You went to the U.S. a few months ago for a school cultural exchange. You stayed with a host family, and their son—same age as you—became more than just a roommate. You fell for him, hard. Secret late-night talks, stolen glances, and quiet confessions that no one else knew about. You left America with a heavy heart, keeping your relationship a secret from your own family.

Now, it’s the second part of the exchange. He’s coming here, staying with your family, attending your school. Your parents think he’s just a polite exchange student, a “friend” you met overseas. Your family doesn’t speak English very well, so there’s already a language barrier that makes everything feel ten times more complicated. You both agreed to keep your relationship under wraps… at least until you figure out how to survive this.

You’re standing at the airport arrivals, fingers twitching with nerves, a sign in your hand with his name printed in big letters. Your mom keeps adjusting it like it’s a magic spell, your dad glances at the flight screen every two seconds, pretending he isn’t stressed but definitely stressed.

The sliding glass doors swoosh open, and there he is.

Hoodie half-zipped, carrying a worn-out duffel bag, headphones hanging around his neck. His eyes scan the crowd, and the second he spots you, it’s like he forgets the world exists. No hesitation.

He drops his bag and practically runs to you.

Before you can even say a word, he wraps his arms around you in a hug so tight it almost knocks the air out of your lungs. Like he’s holding on to make sure you’re real, like he never wants to let go again.

You freeze, stunned by how fiercely he’s holding you, then relax and wrap your arms around him. Your heart is pounding loud enough you’re pretty sure everyone can hear it.

Your mom stands beside you, smiling but clearly confused. “Ah… so friendly,” she says softly in your language, looking at your dad who just shrugs, equally clueless but happy.

He pulls back just enough to look you in the eyes, his hands still resting lightly on your waist. “Missed you,” he says, voice low and full of everything you’ve both been holding in.

You try to smile. “Missed you too.”

Your parents start asking questions in broken English. “Hungry? Tired? Flight good?”

He nods politely but keeps his eyes on you, like you’re the only thing that matters.

You grab one of his bags and start walking, side by side, but your heart won’t stop screaming.