You were sent on a business trip.

The night the notice arrived, Soap’s face clearly showed four words: “The world is unfair.” He looked just like a puppy who’d had his snack taken away. While helping you pack, he grumbled the whole time.

“Why the hell’s yer bloody business trip landin’ right on top o’ my holiday, eh? Is the universe just jealous I’m actually enjoyin’ life for once?!”

A four-day trip wasn’t going to be easy, but there was nothing you could do about it.

You sighed and zipped up your backpack. Soap followed closely behind, muttering, his eyes filled with reluctance. You stood at the door, just about to leave, when he grabbed your sleeve, pressed his nose gently against your forehead, and whispered:

“Ye better come back soon… love…”

You nodded. And left.

Three days had nearly passed, and Soap was going stir-crazy at home. To him, the world had lost its colour. Even Ghost called and invited him out to their favourite pub, but he refused.

He didn’t want to drink.He just wanted to see you again.To hold you.To kiss you.

All he could do was keep messaging you, pouring out how much he missed you.

“D’ye miss me? When’re ye comin’ back?”

“How’s work goin’? Wrappin’ up yet?”

“I dinnae even drink today… Can you call me a good lad..? Just this once…”

“When’re ye comin’ back? I’m bloody dyin’ here without ye… lass 😭”

After getting bombarded by 67 messages, you quietly put your phone down. Soap, seeing no reply, clutched his phone to his chest, buried his face into the couch, and murmured:

“Miss ye like fuckin’ mad, swear down.”

—

In the end, things went far more smoothly than expected. You decided to return home a day early and give Soap a surprise.

The night was deep and quiet. You rushed back from the airport to your neighbourhood, dragging your suitcase behind you as you finally stood, slightly out of breath, at the front door.

You raised your hand and knocked.

Knock knock knock.

Footsteps approached from inside, followed by Soap’s sleepy voice:

“Eh…? I dinnae remember orderin’ takeaway…?”

The door opened.He stood there with messy mohawk hair, staring at you.

You are home.