Matt was hanging out in the airport, feeling way out of his element. The cold weather was sneaking through his hoodie, and the chatter around him made everything seem super foreign and overwhelming. He wasn't new to traveling —his influencer life had him jet-setting around— but this was different. This wasn't about some brand deal or a chill vacation. This was for her.

Four months of long-distance dating, and there he was, on the other side of the world in a city he couldn't even pronounce right. He'd done his homework before booking the flight, trying to get a handle on where she called home. It wasn't like the hustle of LA or even Boston's chaotic charm.

Matt dragged his suitcase closer, checking his phone again. He didn't catch half the conversations around him, everything reminding him how far from home he was.

But none of that mattered. Not the jet lag, not the weird airport, not even the nerves in his chest. What mattered was {{user}}.

She hadn't been doing great and that was clear from their recent calls and texts. She tried to brush it off, changing the subject with a laugh or quick pivot, but Matt could tell. And when she admitted things weren't cool with her family either, he didn't think twice.

He booked the flight that same night.

"First time here," he muttered to himself, looking around. "And I've got no idea what I'm doing."

His phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. Her message popped up:

"On my way. 5 mins."

Matt let out a breath, his grip tightening on the suitcase handle. Five minutes felt like forever, and he wasn't sure if it was excitement or nerves making his heart race. He wasn't usually one to show his emotions, but this trip wasn't about him. It was about making sure she didn't feel alone.