#op koby

“I always knew you’d have to go eventually…” You said softly, “I just didn’t think it would go by this fast.”

“I know.” Koby sighed quietly, looking down to keep his eyes away from yours, gently glancing up over the rim of his glasses, “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be sorry.” You reached out and gently grasped his hand, holding it softly in yours, “It’s just… part of your job.” Trying to hard to force a smile to assure him you were fine, but you both knew it was a lie.

Being a marine was Kobys dream. To become strong and brave, someone to be depended on when the people on both land and sea needed a hero. To be the man he knew he could be, protecting those that needed it most. He wasn’t supposed to let anything get in the way of that, and he foolishly allowed you into his heart.

What you’d had over these last two weeks couldn’t be classified as a romance per se, but to those that had witnessed it, it seemed like one had began to blossom. You hadn’t kissed, and there was never any discussion of a label for the relationship you had, but it was nothing like any of the others you’d had before. Koby was sweet and gentle, soft spoken and kind. You can still remember the moment you saw him standing on the deck as his ship pulled into port.

Your father was the harbor master, overseeing every ship that came and went from your island, your home. You were lucky to live close enough to stand at your balcony, watching as the ships pulled in or took off into another adventure. Feeling the calm breeze, the scent of the salty ocean air, the beautiful architecture of the ships that had come and gone. It was all so peaceful and serene. When you saw that marine ship pull into the bay, you watched in awe as it waded smoothly over the water. It was much too far to make out any of the finer details, but as your eyes passed over the ship, you caught the faintest hint of baby pink moving along the deck.

As usual, your father insisted on having you come with him to greet the Vice Admiral and thank him and his marines not only for their services, but for choosing to dock at your humble, not so little island. You stood next to him at the end of the pier, watching one by one as the marines stepped off the ship. Vice Admiral Garp was an easy man to spot, and you could see that trailing just behind him were two marines. Your eyes widened as you recognized that little blush hue you caught from the ship.

Behind the Vice Admiral stood a boy with large circle glasses, the color of his hair resembling the peonies that would blossom in the spring. You stood politely at your father’s side as he greeted them, your eyes slowly moving over the three men that stood before you. As they met the bright blue behind the lenses of his glasses, the pink haired boy gave you a kind smile and a gentle nod before his gaze shifted away from yours. That quick interaction was enough to make your heart beat just a touch faster. There was something about him that was so intriguing.

He seemed to have the strength and wit of a marine, and he must’ve been doing a damn good job to follow so closely behind Garp. He had the looks of a marine, but not the demeanor of one. The marines you’d met before were cocky and somewhat overconfident, some walked with a sense of arrogant authority while others were happy to enforce their law whenever needed, but not this one.

You weren’t paying much attention to the conversation between your father and Garp, your attention focused on the men behind him as the blonde at the other side leaned over and whispered something to the wide eyed boy beside him. You could tell it was some sort of tease from the way he carefully motioned to you, a cheeky smile at his lips as he was gently nudged away. Suddenly, your fathers’ hand clapped down onto your shoulder, pulling you from your trance back to reality,

“She’d be happy to!” He said with a smile, looking down at you with pride.

“I couldn’t possibly ask such a thing,” Garp said, “besides, these boys still have their work for the day, unloading the ship and continuing their training.”

“Nonsense!” Your father laughed, “I’ll have my men assist with the cargo. Meanwhile, your marines are free to roam as you please, and she’d be happy to show these two the island. You and your marines have only just arrived! Please, I insist you use the rest of the day to explore and enjoy the island.”

Garp thought it over for a moment, nodding to himself as he turned to look at the men behind him,

“Be back on the ship at sundown.”

The two behind him said a quick ‘Yes, sir’ as he and your father made their way down the dock.

It was silent for a moment before you took a step forward with a smile, introducing yourself,

“It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to our island.”

The pink haired boy stepped forward with a shy smile,

“Hi. Thank you for welcoming us to your island.” Slowly, he put his hand out for you to shake, “I’m Koby.”

You took his hand with a smile, giving it a gentle shake and noticing how his hands felt soft, but still calloused and slightly rough from his marine work.

As you let go of his hand, the blonde stepped forward, his arms behind his back as he gave you a polite nod,

“Helmeppo, it’s a pleasure.” He smiled.

You slowly led them down the dock as the various captains and their crew worked around you. Carrying boxes, shouting orders, securing ships to the dock and preparing them to set off to sea. It had become second nature to maneuver around them as they worked.

