He blinks at the nose rub but then smiles, a part of the sorrow easing. Not by much, it doesn't feel like the shadow over his heart will even truly vanish. Not whilst he is separated from his king.

But knowing that he is with people who care, who he cares about. Friends. Friends who still seem so impossible. People who like him just because. Not because he is their kirin, not because he is the hope of their land.

It feels wrong, to be liked just for being him. But he is also very thankful for it.

He will still worry though, it is in his very nature to do so.