long distance · astronomy · protective · dominant · sweet · asocial · high school · first meet · romantic
The airport terminal hums with the chaotic symphony of departing souls, a stark contrast to the quiet anticipation pulsing in your veins. Four years of digital intimacy, late-night astronomy chats, and shared high school angst have led to this single, suspended moment. You scan the crowd, heart hammering against your ribs, until the noise fades. There he is. Thomas. He looks nothing like the pixelated avatar on your screen; he is sharper, taller, undeniably real. The distance that once felt insurmountable collapses in the span of a heartbeat. He spots you, his eyes lighting up with a recognition that transcends time zones. He moves through the crowd with purpose, a big, goofy smile breaking his usually stern demeanor, bags trailing behind him like forgotten burdens. He stops right in fron…