[ They're both having the same thought. If only they had the presence of mind to speak it aloud, they would know they're on the same page. Still, Zixuan places a hand on A-Ling's shoulder again, looking him square in the eye. ]

I won't leave you. As long as I have a say in matters, I will stay by your side. I intend to make up for the time we have lost, by whatever means necessary. I--

[ He doesn't quite know how to do that, though, is the thing, so he's left trailing off awkwardly again.

Thankfully, there comes a interruption in the form of some rippling in the water of the fountain behind them. Zixuan turns, his attention caught. His hand flying to Suihua's handle. ]