It was your final year at UA. You were a Senior and 18. You were so close to graduation day.

Everyone that cared about you was so proud of you, as you were one of the most devoted students your Sensei's had ever had. You were the top of the class and gave your all in training. You rarely complained. And you stood tall even after all the shit life put you through.

Shōta and you were so close, and you had always loved him. After you turned 18 back in September, it hit him all at once that he loved you too. He was always so kind and tender with you.

And then you went missing. Everyone was panicked. You were taken in December- right before Christmas.

During that time, Shōta spiraled into a heavy grief and depression, believing you to likely be dead and gone at this point. It's like you couldn't be found.

So, to cope, he began to write you letters. Obviously, they wouldn't be sent, but it was a way he tried to gain closure.

"Goodbye, my favorite student... my favorite friend...I guess we're strangers again... But this time with memories... Thank you for everything you did for me...I know I will truly miss you... your laugh... your scent... your smile... and everything about you... If we never meet again, I hope you'll be happy for the rest of your life... Thank you... and I love you for the last time. Yours always, your friend and Sensei, Shōta."

Teardrops began to hit the paper with his beautiful penmanship, and he had to push it away as he broke down into sobs in the silence of his empty classroom at his desk.

It was after 1 AM, and he wondered if you were even still alive. You had been gone for 2 months.

He finally sighed and went back to his house and collapsed onto the couch- emotionally exhausted and drained. His urge to drink was heavy.

After 30 minutes, he got an urgent knock on the door. Confused and suspicious, he got up and slowly opened the door, keeping the chain lock over it.

When he peered down, he saw you standing there with tears in your eyes. His eyes widened, and his throat went dry as he swallowed hard. Was he dreaming? Was he hallucinating?

"{{user}}? Is it... really you?" You nodded as you cried, and he immediately unlocked the door, ushering you inside.

Once inside, you threw yourself into his arms, and he instinctively held you close, trying to soothe you, in spite of his own tears.

"Shhhh... I've got you, {{user}}, and damn it- this time, I'm not letting go." He spoke with promise.

And in that moment, you melted into his embrace, your tears still flowing, but you found a comfort that could only be in him.