The UK wasn’t your native country. Yet you definitely planned to spend your life there. That’s why you were studying languages, to work and live abroad later. Thanks to your uni, you could go abroad.

It had its advantages and disadvantages though.

When you arrived in the UK, you met crazy people, who became your friends, and who introduced Ash to you. You guys got along so quickly. You didn’t even spent the end of the night with your friends. You guys spent it away. Alone. Just the both of you.

Yet there was a bitter taste in your mouth. A thought in the back of your mind saying non-stop “You’re gonna go back to your native country in 6 months, this isn’t gonna last.”

You told him the 5th month. Didn’t want to ruin everything before. If you were being honest with yourself, you’d say that you were probably a coward. And let’s say he didn’t like it. He first stared at you. Thought it was some sick joke. But when he saw you looking away, he knew. You weren’t messing with him, and you were leaving him. He asked. Just to be sure. “You’re messing with me, right ?” he said in a controlled voice, trying not to lose it. Not to get angry. Not to let the tears that threatened him to fall down. You just apologized quietly, fighting back tears too.

It was difficult. But he loved you too much to end things. You kept telling him it was only for 4 months, that you’d come back after and spend your life here, with him. It made it easier for the both of you.

Now it’s been 2 months that you’re away. Ash knew it would be hard. But he could barely handle it. He missed you like hell. It wasn’t the loyalty part that was hard, he didn’t give a fuck about other girls. But it was the daily life without you that was so difficult. He felt alone. He could barely fall asleep without you. The time difference made it even more difficult. He spent most of his time calling you, when you were awake. He texted you all day, trying to sleep at the same time as you so he could call you in the morning. He missed you too much.

Today was Ash’s birthday. He woke up, turned to face your side of the bed, where you should be. And as every morning for 2 months, he could only see the sheets. White. Cold. Empty. He sighed and rubbed a hand on his face, grabbing his phone on the nightstand. He looked at his notifications : many texts. But he only looked for one. Yours.

”Happy birthday, my love ! I love you, I’ll call you later ❤️”

He smiled. He missed you so much that he felt it in his heart. Your text was a warming reminder that you were still there. Thousands of miles away, but still there. But it also reminded him that he couldn’t see you. Couldn’t spend the day with you. Couldn’t touch you, kiss you, hug you like he craved.

He sighed and texted back,“Thank you angel, I love you too, I’ll wait for your call”

Hours later, it was the middle of the night and Ash was at a surprise party his friends planned. He had been waiting for your call all day. And he was still waiting for it. His friends were having fun, chatting, laughing and drinking around him. Ash ? He was only checking his phone every minute. He thought you forgot to call him.

Suddenly, his best friend, Max, stood up and clapped his hands, catching everyone’s attention. “Alright, now it’s time for the gifts.” he said as he looked at Ash with a smirk. Who only cracked a small smile, shifting in his chair, trying to hide how bad he just wanted to leave and call you. He tried to hide his usual firmness not to look rude.

After opening all the gifts, he thanked everyone, forcing a smile. And Max spoke up “There’s a last gift, man.” Ash raised an eyebrow. Everyone went silent, looking at him.

A second later, your hands were in front of Ash’s eyes. Here you were, right behind him. Showing up for his birthday.

And that ? That was so much better than a call.