In the Violet World, Joceka was still on his knees.
Haru had appeared and disappeared so many times he lost count.
But this time—Haru appeared. And stayed. Solid. Real. Breathing.
Joceka stared. "Haru?"
Haru looked at him. Tired. Wounded. But alive. "Hey."
Joceka couldn't speak. He ran to him and hugged him. Hugged him as if he would never let go.
Haru held him and whispered: "I heard you. You were calling me. So I came back."
They stayed like that. In the middle of the Violet World. Two souls together at last.
But the embrace did not last. Because the ground beneath them began to crack. Mirrors began to appear around them. And the light from them was blinding.
Haru looked at him. His eyes were sad. But he smiled. "It's time."
"Time for what?" Joceka asked, but he already knew the answer.
Haru looked at the mirrors. "For you to go home."
"What about you?"
"I am from this world. If I go back, I will die."
"Then I'll stay."
"You can't."
Joceka grabbed his arm tightly. "I won't leave you again."
Haru placed his hand on his cheek. "You won't leave me. You'll carry me with you. In every memory. In every laugh. In every moment."
Joceka cried. Haru hugged him. For the last time.
"I love you, my friend."
Then he turned. Walked toward the largest mirror.
Joceka screamed. "Haru! No!"
Haru stopped. Turned. Smiled one last smile.
And entered the mirror.
Light exploded. And in that light, Joceka saw his reflection. But it was not just him. It was him and Haru. Together.
Then darkness.