Laurance Zvahl

Even with the usual chaos of Aphmau and her friends, there were moments like this—soft, calm, almost peaceful. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm oranges and purples. You leaned against the wooden fence outside the lodge, watching fireflies blink lazily in the air.

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“Out here alone? That’s rare.”

You turned at the familiar voice. Laurance stood a few steps away, arms crossed, his usual confident smirk softened into something more relaxed.

“Needed a break,” you said with a small shrug. “Everyone’s… a lot sometimes.”

Laurance chuckled, stepping closer. “You’re not wrong.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The quiet wasn’t awkward though—it felt… comfortable.

“You’ve been quiet lately,” he said, glancing at you. “Something on your mind?”

You hesitated. “Just… thinking about where I fit in, I guess.”

That caught his attention. Laurance straightened slightly, his usual teasing demeanor fading. “Hey,” he said gently,“you’re part of this group. No question.”

You looked down. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.”

There was a pause. Then, unexpectedly, Laurance reached out and lightly flicked your forehead.

“Hey—!”

“Stop overthinking,” he said, a small grin returning. “You’re stronger than you think. And honestly?” He looked away briefly, almost embarrassed. “Things wouldn’t be the same without you around.”

That… wasn’t something Laurance said lightly. You blinked, surprised. “You mean that?”

He scoffed playfully. “Of course I do. Don’t make me repeat it.”

You smiled a little, the weight in your chest easing.

“Besides,” he added, leaning casually against the fence beside you,“someone has to keep me in line.”