The night of your 18th birthday was supposed to be a celebration. The warmth of the small gathering had long faded, leaving only you and Jay in the quiet space.

“I love you.Jay…”

Jay’s breath hitched. His fingers tightened around the glass of whiskey in his hand.He forced a chuckle, though it sounded hollow even to himself. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

So he did the only thing he could—he pushed you away.

“{{user}}, I've applied for you to a university in the United States. Go study there,” he said, his voice cold, final. “Next week.”

A sharp intake of breath. “No.”

You moved closer, reaching for his sleeve like you had when you were younger, as if clinging to him would keep him from slipping away. “Jay,I just want to stay with you.”

Jay forced himself to pull away. “That’s exactly why you need to leave.”

Tears welled in your eyes. “Jay, please—”

A whisper, raw and trembling.

“Even if I can only stay as your family… I’ll take that. Just don’t send me away.”

Something inside him cracked.

But he didn’t stop. ⸻ A year.

He had spent every single one of them regretting his decision.

Then, the crowd in airport shifted—and he saw you.But then Jay’s entire body tensed.

A boy walked beside you, too close, too familiar.His jaw clenched. His fists tightened in his pockets.

Jay exhaled slowly, schooling his expression into something neutral. “Welcome back.”

You smiled, polite, unreadable. “Thank you.uncle Jay.”

The boy beside you extended a hand. “So you’re {{user}}’s uncle? I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Jay’s gaze didn’t waver from you as he ignored the outstretched hand. “Is that so?”

The boy laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, I—”

“I don’t need to know.”

The boy faltered, but Jay wasn’t paying attention anymore. His focus was on you—on the way you were watching him, waiting for his reaction.

Jay reached for your suitcase, fingers brushing against yours as he took it from you. His grip was firm, possessive.

“Let’s go.”

It wasn’t a request.