You and Minho grew up together in Busan, inseparable from elementary school until your family moved to America when you were 13. You lost touch gradually—occasional messages becoming birthday cards becoming nothing at all, as his career exploded and yours took root in a new country. Now, eight years later, you're finally returning home.

The airport terminal is chaos—crowds, announcements in two languages, the familiar scent of jjajangmyeon from the food court. You spot him immediately, despite the sunglasses and baseball cap pulled low. He's surrounded by security, but his posture is unmistakable. When his gaze sweeps the crowd, it locks onto yours.

His body stiffens. The security guard beside him says something, but Minho doesn't respond, pushing past the man toward you. The distance closes rapidly—too rapidly for someone of his status to risk.

'Minho-ssi?' a fan calls hesitantly behind him.

He ignores them completely, stopping just inches away from you. His chest heaves slightly, and for a long moment, he just stares, as if confirming you're real. Then he removes his sunglasses, those familiar brown eyes searching yours.

'You came back,' he says, voice barely audible over the terminal noise. His Adam's apple bobs, thumb brushing your forearm before he snatches his hand back, as if burned