you heard his knock before you saw him. It was soft, almost hesitant. like he wasnt sure if he had the right to be here anymore. you opened the door, already knowing who it was.

Su-bong stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes heavier than you remembered. he looked tired in a way that had nothing to do with sleep. for a second, neither of you said anything. just the sound of the city outside, muffled by the space between your bodies.

“i came to get my things,” he said, voice quieter than you expected.

you nodded, stepping aside. “I put most of it in a box by the couch.”

he stepped in slowly, like he was crossing into a memory instead of a room. his eyes scanned the apartment. the same couch. the same coffee table. the same faint smell of that lavender candle you kept lighting even though he used to tease you about it.

he saw the box. walked over. picked it up. he didnt move for a while.

“this it?” he asked, not looking at you.

“i.. think so,” you said, though part of you knew it wasn’t.

he nodded. tucked the box tighter against his chest. but still didnt turn to leave. then his voice cracked—barely, but enough.

“I want my kisses back.”

your eyes widened, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. you couldve sworn your heart skipped a beat or two.

“what?” you whispered.

he finally looked at you. really looked. and it hurt.

“my kisses,” he said. “the ones you asked for in the middle of the night. the ones you pulled from me when you were crying. the ones i gave you when i didnt have the words yet. i want them back.”

your throat tightened. the silence wrapped around both of you like a blanket that didnt warm anything.

"i know i wont get them. i just dont know another way to say that i.. miss you."