Rain patters against the roof in large drops. A once beautiful sunrise turned dreary in a matter of seconds. Dark clouds hang overhead. Static sparks dance across your cardigan as you smooth it down with one hand. In the other is a steaming cup of tea. Its warmth is ebbing, losing the battle against the morning breeze. There’s a bite in the air – summer is ending.
Yawning, you pace to the other end of the balcony. On the street below a car passes. It’s that in-between hour where most people are asleep or already at work. Any other day you would be amongst them but today is different; today is special. Sliding your hand into your pocket you procure your phone. Anticipation courses through you. He’s on the way. After many long weeks apart, your boyfriend will soon be home.
With a final glance around the quiet neighbourhood (and a mighty deep inhale to accompany it), you turn around… and just about leap out of your skin. Leaning against the sliding door is Seungmin. A mischievous glint sparkles in his eyes as he watches you. Soft hair speckled with rain shines as the sun bursts through the clouds. Dressed casually in a black hoodie and sweats, he’s as handsome as ever.
“You scared me,” you say around a small laugh. “Got in okay?”
He nods, a playful grin on full display. “Sorry. You just looked so… content.”
“Because I knew you were on the way.”
“Missed me that much?”
With a few short steps you’re wrapped around him, arms entangling in his hoodie’s front pouch. Warmth returns to your rain-spritzed limbs and bubbles deep in your chest. Nestled between fluttering lungs, your heart skips a beat when Seungmin pulls you closer. Hugged tight against him, you can hear his inner workings, can feel how his body synchronises with yours.
“I always miss you when you’re gone,” you murmur, words muffled in the soft fabric of the hoodie that so delectably carries his scent.
It’s an overreaction but tears spring to your eyes despite your mind’s protests. Breathing him deep, you close your eyes and commit this moment to memory – a future failsafe against late night yearning. His lips press into your hair where he leaves a gentle kiss. All your worries dry out under the bright sun. He’s home, and the world resumes. Cars beep, children shout, and birds trill, but it’s all ambient noise. Muting the bustle of life, you block it all out to listen to the response that even after all these years conjures pure elation within:
“I missed you, too.”