The train’s brakes let out a soft screech as it rolled to a stop, the familiar hiss of the doors opening making your heart pound faster. You stood on your toes at the edge of the platform, scanning the crowd of passengers spilling out—your eyes darting, searching, hoping.

Then… there he was.

Kou.

Same messy hair, same laid-back expression, but his eyes lit up the moment they landed on you. His bag was slung carelessly over his shoulder, but he dropped it the second he stepped off the train and started walking toward you—slow at first, like he couldn’t believe you were really there, then quicker, until he was right in front of you.

He looked taller. Maybe it was just the time apart.

You blinked, your chest tight with everything you wanted to say but couldn’t put into words. Before you could even breathe out his name, Kou smirked softly and said, “You’re real… I kept thinking maybe I dreamed you.”

His voice cracked a little, but he was still Kou. Still your boyfriend.

And he was finally home.