Gifts Of Love

Miles Apart

"I couldn't stand being apart any longer. I had to see you."

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Word Count: 1447

Rose stared out the taxi window as the city skyline disappeared behind her. It never got easier, leaving Jimin behind. She sighed heavily, trying to push down the familiar ache in her chest.

Just a few hours ago, they had been wrapped in each other's arms, savoring every last moment before she had to return home. The goodbye had been bittersweet, full of longing glances and tender caresses.

"Hey, I've got a little something for you," he'd said, winking as he pressed a small box into her hand.

Rose had looked at him curiously, her heart racing, as she opened the gift. Inside was a delicate necklace, a tiny silver heart dangling from the chain.

"Jimin, it's beautiful," she breathed, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

"Just a little something to keep me close, even when I can't be there," he murmured, fastening the necklace around her neck.

"Call me as soon as you land, okay?" Jimin had murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"I will. I love you," Rose replied, stretching up to press one final kiss to his lips.

Now, as the car carried her further away, Rose felt the distance like a physical weight. It had been eight months since she'd last seen Jimin in person, their careers keeping them on opposite sides of the world. The separation never got easier, no matter how many times they went through it.

When the taxi finally pulled up to her apartment, Rose trudged inside, setting down her bags with a deep exhale. She kicked off her shoes and headed straight for the kitchen, needing a comforting cup of tea to ease the hollow feeling inside.

As the water boiled, Rose's phone chimed with an incoming video call. A smile tugged at her lips as she accepted it, Jimin's face immediately filling the screen. But instead of his usual warm expression, he wore a mischievous grin.

"Hey, gorgeous. Miss me already?" he teased, eyes sparkling.

Rose felt her heart flutter at the playful tone. "Maybe a little," she replied coyly. "What are you up to over there?"

Jimin chuckled, leaning in closer. "Oh, just thinking about you. And how much I can't wait to have you back in my arms."

Rose bit her lip, heat rising in her cheeks. "Is that so? Well, you'd better be on your best behavior until then, mister."

"No promises," Jimin shot back, his gaze dipping to her lips.

When the call finally had to end, Rose felt that familiar ache returning, sharper than before. "I miss you," she murmured, hating the tremor in her voice.

"I miss you too, baby. So much. But we're almost there, okay? Just a few more weeks." Jimin's expression was one of longing, mirroring her own.

Rose nodded, forcing a smile. "Okay. I love you."

"I love you too. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Always."

As the screen went dark, Rose felt the weight of the distance pressing in. She finished her tea, now tepid, and trudged to the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. She curled up on Jimin's side, burying her face in his pillow, and let the tears fall.