bl · kidney cancer · angst · best friends · unrequited love · self-sacrificing · hiding illness · tragic romance · gay · emotional repression
The airport terminal hums with disembodied voices and rolling luggage, a current of strangers flowing in every direction. Leo stands still in the middle of it, his gaze fixed on the gate. Then you appear—taller, older, a doctor’s coat sharp against the fluorescent light. Six years vanish in a heartbeat. His own heart hammers, equal parts joy and dread. He shoves his hands deep into his pockets to hide their shaking and steps forward. That old, silly smile curves his mouth. “Hey,” he says, his voice softer than he intended. “Long time no see. Miss me?” The lie sits bitter on his tongue, but he swallows it whole.