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003 : a longing embrace

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003 : a longing embrace

TWO DAYS LATER, as the sun began to set, I found myself in the busy Korean airport, surrounded by travelers from all over the world. The air was alive with a mix of languages, laughter, and the sound of suitcases rolling across the shiny floors.

I paused for a moment to take in the lively scene, feeling a rush of excitement. The journey had been long, but now that I was here, my heart raced with anticipation.

As I walked toward the exit, a wave of warmth washed over me. The scene outside was heartwarming—people greeting each other with hugs and smiles that lit up their faces. It was truly a beautiful sight.

I spotted a small, empty bench in the midst of all the activity and took a seat, soaking in the cheerful chaos around me. I pulled out my phone to send a message to my brother, eager to let him know I had arrived safely.

"Hey, I've landed! Can't wait to see you!" I typed, my fingers moving quickly over the screen. A moment later, I received his reply, which filled me with relief. "I'm on my way," he texted back, sounding just as excited.

As I waited, the minutes dragged on. It felt like time was standing still, with every second adding to my eagerness. Then, I heard the familiar sound of a new message. I quickly opened it and saw the simple but powerful words: "I'm here."

Filled with energy, I got up and started scanning the crowd. And then I saw it—a car with its windows down and a few familiar faces peeking out, waving excitedly. They were all there, smiling and calling my name.

With a big smile on my face, I waved back, feeling a deep sense of belonging. My journey had brought me to this moment, this joyful reunion that I would always remember. Balancing my suitcase in one hand, I moved closer to the car, eager to embrace them.

The car suddenly stopped, leaving faint tire marks on the ground. My heart raced as the passenger door opened, and there was Jake, my brother. His face lit up with joy as he rushed toward me. Without missing a beat, he scooped me up in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground. A warm feeling spread through me.

As he held me tight, I felt the strength of our bond, the years apart fading away in that one hug. Jake whispered, "I've missed you so much," and kissed the top of my head.

Overcome with happiness, I replied, "I missed you too." Seeing him after three long years was a relief, and I could see the emotion in his eyes.

"Hey, no tears," I joked lightly, trying to lighten the moment. He chuckled, and we both shared a smile, recognizing how special this reunion was.

After a moment, we pulled away, both grinning at each other while the rest of the group joined us.

As I slowly made my way down the line, embracing each of the boys with heartfelt warmth, I couldn't help but notice Niki standing there, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his eyes. A gentle smile curved my lips as I closed the distance between us, ready to envelop him in a comforting hug. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer as we shared a moment of genuine connection. The embrace spoke volumes, conveying unspoken emotions that words could never fully capture.

As we broke the embrace, Niki's gaze shifted to my heavy suitcase sitting by my side. Without missing a beat, he reached for it, confidently grabbing the handle as if he was used to doing this. I admired his effort and wanted to reassure him.

"Hey, don't worry about it, Niki. I can manage," I said, my tone sincere.

He flashed a shy smile, but shook his head. "No, I've got it," he replied, his voice steady. With a hint of determination, he moved toward the car trunk that Jay had just opened, showing a sense of purpose.

Niki carefully lifted my suitcase and placed it in the trunk, making sure it was secure for our journey. The trunk closed with a satisfying click, and I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

"I still can't believe you're here!" Jake exclaimed, playfully squeezing my cheeks. I laughed and swatted his hands away, feeling the familiar sibling teasing.

"You look so different, Nari," Sunghoon said, glancing at me, his expression nostalgic as he remembered the last time he saw me when I was younger.

I nodded, my smile broadening. "Yep, I'm eighteen now," I said proudly, enjoying the moment of newfound maturity.

"Slow down, it feels like you were fifteen just yesterday," Jay teased, affectionately ruffling my hair. I chuckled, loving the lighthearted banter that felt like home after so long.

As we stood together, I noticed Niki stealing glances at me, a mix of shyness and awkwardness in his demeanor. He was always a bit awkward around girls, but I could see he was trying to be himself. It was endearing, and it made me smile.

___________

( A\N )

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