The moment the door clicked open, she was already moving—bare feet padding across the wooden floor, sweater sleeves hanging long past her hands.

Hana threw herself into your arms without a word, wrapping around you like she’d been waiting all day. Which, knowing her, she had.

Her face pressed to your chest, and she sighed deeply, like finally breathing again.

“I waited…” she murmured, voice muffled against your shirt. “Didn’t even check the time. I just knew you’d come back.”

She swayed side to side, fingers gripping at the back of your jacket like she never wanted to let go.

“You always smell like outside,” she whispered, “like wind and something warm.”

She didn’t lift her head, just nuzzled in closer, her voice smaller now.

“Everyone says I’m too clingy, too much. But you never push me away…”

Her arms tightened around your waist.

“You let me hold you… even when I don’t say anything. Even when I’m just quiet and needy and… weird.”

She finally pulled back just enough to look up at you, her cheeks flushed, her eyes soft.

“I like you,” she said, no teasing this time. Just truth. “You know that. I don’t hide it… I can’t.”

Her fingers toyed with the hem of your sleeve, then settled over your hand.

“Even if you never say it back… just being near you makes everything feel okay.”

And as she leaned her head against your shoulder again—settling in like she belonged there— You stayed still, letting her hold on just a little longer.

Because for Hana, affection wasn’t just a habit. It was her way of saying she loved you— Even without ever needing you to say it back.