The hum of fluorescent lights overhead buzzed in harmony with the rumbling luggage wheels and muffled airport announcements.
People bustled around the arrival terminal of Tokyo International Airport, their faces flushed with excitement or weariness. But for Kael Ishiro, time felt strangely still.
He stood by the railing, tall and unmoving, surrounded by the noise and motion but not truly in it.
At 6'1", Kael had grown noticeably over the past two years—not just in stature but in presence. His once-soft features had sharpened; his frame had broadened from countless days of training, and his stride carried a new quiet confidence. But today, none of that mattered.
Because Yumi was coming home.
His hands were tucked into the pockets of a simple gray hoodie, his expression neutral on the surface. But his heart pounded like a drum, echoing louder with every second that passed.
He hadn't seen her in years. Sure, they'd exchanged messages and even a few video calls, but it wasn't the same. Not even close.
Yumi had been overseas—training, growing, becoming her own force of nature. Just like him. But for Kael, it had never just been about becoming stronger. It was about getting to this moment.
A voice crackled over the PA system, announcing the arrival of Flight 308 from Los Angeles.
He stood up straighter.
The passengers began pouring through the automatic doors, dragging suitcases and shuffling toward reunions of their own. Kael scanned the faces, heart twisting tighter with every one that wasn't her.
Then, he saw her.
Longer hair tied up in a high ponytail. A sleek jacket that blended the vibrant urban edge of Tokyo with bold American fashion. Leggings tucked into stylish but worn boots. Her presence hit him like a freight train.
Yumi.
Their eyes locked across the terminal.
And in that moment, something inside both of them cracked open.
Her hand flew to her mouth, eyes glassing over with emotion. Her pace quickened. Then faster. Then she was running.
Kael didn't move—he couldn't. His throat tightened, and his vision blurred.
She dropped her bag without a second thought and flung herself into his arms.
He caught her. Instinctively. Desperately.
Her arms wrapped around his neck, clinging like she was afraid he might vanish. He buried his face into her shoulder, one arm around her waist, the other gripping the back of her jacket like it anchored him to the world.
Yumi was sobbing now, her voice muffled against his hoodie. "You're really here… I'm not dreaming, right?"
Kael's voice cracked as he answered. "No, It's really me, Yumi. I've got you."
They held onto each other like they were putting pieces of themselves back together. The weight of being apart for years coupled by years of training, of growing up, of wondering if things would be the same—melted in that moment.
Yumi finally pulled back just enough to look at him. Her face was streaked with tears, cheeks flushed, but she was smiling.
"You got so tall," she breathed, lightly punching his shoulder. "Jeez, you look like a whole Pro Hero now."
Kael gave a soft laugh, eyes shining. "You've changed too. Stronger. And more beautiful than ever."
She laughed, still sniffly, and wiped her face with her sleeve. "I was so nervous… what if we weren't the same anymore? What if something between us had changed?"
Kael didn't even hesitate. "Nothing changed. We just got a little taller that's all."
There was silence between them again, but it wasn't empty. It was full. Full of all the words they didn't need to say. Of late nights wondering, of texts that weren't enough, of the quiet ache that only now was starting to fade.
"I missed this," Yumi whispered.
Kael nodded. "Me too. Every single day."
Then, without a word, Yumi leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his. It was a gesture they'd shared when they were kids—something private and comforting. Kael closed his eyes, and for the first time in years, he felt like he could breathe.
"You didn't forget me," she whispered.
Kael opened his eyes, pulling back just enough to look her in the face. "I never could."
With their hands still linked, they turned to leave the terminal together, walking side by side. Kael pulled her suitcase for her without a second thought.
"So," she asked, bumping her shoulder into his, "what'd I miss?"
Kael grinned. "A lot. But we've got time."
As they disappeared into the crowd, the terminal behind them faded. Ahead, the city stretched wide, full of possibilities. They had changed. They had grown.
But now… they were finally together again.
…