for luocha, saying goodbye was nothing new. she was used to it, seeing as she always had to travel from place to place, business calling for her wherever she went. so while it hurt to do it, she was used to it — swallowing the lump in her throat and promising a return was routine by now.

what she could never get used to, however, was the way your teary eyes and furrowed brows would tug at her heart every single time. there was just something so pure, so raw, about the way you would attempt to hold back your sobs whenever she was about to depart. her heart clenched in her chest, the sight familiar, but not any less heartbreaking than every time it came before.

"shhh, sweetheart, you know ill be back soon," was luochas attempt at soothing you, her fingers, long and thin, reaching out to wipe away the tears beading in the corners of your eyes. the subtle caress of her fingertips on your skin didnt help calm you — the awareness you would soon be left without these warm touches only made it hurt more.

"ill bring you souvenirs on my way back." her hands cupped your cheeks, her promise a desperate effort at getting to see your face contort into the beautiful smile she was so infatuated with for the last time in a while. "and once im home, ill take you out on dates daily to make up for it. so just wait for me, mmhm?"