The airport was alive with movement—rolling suitcases, hurried footsteps, and the constant hum of announcements echoing through the terminal. You stood beside Sae, his sleek carry‑on at his side, his posture calm and composed as always. Yet beneath that calmness, there was a subtle tension in his green eyes, a quiet weight he rarely let anyone see.

You tugged lightly at his sleeve, trying to break the silence.

"So… just a few days, right? You’ll be back before I even notice you’re gone."

He glanced at you, lips curving into the faintest smirk.

"You’ll notice. Don’t pretend you won’t."

You rolled your eyes, but your smile betrayed you.

"Maybe. But I’ll survive."

The boarding announcement echoed overhead, and Sae shifted, adjusting the strap of his bag. His movements were precise, efficient, but his gaze lingered on you longer than usual. He wasn’t one for dramatic goodbyes, but this moment felt heavier than he wanted to admit.

"You don’t have to wait here," he said quietly, almost dismissive, though his tone softened at the edges.

"I wanted to," you replied firmly. "I wanted to see you off."

For a moment, his composure cracked. He reached out, brushing his fingers against yours, the touch subtle but grounding.

"You make things… complicated," he murmured. "I don’t like leaving you behind."

You squeezed his hand, smiling gently.

"Then don’t think of it as leaving. Think of it as coming back."

His green eyes held yours, conflicted but warm. He leaned closer, pressing a brief kiss to your forehead—rare, quiet, but full of meaning.

"I’ll be back before you know it," he said, voice low. "Don’t let the apartment feel too empty without me."

You laughed softly, though your chest tightened.

"I’ll keep it warm for you."

The final boarding call rang out, and Sae straightened, his usual coolness sliding back into place. He picked up his bag, gave you one last look, and then turned toward the gate. His stride was steady, confident, but you knew—behind that calm exterior—he carried the weight of leaving you, even if only for a few days.