"Are you sure you have everything?" Beomgyu asks, probably for the tenth time on the way to the airport.

"I'm sure," I say. "And by now, it'll be too late to get back to the dorm anyway."

Beomgyu was kind enough to accompany me to the airport, for my flight back to Hawaii. Parting with the other TXT members was already one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life—they gathered by the train station near the school and waved goodbye as Beomgyu and I descended into the metro. I was already tearing up by that point, but I held them back and decided that I'll save them for when I'm alone on the plane.

Soon enough, we get off the train and arrive at Incheon International Airport. I check in, and soon it's time to part ways. Beomgyu can't follow me into the security section of the process.

"Will you miss me?" Beomgyu asks. His eyes are wide and child-like. His voice is a bit small, bordering on sad.

I can't contain my emotions any longer. I run into him and start full-on crying, holding him like I'll never see him again. Because that's probably true. I'll see him on screen through his performances and music videos. But in person? It's a hard thing for an idol to have free time, even for seeing close friends.

"I'll miss you more than anything," I say, managing to part from his embrace.

"Remember what I taught you," Beomgyu says. "You can make it by yourself. Even without a boyfriend, you're an amazing person who's strong and creative. I can't wait to read your book when it comes out."

"You taught me so much," I say. "And you'll always be a part of me."

Beomgyu, even though he seemed far from breaking down, is now holding back tears. "Jayden, you'll always be a part of me too. Now go get 'em in Hawaii."

"You'll return my messages, right?" I say.

Beomgyu wiggles his phone in front of my face. "As long as I have this. You'll hear from me. And make sure to text me your address. I want to give you a signed copy of our newest album when it comes out."

A slight pause hovers between us. "Do you remember when we first met?" I ask.

Beomgyu laughs. "It was like you saw a ghost."

"I was so shocked," I say. "But it turned out to be the greatest surprise of my life.... Thank you so much. For everything."

"I can say thank you as many times as you," says Beomgyu. "You gave me an amazing time, my first time in summer school. I wouldn't have traded you for any other roommate in the world."

I stop crying, eventually. And soon enough, it's time for me to leave—or I'll be late for boarding. "Beomgyu, I love you," I say, not caring about the embarrassment I'll face if he doesn't say it back.

Of course, he doesn't leave me hanging. "I love you too, Jayden. Fighting!"

I pump my fist up even though I don't feel like it.

When I go into the gate, I turn around one last time. Beomgyu is still there. Like how he was always there through my struggles this summer. We exchange one last wave before I head off.

This won't be permanent. The truth rings in my ears louder than all the doubts of before. I'll see him again. And when we meet, I'll be a much stronger person.

I'm free of heartbreak, having a new person to care about and give my love to. And this time, this person had no hesitation in returning it.