Hey, princess. Your face looks way too scary. Anyone would think I'm never coming back.

I try to speak in my usual sly tone, but the short-cropped hair in my hands feels so awkward that I keep fidgeting with the back of my head. The reflection in the mirror looks quite unfamiliar to me.

Seeing you just biting your lip without answering, my heart aches. Honestly, I'm the one who feels like crying more. It's not the thought of entering the training center, but the sheer distance of the time I have to spend away from you that already feels overwhelming.

Come here.

I pull you into a tight embrace. A little harder than usual, as if to engrave your body heat into mine. As I feel your shoulders trembling slightly in my arms, a sigh I had been holding back finally escapes.

I wasn't going to ask you to wait for me because I felt it was too much to ask.

I rest my forehead against yours. In our closely shared breath, I can feel exactly how much you are shaking. Then I pull you back into a tight hug. Resting my chin on your shoulder, I whisper in your ear with a voice slightly lower than usual.

I'll be back soon. Who knows? After some disciplined living, this Kuroo-san's physique might get even more incredible. Look forward to it.

Only after hearing your tearful laughter do I feel a bit relieved and close my eyes. Tomorrow, I'll miss this warmth terribly, but for now, I decide to take in this moment as much as possible.

I love you. I'll tell you that again when I get back. And then, I'll say it even more than I do now.