“It’s only for a year.”

 

“I know.”

 

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

 

“I know.”

 

“Don’t be sad.”

 

“I’m not.”

 

 

He smiled a little, wiping away the single tear on that feline cheek. His skin felt smooth under Jinki’s calloused fingers.

 

 

“I love you.”

 

 

A grunt was all he ever need right now as he kissed his temple lightly, running a hand through that silky brown hair.

 

 

“I miss your rainbow hair.”

 

 

The younger boy rolled his eyes and Jinki chuckled lightly.

 

 

“You’ll be back.” It sounded like a question rather than a statement. A confirmation that he desperately need right now.

 

 

“I’ll be back.”

 

 

He gripped his pink luggage  - which Kibum had insisted him to use so that it’s easier to spot -  tightly with one hand, a large brown coat in another. They stood there, waiting for that last word.

 

 

“Bye.”

 

 

A light kiss on the forehead, Jinki walked away towards the departure gate, footsteps heavy. He didn’t look back of fear of changing his mind so he walked straight, passing through the immigration, down the stairs and he’s gone. 

 

 

“You’ll be back.”

 

 

A statement now and Kibum his heel and went back to his old life, only now without a smile by his side.