“How long are you docked for?” You asked them.

“About two weeks I suppose.” Helmeppo said, leaning in closer to Koby as they walked, “Though I’m sure someone wishes it was for longer…”

Koby quickly shot him a stern look as the apples of his cheeks flushed almost as pink as his hair,

“Stop it.” He whispered through gritted teeth.

“Hm?” You questioned as you turned back to face them, barely able to hear their conversation in between the loud shouts of the men and women at work around you.

“Nothing.” They said in unison.

You glanced back and forth between them before shrugging it off, quietly giggling to yourself as you continued on down the pier.

“Awful busy around here, isn’t it?” Helmeppo stated, looking around at the boxes and barrels being loaded onto the ships, “I haven’t seen a port this busy in ages.”

“It’s what we’re known for.” You beamed, “Work isn’t really ‘work’ here. People fish, bake, some have farmland while others have orchards. There’s so many of us we always have plenty to share.” You giggled, “We spend our days doing what makes us feel calm and relaxed, and we always encourage visitors to do the same during their stays here. Usually, it’s cargo ships or marine vessels coming in to stock up before a long journey.” You glanced over your shoulder to Koby, noticing his eyes perk up as they met yours, “Headed somewhere?”

It took him a moment to respond, his train of thought going completely off track before he stuttered out,

“Y-yes, although I’m not exactly sure where. We’re currently in pursuit of a pirate ship.”

“Sounds like quite the journey. Hopefully your stop here doesn’t set you too off course from them.” You stepped off of the wooden planks onto the main road, keeping off to the side to stay out of the way of the workers, “We haven’t gotten pirates in ages, are the ones you’re after as dangerous as everyone says they are?” You asked, curious to hear more of their adventure, “I’ve only heard stories here and there from the people that dock for a night or two, but recently there’s been rumors of a crew that’s unlike any other on the sea. I think they call themselves the ‘Straw Hats’?”

Koby perked up at the mention of them, remembering how he’d been saved from Alvidas ship and pushed to follow his dream by the very man they were after.

“Well, luckily for you,” Helmeppo smiled, his hands gripping to Kobys shoulders, “Koby knows all about those Straw Hat Pirates.”

“You do?” You chirped, eager to hear a story of the rumored crew.

“He certainly does. In fact, I’m sure he’d love to tell you about it.” Helmeppo gently pushed Koby a step closer to you, patting his shoulders before his hands went back to his sides.

Koby was quietly stuttering to himself, unsure of what to even start with. Your eyes looking at him with such interest and intrigue shook him to his core. They had a glow about them that made it hard to focus on anything else. All he could muster was a bashful smile.

“I’d love to hear all about them.” You smiled, hoping your sweet demeanor would help ease him into a more comfortable mindset. He had a shy, boyish charm about him that you couldn’t quite place, but it just made him all the more appealing to you. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard any new stories, the workers here usually tell all the same ones I’ve heard before.” You giggled, “You can tell me all about them while I show you the island.”

As you stepped onto the gravel road Helmeppo exaggerated a groan, grabbing your attention as he took a small step back onto the pier,

“Damn! You know what, I completely forgot, I left… something, back on the ship.” His excuse seemed to come out of nowhere, but he seemed apologetic for having to step away, “Why don’t you two go on ahead, and I’ll meet up with you later?” He gave Koby a quick pat on the back before making his way back to the ship.

Koby wasn’t too keen on being left alone with you. He knew exactly why Helmeppo had come up with such a lame excuse to leave the two of you together, and made a quick mental note to try and hide his stares better. It’s not his fault you looked so captivating as you stood at the balcony watching the ship pull into port, even from so far away he couldn’t help but keep his eyes fixated completely on you. Now, he had to suffer through Helmeppos ‘help’ with getting the two of you alone together. If it was up to him, Koby would’ve just left it alone, pushed the thought of you aside to continue on with his duties and get these next two weeks over with. The moment they stepped off the ship and heard Garp address your father as the harbor master, he knew he’d never hear the end of it from Helmeppo.

“We can wait for your friend if you’d like?” You offered, seeing the hint of anxiousness in Kobys face.

As he looked back to you, the sweet grin on your lips and the light in your eyes somehow made him feel more at ease. Perhaps it was the island, or the soothing sound of your voice, but the moment he realized you really were alone Koby felt a wave of relief wash over him. At least now he didnt have to worry about having someone over his shoulder, bragging about his accomplishments and achievements in order to get some attention on him. Being his natural, normal self seemed so much easier.

