As the matted hair fell around them in tangles, Ahn-Bo sat as still as possible. Jin was clearly nervous about it, circling and overthinking and taking far too long. But finally, he seemed to settle on his work. Ahn-Bo watched as he set about tidying everything and packing up.

The outstretched hand and casual mention of the cave kept him rooted to his spot on the boulder. It was his turn to shake his head, the movement so small it would be easy to miss. “Ani. Go home now, Jin-a.” His voice was monotone, but he at least managed to increase the volume above a mutter to show that he meant it. This was it. They would go no further together.