"And promise me you'll call me every night before you go to bed. Take lots of pictures and-"
"Mom, I'll be fine! Don't worry!"
Haruka's mother dabbed a few tears away and sighed sadly, hugging her daughter tightly.
"The house will be a little quieter without you."
"Mom, I'm leaving for a few months, not forever."
"Relax, dear, you're still your mother's baby. Now remember, no staying out past ten and no boys allowed."
"Dad, I have Kyosuke. Why would I do that?"
"Just checking."
Haruka's father kissed her forehead and wrapped an arm around his crying wife.
Haruka turned to Kyosuke, who had been patiently waiting for his turn with her.
"It's only for a few months, right?" he asked.
"What, it's not a good idea for me to go anymore?"
Kyosuke didn't reply but he was pouting, causing giggles to bubble out from Haruka's lips.
"It's just for a few months and Diane will be with me for a few weeks. I'll call, email, text, and I'll send you lots of pictures."
Kyosuke sighed. He saw the determination and excitement in Haruka's eyes; he knew that if he were to keep her from going, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
"I miss you already."
"Me, too."
"I love you, Haruka."
"And I love you, Kyosuke."
Kyosuke embraced Haruka, kissing her passionately and memorizing her every feature, before reluctantly pulling away.
Haruka was crying now and she wiped her tears away.
"I never knew goodbyes were so hard."
"It's not goodbye. I'll see you in a few months."
"Yeah...I'll see you in a few months."
Kyosuke nodded and Haruka bid her family one more goodbye before blowing a kiss to Kyosuke as she headed towards the security checkpoint.
Kyosuke sighed and his heart ached. He was dreading the next few months without Haruka.