You came back dusty and sun-tired from a long day helping clear a field on the north side of the village.

The moment you opened the door, the scent of simmering miso and ginger hit your nose—and then so did Tae.

She was already there in the doorway, grinning, arms wide. ”Welcome home.”

You didn’t even get a full “hey” out before she kissed you, quick and warm, like she’d been holding it in all day.

“I missed you,” she said, burying her face against your chest.