CLOSED

  The bass of the music pounds through the row of buildings, the melodies being carried into your apartment on a wave of eager anticipation and excitement, tinged with the sound of impatient drivers. He’ll be here any moment, back home, back in your company, and you can’t keep from fidgeting with your hands. From fixing the pillows on the couch to realigning the books on the shelf, to putting dishes and clothes away. Lighting candles, doing your best to create a comforting ambiance. Should you make him coffee before he gets here?

  Yeah. Make him coffee. He’s probably tired from his flight, tired of the regular faces. If that were you, you’d need a pick-me-up. He probably already got some at the airport, though. Maybe he’s all coffee’d out. But you make it anyway, because if he’s not in the mood, at least he’ll have the option.

  The sun has just fallen behind the lowest building. It’s almost eight o’clock, which means his plane landed thirty minutes ago. Any minute now, he should walk through the door, and your home will feel right again. You won’t feel a need to find minor flaws to fix or something to keep you busy. He’ll be here, and all will be okay.

  The hinges of the front door sound, then the click of the door closing, and the thump of a bag hitting the floor. He’s home.

  Taeil’s head peaks around the wall to where you’re standing in wait, and your excitement melts, settles in your belly, warming the rest of your body like a fireplace warms a living room on a cold winter night. He steps toward you, the calmest smile adorning his face. “Hey, you.”

  “Hi, stranger,” you hum.

  His arms wrap around you, engulfing you against his tired body, secure within his lazy hold. Even after his flight, even after waiting for however long in the airport, he still smells fresh. Even after being away for so long, he still smells like home. “Missed you,” he mumbles next to your ear.

  “Well, I’d hope so.” He pulls back, amused at your teasing, loving your casualness. 

  “What’s that music?” he asks.

  “I’m guessing someone is having a party. It’s good music, though. Kept the window cracked, been listening to it while I waited for you.”

  “It is good,” he says, pulling away, dragging his hands along your arms until they latch with yours. “I like this one they’re playing.”

  Taeil twirls you to face away from him, pulls you back into his front, and holds you against him, resting his chin atop your shoulder.

  It’s a wonderful sensation, his arms so tight around your frame. It’s a mysterious concept, how you can feel so disoriented, so unorganized when he isn’t around. How you always feel there is something that needs to be done, how you feel unaccomplished with your days, but then suddenly, Taeil is here, and you’re still.

  Even amidst the excitement that has been brewing in your belly, he steps into your presence, places his hands on you, and you’re calm. Tranquility spans the room, and his kisses along your neck, your shoulder, are tender words of satiated longing.

  “How was your flight?” you ask.

  “Felt like it’d never end, but here I am.”

  “Here you are.”

  You turn in his hold, unraveling your hands and wrapping your arms around his neck. His hands fall to your waist, playfully, mindlessly squeezing and rubbing. You scan his face, studying the features you already know so well, and he giggles. “What’s funny?”

  “Nothing. You’re making me shy.”

  You roll your eyes, and he giggles again, this time pulling you snugly into him. “No need to feel shy. I haven’t seen you in a while, I need a good look.” You bring your face close to his, his lips a breath away. “Beautiful boy. I’m so happy you’re home.”

  Judging by the way his body slugs in contentment at your words, you’re sure he caught the nuance. If not, you know he’s already aware. Yes, he’s back home. But to you, in your one-track mind, he is home, and you’ve learned over your time together that there could not and will never be anyone else capable of obtaining such comfort, such familiarity. You’re happy he’s home.

  “Me too,” he assures before closing the space between you, fulfilling your last desire. 

  The music from outside fills the room, bounces off the walls, and it’s almost like it’s your own music playing. Like you’re in a movie and the song plays at just the right volume, just the right amount to where it aids the situation. It aids your feelings, supports your emotions, and helps you to settle into this thrilling moment.

  And you know this will not be the last time you’re forced to spend time away from him. You know the life he leads will take him away again, and it may be longer next time, or it may be shorter. Maybe you’ll be able to go with him. But along with that fact, you know he’ll come right back to you in your little home together, and you’ll embrace each other, recharge, and enjoy the time until his next trip brings him far away.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I made coffee, I figured you’d be tired.”

  He sighs into a smile. “This is why I love you,” he says.

  You let go, placing your hands on your hips in a teasing manner. “Oh, really? This is why?”

  “Among other things,” he smirks, reaching his hands out to your forearms and running them down until he reaches your hands, pulling them from your hips. “Coffee sounds great. Thank you for doing that.”

  You smile. “Of course.” Before pulling him off to the kitchen to fill your mugs and talk about your lives since he left, you pucker your lips and stick them out in anticipation of a kiss before you take a single step.

  Taeil lets go of your hands, brings them up to the sides of your face, and plants a dramatic kiss with an audible mwah as the cherry on top.