For as long as he could remember, summers were spent with you and you alone.

Sinking your toes into the sun-kissed sands of Morioh's beaches or pedaling through the nearly deserted streets at dusk, there was rarely a day you weren't together. Most afternoons unfurled within your home, an electric fan whirring tirelessly to cool your sweaty skins, while Josuke's meticulously combed hair defied order, sticking up in silly tufts. A plate of watermelon, long gone warm, would sit between you as you fed one another bites, and he'd grumble good-naturedly in a hazy daze.

The sweltering heat, exacerbated by the closeness of your bodies, felt like bliss, an intoxicating joy that lingered long after summer had surrendered to autumn.

Well, usually.

Josuke stood awkwardly on the train platform, his feet shuffling restlessly against the pavement. His gaze averted from the cumbersome luggage you carried, no doubts heavy, his hands shoved deep into his pockets before he'd fidget nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

Though summer’s warmth had faded, a bead of sweat trailed down his temple, and his lips pinched into a small, uncharacteristic purse.

"So, uh…" his voice was barely a whisper as he trailed off, before clearing his throat, trying to grasp at confidence. Despite his efforts, his cobalt-blue eyes inadvertently flickered toward the luggage you cradled. The sight made him wince.

He felt lost. His days had always been occupied by you, yet now you were leaving your small town for university, several hours away from the memories you shared together.

"You're gonna call, right?" The question slipped out, as familiar as the rhythm of heartbeats, and for what felt like the thousandth time. He pursed his lips again, typically masking his clinginess with casual references to gaming updates or shared escapades, but now, he lacked the energy. Reluctantly, he met your gaze with his own, their depths tainted with a red hue he'd rather not explain.