It had been six months since Makoto Takamiya and Hiromi Nagase decided to give their love another chance. Six months of calls that stretched late into the night, of messages exchanged across time zones, and of days spent longing for a touch that screens and voices couldn't provide.

They had kept their promise to make it work, but the distance was becoming harder to bear.

One evening, Nagase was sprawled on his couch, staring at his phone as if sheer willpower could make it buzz with a message from Makoto. Just as he sighed and set it aside, it vibrated, the screen lighting up with her name.

Without hesitation, he answered. "Hey, about to start your day at work?"

Her familiar voice on the other end made his heart ache a little less. "Yeah, How about you?"

"just landed at my comfy couch here" he replied. "I miss you Makoto. It's getting harder, you know?"

Her silence was heavy with understanding. "I know," she said softly. "I miss you too, Hiromi. More than I can say."

There was a pause, and then her tone shifted, a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Actually, that's why I called. I wanted to tell you something."

Nagase sat up, his attention fully on her. "What is it?"

"I'm coming back to Tokyo," she said, her words rushing out as if she couldn't hold them in any longer. "Just for a short vacation, though."

Nagase's heart skipped a beat. "You're serious?"

"Completely," she confirmed with a laugh. "It's for my father's birthday. We just reunite again earlier this year after 2 years, but as you know that I troubled him with the scandal I reported. I think it's time I showed him how much he means to me."

Nagase felt a pang of admiration for her. "That's really thoughtful of you. Your dad will be happy to see you."

She hesitated, then added, "And it's not just about my dad. I wanted to see you too. Before work gets crazy with the new year coming up."

His chest tightened, a mixture of relief and joy flooding through him. "You're really coming back…" he murmured, almost as if he couldn't believe it.

"Yes," she said, her voice soft. "I miss you, Hiromi. I can't do this distance without seeing you at least once in a while. It's been too long."

"When?" he asked, his voice urgent. "When will you be here?"

"In two weeks," she said. "It's a short trip, but I wanted to make it happen before everything gets hectic."

Nagase couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. "Two weeks. That's all? I can wait two weeks."

"Think you can survive until then?" she teased, her tone lighter now.

"Barely," he admitted with a laugh. "But just knowing you'll be here soon makes it easier."

"I'm glad," she said, a smile evident in her voice. "Now, go to sleep! You'll need your energy for when I get there."

"Only if you promise me one thing," he said, his tone playful.

"What's that?" she asked.

"When you see me, don't hold back. I've been waiting six months for one of your hugs," he said, only half-joking.

She laughed softly. "I promise. Just don't complain if I don't let go."

"Never," he replied, his voice warm. "Have a good day, my love. I love you."

"I love you too," she said softly.

As the call ended, Nagase leaned back against the couch, a newfound sense of anticipation and excitement filling him.

Two weeks. He could make it two weeks. And when she was finally in his arms again, he'd make every second count.