"Hey," Dranred said softly, reaching out to pinch Rosette's cheek as they walked side by side through the bustling airport terminal. She'd been pouting since they arrived, and he couldn't help but smile despite the heaviness in his chest. "What is it this time?"
Rosette turned to him sharply, her eyes flashing. "You still have to ask?" she said, her voice tight with emotion. "Last night, you told me to accept the college admission. You said you were joining the majors. And now I find out—from James, not from you—that you're leaving today? What's next, Dranred?" Her voice cracked slightly, frustration and hurt mixing in her tone.
Dranred exhaled slowly. "You know why I didn't tell you," he said gently. "It would've just made things harder for both of us. Even now, I feel like I don't want to leave. And with that frown on your face," he added teasingly, "how am I supposed to concentrate once I'm there?" He reached out again and lightly pinched her cheek, trying to draw out a smile.
Instead, Rosette glared at him. "That's not funny."
Dranred chuckled softly, then pulled something from his carry-on bag—a small box wrapped in blue paper. "Here," he said, handing it to her.
Rosette looked at it suspiciously. "What's this?" she asked, taking the box and opening it carefully. Her brows lifted when she saw what was inside. "A baseball?"
"It's not just any baseball," Dranred said, his eyes warm. "I want you to keep it. But there's one condition—you can't open it to see what's inside. Not yet."
Rosette frowned. "Then why give it to me if I can't open it?" she said, pushing it back toward him.
He laughed quietly, shaking his head. "I didn't realize you were this impatient."
"And I didn't realize you were into mysterious games," she shot back. "You give me a gift and then tell me not to touch it? What kind of logic is that?"
"There's a right time for everything," Dranred said, taking her hand and holding it tightly. "But not today. Promise me you'll wait. I won't be able to hold your hand like this for a while, so let me make the most of it now."
Rosette felt her chest tighten. "You're impossible," she murmured.
"Oh, and one more thing," Dranred added with a playful grin. "You're not allowed to entertain any suitors while I'm gone. I already asked James to keep an eye on you."
Rosette's eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously? I'm going to college, not a convent. How can you even think that way?" But then, her voice softened. "Besides, my heart already belongs to someone." She turned away shyly, her cheeks burning.
Dranred's smile softened. "Good," he whispered. "It's hard enough leaving you, knowing there'll be people waiting for a chance."
Rosette looked at him quietly. "So… are you changing your mind about leaving?"
He shook his head, though his grip on her hand tightened. "That's not what I meant. You know I have to go. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself."
"I will," she said, her voice trembling. "You take care, too."
She tried to blink back the tears forming in her eyes, remembering what he once told her—that she wasn't allowed to cry when he was around. Dranred noticed the way her fingers clenched around his, and without another word, he pulled her into his arms.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The sound of airport announcements and hurried footsteps faded into the distance. It was just the two of them—holding on, even as they prepared to let go.
"I'll come back," he whispered into her hair. "And when I do, I want to see you smiling."
Rosette closed her eyes, clutching him tighter. "Then don't be gone too long."
Dranred smiled faintly against her shoulder. "I'll try not to make you wait."
"Even if I'm not around," Dranred said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Rosette's face, "you shouldn't cry, okay? This is only temporary. We'll see each other again soon. And next time," he added with a faint smile, "even if I have to fight the whole world, I won't ever let go of your hand."
Rosette swallowed hard, her eyes glimmering. "I'll be waiting," she whispered, tightening her arms around him.
"Dranred, let's go!" Peter called from nearby.
Dranred pulled away reluctantly, turning toward his friend before glancing back at Rosette. "I'll be there in a second," he said, then met her eyes again. "I have to go now."
Rosette nodded slowly and let go of his hand. He gave her one last smile and began to turn away when her voice stopped him.
"Wait!" she called out, rummaging through her bag. Confused, Dranred turned back just as she held out a small glass bottle. "Here," she said, handing it to him.
He looked down at it curiously. "This is—"
"The cherry blossom petals," Rosette said, her voice trembling. "From one of the happiest memories I ever—"
Before she could finish, Dranred caught her hand and pulled her into him, pressing his lips against hers. The kiss was deep and full of everything they couldn't say aloud—warm, desperate, lingering. It was just like that first kiss beneath the falling cherry blossoms. For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared.
A polite cough from Peter brought them back to reality. Dranred slowly drew back, his breath unsteady, his forehead resting against hers. "You should stop doing that," he murmured, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "If you keep provoking me, I might not be able to stop myself."
"I wasn't provoking you," Rosette protested softly. "I just wanted to give you that. I can't give you your recharge since we're—"
He leaned closer again, his voice low. "You're doing it again."
"Doing what?" she asked, blinking up at him.
"Making me fall in love with you all over again," he said. "It's dangerous, you know. Bad for my heart. I might just run away with you instead."
Before Rosette could respond, another voice interrupted.
"You two really shouldn't be this sweet in public," Charlie said as he and Peter walked up to them. "You'll attract so many ants the airport might have to cancel all flights."
Dranred straightened quickly, rubbing the back of his neck while Charlie chuckled. "Young love," his uncle said, slinging an arm over Peter's shoulder.
"We'd better go, before you miss your flight," Charlie added.
Dranred turned back to Rosette. She was smiling now—softly, bravely. "I'll go now," he said simply.
Rosette nodded, unable to speak. Just before he turned away, Dranred leaned in one last time and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. Then he walked toward the departure gate without looking back.
Rosette watched him until he disappeared from sight. Her fingers tightened around the small box he had given her, holding it close to her heart—as if by doing so, she could keep a piece of him from leaving.