“No, that’s alright. I’m sure he can find us again, eventually.” Koby smiled, “Sorry you’re stuck with me.” He joked, his eyes darting down to avoid your gaze.

“Don’t apologize,” You giggled, “you and your friend seem very nice. Besides, it’s always nice to get to know a new friend. I’m pretty eager to hear about those pirate stories of yours, as long as you’d still like to share them?”

“Sure.” Koby beamed, “I don’t mind at all. As long you don’t mind still showing me your island?”

“Not one bit.” You smiled, feeling the heat slowly rise to your cheeks as Kobys eyes met yours again. You caught a glimpse of the blush at his cheeks, and you were certain he could see yours. You slowly began walking along the gravel road into town, walking at Kobys side. “Though, I do have one question.” You glanced back behind you to make sure that Helmeppo, or any other marines could hear your voice as you leaned in and spoke softly, “Is his hair supposed to look like that?”

Koby couldn’t help but laugh,

“That’s another story.”

You laughed with him, the tension easing,

“I’m willing to hear it, as long as you’re willing to tell.”

Koby glanced back to you, and when your eyes met once again, for the first time, he didn’t look away.

You’d spent the rest of the day nearly attached at the hip. Koby had shared his stories of the Straw Hat Pirates and Roronoa Zoro blessing Helmeppo with his current haircut. You’d shown him all your favorite places in town, sharing stories of your own of memories at each spot. It all flowed so naturally, like you were friends that had known one another for years. Never before had you felt such a connection with another person, let alone someone you knew would be leaving within the span of only two short weeks, but you couldn’t rob yourself of the opportunity to spend time with someone who made you feel that same calmness you felt when watching those ships on the dock. Neither of you had even noticed that Helmeppo never joined back for your little tour.

He’d walked you home that night just before curfew, and just before you’d said goodnight he sweetly asked if he could see you again the next day. It was impossible to say no to a boy who had treated you with such kindness and warmth. The thought of him kept you up that night, replaying the day over and over again in your head, anticipating the moment you could see him again. No man had made your heart flutter the way that Koby did.

For the remainder of those two weeks, any time he had a free moment, Koby had spent it with you.

Your days were spent laughing with one another, creating special memories of your own. Walking along the wildflower fields and cobblestone roads, visiting every little shop and bakery you could, trying to evade the little comments and stares from the other marines and townspeople who could so clearly see how well the two of you meshed together. Your evenings were spent in the various bars and restaurants or watching the musicians perform in the streets. You’d even managed to get him to dance with you in the crowd of people enjoying the music, dancing along with it. Each night, he’d escort you home and you’d say your goodbyes before waiting for the next day to come.

You’d talk until sundown, sharing laughs and sneaking in a few flirtatious comments each other’s way without even realizing it, not even knowing that you’d each fall asleep to the thought of one another.

Each night, Helmeppo would tease and urge Koby to give him the details of your time together, but he refused.

What you had together was only yours to share. It felt so natural and flowed so smoothly from the first day you’d met that Koby hadn’t even noticed himself falling for you more and more each day.

The last day at the dock was bittersweet. There was a tension in the air that you both could sense throughout the day, but mentioning it would only make it worse. Koby wanted to enjoy the last little bit of time he had with you.

He disregarded the curfew, asking if you would walk along the beach with him. That night, you’d walked along the coast with your hand tenderly holding his, the other held onto his bicep. It was perfect. Quiet, romantic, peaceful. It was a night you’d cherish for the rest of your life. Few words were said, but you knew what you had together was destined to be short lived. He walked you silently to your door, not wanting to let go of your hand and forget the feeling of how warm it felt in his.

“I’m sorry I have to leave tomorrow. I wish I could stay, but…” He quietly trailed off.

“It’s ok.” You smiled, gently squeezing his hand in yours, “I knew since your ship came in that you wouldn’t be staying forever.”

Koby nodded,

“I guess this is goodbye then.” He said, somberly.

“Not just yet. I’ll see you off tomorrow at the pier.” You took a step closer, hand still in his, “But it is our last ‘goodnight’ to each other.”

He mustered up a slight smile,

“You’ll be there tomorrow?”

“I will, I promise. I won’t let you leave without saying goodbye.” You were certain the blush at your cheeks could be seen in the gentle moonlight, even such a bittersweet moment could make you feel like he was never leaving your side but you knew in your heart it wasn’t true, “Thank you for being so sweet to me. I’ve loved getting to spend time with you, I just wish we had more time…”

“I do too. And, you don’t have to thank me.” He bashfully laughed to himself, looking down to hide his cheeks brightening up, “It all came so easily. I’ve really enjoyed all the time we’ve had together.”

