiped the dust away, allowing him to visit the day of their bitter parting seven years ago.
"XIU, I'm leaving. I still have no idea where to go, but… I can't stay here any longer. None of us can."
"But what… what about Marius?"
"He will not return, XIU. Until when are you going to deceive yourself? Think about it. How slim are the chances of him surviving in that kind of—"
"Shut up."
"—accident? It's been almost two months, XIU. It's time for you to—"
"SHUT UP!"
"Hiss—!" A sharp pain seared through his head and he clutched it with a wince, sending a wave of alarm and panic rippling through the others.
"Boss!"
"What's wrong? Is your head hurting again?!"
