DΛЯK DΣᄂIGΉƬƧ

Departure

The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the town as Eustass and Josei took one final walk together. The streets were quiet, save for the distant hum of life continuing as normal around them. Eustass stuffed his hands into his pockets, doing his best to act casual, but it was clear from the tightness in his shoulders and the occasional sideways glance at Josei that something weighed heavy on his mind.

This was it. He was leaving.

For her part, Josei seemed completely unfazed. She strolled alongside him, her usual energy still present in her steps, and yet... she hadn't said much. That, more than anything, made Eustass uneasy. He wasn't sure what he expected from her, but the silence was uncomfortable.

They reached a small park, the place where they'd often meet up for training. Eustass kicked at a loose pebble, trying to think of something to say. Something that wouldn't make things weird.

"You know..." he started, his voice softer than usual. "I'll probably be back soon. This whole trip thing isn't forever."

Josei didn't respond, her eyes fixed ahead. Her expression unreadable.

Eustass let out a quiet sigh. "Right... cool. I guess I'll see you around then."

As they returned to his house, where his bags were waiting, the moment grew heavier. Eustass turned to face Josei, ready to give his usual wave and some awkward goodbye, when she suddenly broke her silence.

"Are you really that dense?" she said, her tone sharp but her eyes soft.

"Huh?" Eustass blinked.

Josei crossed her arms, fixing him with a stare. "You were just gonna leave without a goodbye hug? Idiot."

His face flushed immediately. "Oh, uh... sorry, I didn't—"

"Just shut up and hug me, punk."

Without thinking twice, Eustass wrapped his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against his. For a moment, he didn't want to let go. His chest tightened as he realized just how much he was going to miss her, and when he opened his mouth to say goodbye, the words caught in his throat.

It was then that he noticed her shaking slightly.

He pulled back just a little, enough to look down at her face—and there they were. Tears streaming down her cheeks, her usual tough-girl persona cracking right before his eyes.

"Josei..." Eustass muttered, his own eyes beginning to water. "You're crying..."

"Eustass, you punk!" she exclaimed, trying to blink away her tears. "Don't get all teary-eyed on me! That's so not cool!"

"What?" He wiped at his eyes, feeling the wetness. "But you're crying too!"

"Me? Crying? No way!" she denied, her voice cracking slightly as she rubbed furiously at her face. "You're just seeing things!"

"You so are!" Eustass shot back, now smiling through the tears.

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

Josei stomped her foot. "Listen, you better go before I kick your ass so hard you'll have to stay here another week!"

Eustass let out a laugh—one that came out shaky and full of emotion. "Alright, alright. I'm going."

He turned to leave, his steps slow and reluctant. But before he could get far, he felt her arms wrap tightly around him from behind. Josei hugged him like she never wanted to let him go.

"Don't forget to message me, okay?" she whispered, her voice quiet now, trembling just a little.

Eustass swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat grow. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he just nodded, squeezing her arms in return.

When she finally let go, they shared one last look—a silent understanding passing between them. And with that, Eustass took a deep breath, adjusted his bags, and started down the road.

Josei stood there, watching him go, her heart heavy but her spirit unbroken.

And as the distance grew between them, both knew that no matter how far apart they were, this goodbye was only temporary.