The next day. Morning, 3 a.m.
They checked out while the city still slept.
The hotel lobby lights dimmed, voices hushed as if even sound didn't want to wake the dawn. Their bags felt lighter in their hands, yet something inside them felt fuller, steadier. Like a storm had finally passed, leaving behind quiet ground.
Both were bundled up in cozy layers, scarves pulled close, hands tucked into sleeves. The cold nipped gently at their skin, but neither complained.
They were going home.
At the airport, everything moved softly. Rolling suitcases whispered across the floor. Flight announcements floated through the air like distant echoes. A few sleepy travelers sat slouched in chairs, wrapped in their own worlds.
Suho stifled a yawn, eyes barely open, exhaustion finally catching up to him now that the danger had loosened its grip. Still, his hand never left Hauen's. Fingers interlaced. Secure. Like if he let go, even for a second, the world might test him again.
Hauen noticed his drooping eyelids and smiled quietly.
"Teddy…" she murmured, leaning closer. "You're going to fall asleep standing."
"I'm awake," he mumbled immediately, voice thick with sleep. "Just… resting my eyes."
She chuckled softly, resting her head against his shoulder. He adjusted instinctively, pulling her closer, chin dropping to the top of her head. Even half-asleep, his body remembered its job. Protect. Hold. Stay.
Kevin had called earlier. I'll come. Don't leave without saying goodbye.
So they waited.
Suho glanced at his watch, then at the entrance again, blinking slowly. "If he doesn't come in 5 mins," he muttered, "we are leaving, and I'll pretend I wasn't waiting."
"You've checked the door eight times already," Hauen teased.
He frowned slightly. "Not really."
She smiled into his shoulder, warmth spreading in her chest at the familiar sulk in his tone.
Just then, Kevin arrived just in time to see them off. Hauen smiled the moment she spotted him. Suho only looked.
Kevin stopped right in front of them. "Hey, teddy bear," he greeted, not even trying to behave.
Suho shot him a sharp glare. Hauen pressed her lips together, barely managing to hold her smile.
Kevin laughed. "Come on, bro. Don't be sulky even while leaving."
Suho stayed stone-faced, annoyed.
Hauen nudged him with her elbow. "Don't be rude, Teddy."
His glare instantly shifted to her, offended that she had used that name in front of Kevin again.
That was it.
Kevin burst out laughing, and Hauen joined him, unable to help herself, while Suho stood there sulking between them, looking every bit like the annoyed, soft-hearted bear they loved teasing so much.
"Okay… fine. Here," Kevin said, finally getting serious as he handed over Hauen's passport along with the rest of the required documents.
Suho took them quietly, his grip firm, protective by instinct.
"And please," Kevin added, his voice lowering a notch, "don't hurt my Yerin too much. She's going to be hurt anyway once she's behind bars."
Suho looked at him, studying his face. "You're sure you still want Yerin, after everything? You deserve better," he said honestly.
Kevin smiled, unbothered. "Maybe. But I'm perfect for her. I know how to handle her."
Suho scoffed softly. "Oh yeah? That's why she never acknowledged your feelings and used you as a coping mechanism?"
Hauen immediately nudged Suho, warning him to stop.
Kevin only smirked. "Initially, I was gentle with her. Not anymore. She has only one option now," he said calmly. "Choi Kevin."
Suho shook his head with a quiet scoff. "All the best, Mr. Choi. Dealing with Seo Yerin won't be easy. And don't lose yourself while chasing her," he warned, his tone sharp but sincere.
Kevin smiled, catching the sarcasm easily. "And you," he added lightly, glancing at Hauen, "keep guarding your Hauen properly. It only takes one teddy and a candy to kidnap her."
Hauen's eyes widened instantly. Suho's glare turned lethal, like he was a second away from hitting the man in front of him.
Kevin burst out laughing at their reactions, thoroughly entertained. Before Suho could react further, Kevin pulled him into a sudden, warm, friendly hug.
"Relax, Mr. Teddy," Kevin said teasingly. "You still need me to expand Mirae in America."
Suho pulled back immediately, unimpressed, while Kevin laughed even harder.
Kevin laughed even harder. "Alright, alright. Enough," He wiped his eyes. "It was really nice meeting you both. And seriously… if you ever need anything, feel free to contact me."
Suho shot him a sharp look.
"Stop teasing me… or I won't contact you even if I'm dying."
Kevin's lips curved wickedly.
"Then I'll have to kidna—"
"No. Never." Suho cut him off instantly, his tone firm.
Kevin burst out laughing again.
"Oh God… It's way too fun to tease you, bro. I don't think I've ever laughed this much in my entire life."
Hauen stood beside them, quietly smiling, watching their childish back-and-forth like an amused spectator.
"Alright, alright," Kevin finally said, catching his breath. "We'll meet again soon."
He shook Hauen's hand warmly. "Take care… both you and your teddy bear," he added with a grin.
Hauen smiled back, while Suho stood stiff and visibly sulking, his annoyance written all over his face.
Just then, the boarding announcement echoed through the airport. Hauen waved goodbye to Kevin, and Suho gave him a silent look that served as his farewell.
Kevin smiled, watching them walk away together. As they disappeared onto the escalator, side by side, he let out a quiet sigh.
"Yerin… my love," he murmured to himself, eyes distant. "I'm coming soon."
With that, he turned and left the airport.