Val paused, seemingly to gaze at something distant that Adrien could not see. "Master said always to cherish these treasures. But, after I had to leave the academy... after all this time... after all this loneliness... I had forgotten. And then... Then you came". He turned to Adrien - his eyes were shimmering. "Then you came, and you reminded me", he said softly, his voice breaking.

Adrien touched Val's hand; its blue glow reflected onto his palm.

"...I knew that when this day would come, your color would be orange. Without you... Without you, I was insight without growth, kindness without action, infinity without joy". He grasped onto Adrien's hand. "I shine brighter at your side... You make me myself".

Adrien closed his eyes and smiled. He let Val's glowing words sink within himself - for once, without trying to deny them. "And you do the same to me", he replied. "Before we met, I couldn't see myself clearly. I was full of ambition, but lacked direction. And I couldn't accept myself. You have changed that, Val. Thank you".