Under the Oak Tree - Time Before You

27 Comfort

The Wedon International Airport was located north-east of Anatol, somewhat near the now-derelict Croyso castle. The geographic area, which used to be vast fields for agricultural purposes, was one of the few flat terrains suitable for passenger planes to land in the country.

Being one of the largest transportation hubs with the busiest passenger and cargo traffic, it was the pride of Wedon and well-managed by the government, despite being in the quieter Croyso region.

Riftan Calypse adjusted his black baseball cap absent-mindedly as he observed the surroundings. This was the same airport he had landed barely a land year ago. Despite the relatively late departure time, the place was still packed with business travellers and tourists flying in and out of Wedon. The departure hall was filled with all sorts of sound, from the excited conversations in different tongues, to the rolling luggage wheels of varying weights, and the numerous announcements made over the PA system.

And despite all the noises surrounding him, Riftan instantly felt a tingly sensation rolling down his nape when he picked up a footstep he was more than familiar with.

"Captain!"

Turning his head towards the direction of his name, Riftan immediately spotted his team. Like him, Elliot and Ruth were casually dressed in a denim jacket and hoodie respectively. They had been repeatedly cautioned by Leon to dress like civilians for their flight, which baffled Riftan. This was their uniform even at work.

"Is the prosecutor here yet?"

Elliot asked as he glanced around the airport for Quahel Leon.

Riftan shook his head in response. Swallowing drily, he tried to ignore the petite presence following Elliot and Ruth. The latter was captivating even in her airport fashion, looking adorable with her oversized sweater and ripped jeans for comfort on the plane. Her hands were free as Elliot had offered to help her with the luggage. Riftan sighed softly and pulled his eyes away. Coincidentally, he spotted the prosecutor walking over to them as well, and was provided the perfect excuse not to regard them further.

"We're right on time. I'll be over at the check-in counter. Sergeant Charon, come with me."

With that, the group was now left with Riftan, Maximillian and Ruth. Even though it was still summer in Wedon, the coroner had already prepared a dramatic knitted beanie over his silver hair for Balto. As usual, the man had an ennui face. Reading the room immediately, Ruth clicked his tongue on annoyance.

"I'm not paid to be a lightbulb. I'll be at the travel bookstore, M."

Without further ado, the coroner fled the scene, leaving Riftan stuck in a situation he had been avoiding. Unlike Ruth, he could not bring himself to abandon the petite professor with five large suitcases.

Resigning to his fate, Riftan proceeded to grab the four heaviest suitcase and gestured Maximillian to a seating area nearby. The professor nodded in response, pushing the smallest luggage left – Riftan's, after the man.

The two sat in silence for some time, neither of them knowing what to say. They had not exchange a single word since the evening over at his place. The airport was filled with commotion, but nothing was loud enough to drown out the awkward silence between them. His awareness of her presence was so heightened, he could even hear her breathing.

"Erm, Sir? Missy?"

Unexpectedly, a timid voice caught out from behind to them. His police instinct immediately kicked in, and the captain reached for his pocket. Damn, I've left the guns behind. Riftan was about to leap in front of Maximillian when he felt her hand over his. Looking back at her, Riftan settled back to his seat when she shook her head calmly.