Theo's POV
"I'll come back for her. Even if the whole damn world tries to stop me."
The airport smelled like sterilized air and goodbye hugs. I hated it.
Avinav stood beside me, shifting on his heels like he didn't know what to do with his hands. He tried to make conversation, but I wasn't listening. My eyes were locked across the departure hall, scanning, hoping—for her.
She was here. I knew she was. Somewhere.
I spotted her near Gate 14, standing beside Ash, holding Emma's hand. Andrew stood next to them, too casual with his luggage slung over his shoulder. Of course. He was flying out to Russia, too. Figures. Perfect little symmetry to this messed-up morning.
She didn't even glance at me. Not once. I thought maybe… just maybe she'd walk up to me. Say goodbye. Pretend we were okay. Pretend last night didn't wreck me the way it did.
But she didn't.
She just… stood there, head high, arms stiff, lips sealed.
And it crushed me.
Avinav nudged my side. "You good?"
"No." My voice cracked more than I wanted it to.
He looked down, gave a light sigh. "You want me to punch Andrew? I could probably manage a broken nose. Wouldn't even get arrested."
I smirked, briefly. "Nah. That's not the problem."
The announcement blared over the speaker. Final boarding call.
This was it. One step closer to walking away from her.
I turned, grabbing the handle of my suitcase, trying not to look back. I couldn't.
Because if I did, I'd run straight back to her.
But then I heard her.
The voice I'd memorize even in my sleep.
"Theo!"
My head snapped back so fast it hurt.
She was running. Running to me.
I dropped everything.
And before I could process it—she crashed into me, arms around my waist, burying her face into my chest like it was the only place she felt safe.
"I thought I could ignore you," she said, her voice shaking. "I thought I could just let you go, but my heart—my stupid, stubborn heart—didn't want that. I don't want to see you with Nicole. I can't, Theo. I can't."
My arms wrapped around her like they were meant to. I didn't even care if people were watching. For the first time in my life—I felt like a kid again. Terrified. Lost. Gripping onto something that felt like home.
I kissed the top of her head and whispered, "I promise, my dear. I promise. I'll come back. For you. Only for you."
Her body trembled against mine, and then, to my own horror—I cried.
Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. Quiet, desperate tears. No dramatic sobs, no theatrics—just this raw ache pouring out of me for the girl I didn't want to leave behind.
---
The plane felt colder than it should've. My seatbelt clicked. I sat in 21A.
Guess who was in 21B?
Andrew.
Of course.
He side-eyed me but said nothing at first. Just leaned back and adjusted his hoodie.
Then: "You okay, man?"
I didn't answer.
He cleared his throat. "You know… Val's strong. She'll wait for you."
I turned my head to the window. "I'm not worried about her waiting. I'm worried I'll come back and she won't be the same. I won't be the same."
He didn't reply. Maybe he couldn't.
Hours passed. I tried to sleep. I really did.
But every time I closed my eyes, she was there.
In that black dress she wore at the rink gala.
Laughing in the snow.
Holding Emma's hand.
Running toward me like I was the only thing she believed in.
Every time I blinked, her image clung to my eyelids like a curse I didn't want to lift.
---
We weren't even halfway through the flight and my throat still burned with the last thing she said.
"Please come back."
Not if you want. Not when you can.
Just—please.
Like she couldn't bear the thought of me disappearing.
And now here I was…
Flying across the world.
Away from her.
I looked down at my phone, at the one message I hadn't dared to send.
Draft: "If I could've stayed, I would've. But I'll fight the world for you, Val. Just wait for me."
I hit send.
Then I closed my eyes.
And dreamed