As he looked up, your eyes met. How he wished he could peer into them for hours, holding you close at night and whispering sweet nothings to you.

Every moment that he’s spent with you over the course of your friendship had played over and over again in his head. The way the breeze flowed through your hair, the way your eyes sparkled each time you looked at him, the way your laugh always eased him when he thought he may have sad the wrong thing. You were so beautiful, so smart, so interesting. He’d never met another woman that captured his attention the way that you did.

All he wanted to do was tell you how perfect you were. To bring you in close and kiss you the way he’d been wanting to for days, but he blamed his own cowardice for holding him back. There was never any direct discussion of the relationship you had. No labels, no stress, but he knew the way he felt about you and he was certain you felt the same way about him. If only he wasn’t so afraid of making the wrong move.

Koby smiled, and regretfully, he slowly pulled his hand from yours,

“Goodnight.”

Before his hand could leave yours as he stepped back to the road, you pulled him back to you, tenderly kissing his cheek. You could feel the warmth of his blush beneath your lips.

“Goodnight Koby.” You whispered to him with a smile before letting him go.

Now, you were finally faced with the reality of actually having to let him go. You were stood before Koby next to the ship, an envelope in your hand, reminiscing over the days you’d spent together just hoping that something would happen to cause him to stay just a bit longer, but you knew it would never come.

He was a marine, tied to the duties and responsibilities of one. It was his dream, and you wouldn’t dare ask him to leave it all behind just to make you happy, but you hated having to see him go.

“I hope I didn’t get you into too much trouble keeping you out so late last night.” You giggled.

“Not too much,” Koby smiled, still able to feel your lips at his cheek from the night before, “it was worth being able to see you just a bit longer.”

Even up until the very end, he was the sweetest boy you’d ever met. There would never be another person as perfect as him.

“I’m really going to miss you…” You sniffled, trying to hold back the tears pricking your eyes.

“I’ll miss you too.” Koby tried keeping himself strong, holding back all the emotions he wished he could show you, but it was too late.

You reached your arms out and wrapped them around his neck, hugging him close as you felt his arms snake around your waist. You held each other tight, just wanting to feel the sweet embrace for as long as you could. As the ships horn rung out, you gripped onto his shoulders, knowing that your time was finally up.

Slowly, you loosened your arms from around him, offering the envelope in your hand,

“I wrote this for you last night,” You carefully wiped a stray tear from your cheek as he held it in his hands, “don’t read it until you’ve left the port. Please?”

“I won’t.” He smiled as he looked at his name sprawled on the front of it, a little heart just at the end, “You have my word.”

You took a short deep breath, sniffling to yourself before quietly asking him,

“Do you promise we’ll see each other again?”

Although he wasn’t certain of the future, Koby knew in his heart that he’d be back. He had very little regrets in his life, and leaving you was one of them, but he’d be damned if he wasted another moment letting his fears of the unknown take him over. He stepped forward, closing the small gap between you as his hand reached up and gently held your jaw before tenderly bringing his lips to yours.

His lips were soft and sweet, and the way they felt against yours was nothing short of perfect. His movements were gentle, careful, letting your lips linger for a moment before going back in for another tender kiss. He felt a fire in his veins that he’d never felt before. As bittersweet as this moment was, it was something he could never forget. That feeling of pleasant euphoria could never be replicated. As Koby slowly pulled away, he gently rested his forehead on yours, whispering,

“I promise, we’ll see each other again. I don’t know how, or when, but I promise you that we’ll be together again.”

With one last hug, you held onto his biceps as he took that first final step away. You looked deep into his ocean eyes just one last time, and whispered your final goodbye.

As Koby stepped onto the platform he watched you slowly move down the pier, and as you stepped back onto the gravel road you’d once shared before, he couldn’t help but let a few silent stray tears flow down his cheeks. He took a deep breath and placed the envelope into his pocket, wiping away the tears before any other marines on board caught them. He quickly went back to his duties, preparing the ship to set out to sea from the port. Before they finally set off, he brought the envelope to his room, tucking it beneath his pillow to keep it safe before he joined the other marines on the deck.

He stood at his place next to Helmeppo as Garp addressed them, though it was all in one ear and out the other. He was certain that would be something he’d be reprimanded for later. The only thing on his mind was you. Your sweet voice, your beautiful features, the way the breeze flowed through your hair. The taste of your lips still lingered on his and he wanted to relish that feeling for as long as he could.

