The morning came softly—no alarm, no urgency, just light streaming through the curtains and the quiet shuffle of clothes being packed.
Chan insisted on walking you to your room to help you finish. Not because you needed it. But because he needed it—to stay close, to be part of every last minute.
He sat on the edge of the bed while you tucked your things into your bag, and before you could close the zipper, he reached over and gently placed the folded note from Orlando on top.
"Not forgetting this again," he said with a soft smile.
You froze for a second, then smiled back. "Never."
Then he stood behind you, brushing your hair to the side and lifting the silver compass necklace from the nightstand. He fastened it around your neck with care, fingers lingering at the clasp. "Now you've got your way back," he whispered.
**********
Downstairs, the rest of the boys were already waiting in the hotel lobby. A row of familiar faces, sleepy but smiling.
You didn't even make it three steps before Jeongin was pulling you into a quick but tight hug. "You better come back. You're one of us now."
Seungmin smirked. "And next time, book a room on the opposite side of the hallway, yeah?" You laughed through your blush, bumping him with your elbow.
Lee Know stepped forward, quieter this time, and held your hand before pulling you into a rare, warm hug. "You made him better," he said softly. "But... you made me better, too. So thank you. For seeing us."
Then Hyunjin. His arms wrapped around you tight—longer than you expected. "You didn't just anchor Chan," he murmured. "You anchored the rest of us too."
You exhaled slowly, soaking in the meaning behind his words.
Han came in next. "You're leaving?" he said, overly dramatic. "Wow. Betrayal. But okay." Then he grinned and kissed the top of your head. "Come back soon, please."
Felix didn't say anything—just gave you a knowing look, that soft smile that said I knew from day one.
Then Changbin: "Make sure he actually sleeps when you're gone. Or I swear, I'll fly to your base myself."
As Chan moved toward you, Han called out with a teasing grin, "You better not cry again when you get back from the airport!"
Chan rolled his eyes, but didn't deny it.
He took your bag, placed a hand on your lower back, and walked you to the car.
Outside The Airport
Chan helped you out of the van and set your bag beside you. "You have everything?" he asked gently.
You nodded. "Yes."
He tilted his head. "No you don't."
And then—he pulled off his favorite hoodie and wrapped it around your shoulders. "Now you do."
He kissed your forehead. Then your cheek. Then finally your lips—deep, steady, holding back everything he didn't want to spill in public. "Let me know when you get home," he whispered against your mouth.
"I will," you said. Then, quietly, "I'll fly back to you."
He smiled, eyes wet but calm. "I know."
You made your way towards the terminal. Five feet from the door, your steps slowed. Then stopped. You turned. Ran. And jumped into his arms. Your legs wrapped around his waist, arms thrown around his neck, burying your face in his shoulder as he caught you, strong and solid. And kissed you like it was the first time and the last all at once.
"I love you," you whispered breathlessly.
"I love you," he whispered back, arms clutching you tighter.
Inside
The airport felt softer this time. No ache. Just presence.
You walked calmly through the terminal, hoodie wrapped around you like a shield, Chan's scent curling around your skin.
At the gate, you sat down and hugged your knees, your fingers wrapped around the compass pendant. You looked out at the runway, eyes half-lidded, body humming with everything he'd left you with. Not just a gift. Not just a promise. But proof.
You boarded the plane with a smile. And just before takeoff, you opened your phone and sent one final message:
You :
"I love you Chan!"