??? ?????? ?? ???????, ekko arcane.

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EKKO sat down on the small couch by the kitchen, which had a pillow and a folded blanket for him. He had taken off his cloak, revealing him in his white long sleeve top and brown pants. He was looking through his bag, but stopped once he heard footsteps approaching.

Looking up, he saw a mug outstretched towards him. Kazumi stood there, holding her own with her other hand.

She also took off her cloak and freshened up, showing her in a white halter top with baggy dark green cargo pants. Her hair was still in its signature space bun hairstyle. She had two belts that crossed over each other, that held her cross bow and some arrows.

"Helloooo, Runeterra to Ekko? My arms are getting a little tired here," she chuckled, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Oh, sorry, thanks." He carefully took the mug from her hand, enjoying the immediate warmth in his palms. A heavenly smell hit his senses, and his brows raised.

"You don't mind hot chocolate, do you?" she asked worriedly, pointing her thumb behind her. "I can get you another drink—"

"No, no, I don't mind. I've only had it like once or twice at The Last Drop..." he shrugged. "It's hard to get candy, let alone chocolate."

Kazumi nodded in understanding, sitting down next to him, but not too close. "The Last Drop," she muttered. "I've heard of that place. Vander owns it, doesn't he? Ruby, like, idolises that guy," she smiled faintly.

Ekko only nodded in response. Owned, now. He felt a pang in his chest, and before the tears could form again, he took a sip of his drink.

He didn't expect it to be so delicious, instantly taking another sip. He hummed in satisfaction, his sipping turning into gulps.

Kazumi watched in amusement, but she couldn't help but feel guilty; the moment she brought up Vander, Ekko's mood dropped.

"If you want more, or need anything, just let us know," she changed the subject, taking a sip of her own.

"Thanks for letting me stay here, I'll get going as soon as I can."

She nodded, mustering a small smile, though she felt the opposite. She actually enjoyed his company, but she had to accept that Ekko has his own life, and has his own places to be. "Oh, yeah of course. You're welcome here anytime."

There was a comfortable silence between them, being the only two in the main area whilst the twins were in their own rooms. Kazumi opened her mouth to ask where he would go after this, but she changed her mind at the last second. It wasn't her business, no matter how curious she was.

A small part of Ekko had hoped she would tell him to stay. He felt so safe here, and not to mention he was spoiled with two sweet treats after only being here for an hour or so. And most of all, he liked her company.

After finishing their hot chocolates, Kazumi took their cups to the kitchen, putting them in the sink and rinsing them under water.

"How do you have running water?" he asked.

Kazumi pointed to a tube connected to the tap that lead through the wall outside. "We store rain water and filter it so it's somewhat clean. If we run out of that, we get water from the river near the bridge and filter that, too."