It probably would be unfair…

ㅤ No one tried to talk about the future: everyone knew that not everyone would live to see it, no matter how the "new" world turned out. No more predetermined paths imposed by the Score. Only the unknown… and true freedom, limited only by people's perceptions. And for this freedom, a bitter sacrifice had to be made. But while life still flickered, no one seemed to think about death, striving for the goal. For victory. Only regret hovered… "Is it worth it…?" Tear and Luke thought in unison about confessing, unaware of each other's thoughts. "It probably would be unfair…" they both worried. Together, they bore the burden of their feelings, not daring to share it. Luke's heart broke at the mere thought that by confessing his feelings, he would burden the one he loved. Because, unlike him, Tear will have to live with this… But Tear, too, was tormented by indecision. She understood she wouldn't have another chance. However, for the sake of new world, she couldn't allow herself to reveal her feelings. After all, they could influence Luke's decision. At the very least, make it more painful. She wanted him to stay… In this world. With her. But she had already sacrificed her desires for the sake of world, vowing to kill her brother. And now she couldn't back down. For the world. For herself. For Luke… And the closer they got to Van, the more the thought haunted them: "Last chance…" It was enough to suffocate them. The silence became increasingly unbearable. Just as it was for their friends to watch them, feeling an all-consuming powerlessness. In the brief pause before the final battle, feelings finally prevailed. "Luke…!" "Tear…!" They began at the same time, also falling silent and turning away. Tear timidly took Luke's hand, trembling. From fear that she was making a mistake. A selfish one. Luke squeezed her hand in response. Words were at a loss. As was his resolve. Looking at Tear so vulnerable, he couldn't bring himself to inflict unbearable pain on her with simple, yet profound words. All he could manage was: "I'm sorry…" Tear, exhausted, buried her face in his shoulder, hiding her pain-contorted face. She barely had enough willpower to keep from crying. She was a soldier! She had no right to be weak. Especially when Luke stood before her with such strength. She wanted to say so much, but only useless nonsense came to mind. "Everything's fine"—the most false imaginable. "Don't worry, don't fret"—but how could she remain indifferent? "It's nothing to worry about"—and yet everything was terrifying! In the end, Tear only weakly echoed Luke: "I'm sorry…" The reassuring, soothing embrace was painfully warm. Luke breathed calmly against the top of her head, inhaling the scent that had become familiar. For the last time. Enjoying the most intense and tender moment of their intimacy. The most they could allow themselves. And though neither of them spoke aloud, the sound rang in their ears in unison: 'I love you…' And though Tear and Luke didn't allow themselves to cry, not all of their friends managed to hold back their tears, standing silently to the side. They waited patiently. They said goodbye in the same way. Without words. Only with their hearts. ㅤ