She spoke, but then, surprise spread across her face as she watched Ryuk step forward, embracing her in a warm hug.
"Thank you, Aster, for staying, when you could have left…" he whispered into her ear, as Aster's focused expression slowly turned glassy.
Then, her arms wrapped around his back, hugging him deeply.
"I'm so glad you're okay…" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, her tears soaking into his shoulder.
The soft clench of teeth in relief echoed faintly in Ryuk's mind.
"I am, Aster. And it's very relieving to know you're doing fine too."
"Although, I have to say, I didn't quite expect a business partner to miss my stubborn head so much…" he added cheekily after a moment passed in the embrace.
Aster finally let go, scoffing with a flustered glare.
"Shut up, you goof. I don't!"
Ryuk grinned.
"Let's go in…" Antares's voice rang out, his hand resting on Ryuk's shoulder as they all floated downwards toward the building, disappearing inside.
_________