The moment he was dismissed, he headed for the side of the ship that faced your balcony. He remembered that each day you’d ask him to come with you out to that same balcony he first saw you from to watch the ships. You looked so peaceful, watching in awe with a tranquil smile, and he could never take his eyes off of you. He was always so embarrassed when he was caught, but you always said you never minded him staring. It made you feel pretty.

As he began walking, he felt a sudden pull at his shoulder, Helmeppo at his side once again.

“Have you been listening to a word i’ve been saying?” He questioned, “I asked how your little vacation with your paramour was.”

Koby didn’t take kindly to his teasing, especially when it was regarding you.

“Don’t call her that.” He said sternly, anxiously looking over his shoulder to make sure he hadn’t raised any attention towards them, “And she’s not my paramour.” He spoke softly.

“Sorry.” Helmeppo apologized, “Alright then, how was your little vacation with your ‘girlfriend’?” Koby could sense that through the taunts, there was an eagerness. Although he hoped that Helmeppo wouldn’t pry for any more details.

Koby would barely even mention your time spent together when he was pried every night by the bothersome blonde.

“She’s not my girlfriend either…” Koby said quietly, trailing off. Now that he knew what he’d lost, all he’d wanted was to have a reason to remember you. “I don’t know what she is.”

“Hm.” Helmeppo nodded as he followed Koby to the side railing of the deck, “Well, whatever she is, good for you.” He smiled to Koby as they came to a stop, “Seems like you had a good time.”

Koby looked out along the coast. He couldn’t get you out of his mind. It was agony having to leave, but as the ship pulled further and further out into the open sea, he was already anticipating his return. Slowly, he nodded,

“I did.” He glanced up at Helmeppo, a smile tugging at his lips as he pictured how excited you’d be to see him again, waiting for him at your balcony, “I had a great time.” His eyes searched the rows of houses that lined the island he saw you, looking for him.

As your eyes followed along the side of Kobys ship, you found him. That familiar baby pink spot you remembered so fondly. Your heart fluttered just the same as it did when you’d met, and although you were heartbroken to see him leave, you were happy to see him doing what he loved. He always spoke with such pride when it came to his position as a marine. Wanting to help those that can’t help themselves, and bring justice to those who harm others. It was his dream. You smiled to yourself, tears pricking your eyes as you raised your arm up, waving to him.

The moment he saw you he stood tall, waving back as the ship floated further away from the island. He sighed, wishing he’d only gotten a few more moments with you, but the time you spent together was something he would always be grateful for. You slowly became a small speck in the distance, and he stared out into the open water for a moment.

“I think I’ll go lie down for a little while.” Koby said up to Helmeppo, looking out back over the water just one last time before slowly moving his way towards his cabin.

He quietly closed the door behind him, sitting at the edge of his bed and pulling out the envelope from under his pillow, staring at it for a moment as he held it in his lap. It was the last little piece of you he still had with him. He carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the letter you’d written inside. Out with it came a few dried and pressed flower petals from the wildflowers he picked for you, along with a picture of you.

It was a candid of you at the beach, relaxing in the sand as your hair blew in the wind, the fainted smile on your lips as you brushed down the sundress you were wearing. You looked radiant. He smiled as he placed the picture gently onto his pillow and began to read the letter in his hands. He could smell your perfume on it.

𝑀𝓎 𝒮𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒦𝑜𝒷𝓎,

𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝑒 𝓈𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓈𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝓌𝑜 𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓀𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝒾𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝒾’𝓋𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊.

𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝐼’𝓋𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑜’𝓈 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝓈𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹, 𝓈𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁. 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓌𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇.

𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓈𝓀 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝒷𝑒𝒽𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎. 𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝑜.

𝒯𝑜 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓈𝒶𝒻𝑒. 𝒯𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒶 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒾𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊.

𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑔𝑒𝓃𝓉, 𝓈𝑜 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉.

𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝑒’𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝓅𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓊𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓈 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓎. 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒶 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒷𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊.

𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓌𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃, 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.

Next to your signature was a lipstick stain. A kiss for him to keep with him always.

Koby took a slow deep breath as he laid his head next to the picture of you on his pillow. He knew you’d be together again someday. He was certain of it. And he promised himself that when that day came, he’d be twice the man he is today.

Until that day came, he’d keep that picture of you close. He wouldn’t have to spend the rest of his life wishing for you to be there for him. He knew you’d be right there at your balcony, waiting for him.