8:20

Dohen returned home from the army, with only his family aware of his return to meet him. When he arrived, his mother immediately hugged him, his father patted his shoulder, and his younger brothers didn't recognize him at first, surprising everyone. They spent the whole day together as a family.

The next day... 15:00

Dohen rested peacefully in his apartment, tired from the previous day's family gathering. He lay on the sofa sleeping when a text message woke him. Checking his phone, he found an unread message from a friend containing a photo from his mother's social media post showing their family dinner.

Ito: "Dude, are you kidding? You came from the army and didn't tell us anything!?"

Ito sent a photo link.

Dohen read the message and sighed before responding.

Dohen: "I just arrived yesterday, I didn't have time to report. I was spending time with my family. Now you know, the problem is solved."

Ito: "Shit, you've changed a lot, I didn't recognize you right away, it's like you're a different person!"

Ito sent another photo link.

Dohen rolled his eyes in annoyance at the comments about his changes. Taking a deep breath, he replied.

Dohen: "don't exaggerate, I've only changed a little."

Ito: "Don't be silly. But it doesn't matter, now something else is important. I thought it would be cool to throw a party to celebrate your return! All our friends will come, we will get drunk, it will be fun. What do you think?~"

Dohen: "hmm, have you thought about it for a long time?"

Ito: "no."

Ito sent another photo link.

Dohen: "Well, I can tell. Thinking is not your best skill."

Ito: "hey! Don't be so rude, you'll hurt my feelings~ But really, I'm serious. I have already informed almost everyone, I even wrote to them, they don't mind either."

Dohen was surprised to hear they would come. He thought for a while before replying.

Dohen: "Okay, I'm in."

Ito: "yes! everything is solved! Today at 18:00 in our bar, where we used to drink earlier."

Ito sent a final photo link.

Dohen: "I understand. Then I'll see you in the evening."

He put down his phone, not reading further messages. His thoughts turned to them, wondering if they had changed in almost two years, if they would recognize him. Memories of "that last winter" filled his mind.

18:45

Dohen approached the bar entrance, slightly late due to traffic. He heard laughter, karaoke, and clinking glasses inside—his friends already celebrating without him. Sighing, he rolled his eyes and entered. The room fell silent as all attention turned to him. Ito stood and approached for a hug.

Ito: "It's Dohen! Why are you silent?"

Friends gathered around, bombarding him with questions. He remained quiet, drinking beer and answering briefly. Despite relaxing somewhat, he still hadn't seen them and felt disappointed.

Later, he went outside with friends to smoke, exhaling cigarette smoke while scanning the area. He smiled softly when he spotted them—looking as beautiful as ever. They greeted the group before their eyes met his. Their warm smile told him they recognized him immediately. Dohen's heart beat faster.

"Hey, you're late."

He smiled slightly.