Time to Say Goodbye

“You’re sure you have everything packed up?”

“Yes, Mom, I’m sure! And if I’m missing something, I can always buy it once I arrive, so don’t worry so much!”

“How can I not worry? It’s the first time you’ll be so far away from us!”

Looking at her mother, Nami knew that no matter how much she reasoned with her, she would worry anyway. If she had to be honest with herself, she was a bit scared as well. Just like her mom said, it was her first time leaving the country—not to mention almost halfway across the globe—but she knew it was a good decision to go on this trip.

Well, it wasn’t a vacation anyway. In a way, she had become Tsukasa’s copycat—going abroad for a project opportunity from her job. It had come at the perfect moment. The pianist could use this trip to clear her mind and make a decision regarding her feelings.

“She’s a big girl; she’ll manage. Stop nagging her so much, honey,” Nami’s dad intervened, helping his daughter calm her mother down.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“I just want to make sure you’ll be okay,” her mother’s caring voice turned more worried. “And it’s not only about the trip.”

The pianist sighed tiredly. “Trust me, Mom, I’m not running away from my love problems, but I need time away from it. And if I can be productive at the same time, it’s even better to clear my head.” She stepped up to her mother to embrace her. “I need this—for both my career and my personal life.”

“Just call us once in a while, okay?” her mother’s hands returned the hug.

“Yeah, you better do it, or your mother will buy us tickets to fly all the way to you!” her dad joked. At the same time, Nami knew that wasn’t entirely out of the question.

“Is that a promise or a warning?” the brunette chuckled.

“It’s a threat.”

At that, the entire family smiled at each other. Nami’s mother finally let her go so she could set her automatic suitcase to follow her outside.

“I’ll be back soon! Take care of yourselves, okay? Love you!”

“We love you too! Remember to call!” was the last thing Nami heard from her parents before stepping outside.

Today was not a day for the pianist to be alone—not even for a minute. She had barely taken a few steps into the fresh air before being called out.

“Over here!”

Standing by an old-school, non-automated car parked by the street was none other than Aya, waving cheerfully. Nami couldn’t help but wave back, smiling as she slowly walked toward her friend.

“Hi! Thanks for wanting to drive me, Aya. Really, it means a lot,” she said, hugging the red-haired woman in greeting. “And I hope it’s not rude to ask, but… what the hell is this?” she asked, pointing at the car beside her.

“What do you mean? It’s your ride to the airport, silly!” Aya replied as if it were the most obvious fact in the world. “Just get in! I’ll let you be the passenger princess this time, so get your butt in the front seat while I pack you up!”

Knowing it was better not to question the red-haired firecracker, Nami turned off her suitcase synchronization so her friend could put it in the trunk. Cautiously, she opened the door to get in—which, mind you, wasn’t easy, since all the automated cars opened their doors on their own.

“Hi, Nami! Hope you like the surprise. Not many people get a chance to ride in one of these classic beauties.”

Sitting at the wheel was Erika, looking more confident than Nami had ever seen her. She knew old cars were Erika’s passion, but she had no idea she owned one.

“Is this, like… even legal to drive?” the pianist asked carefully.

“Oh yeah!” Erika answered cheerfully, but her tone turned sheepish as she added, “I can only drive 50 kilometers a month, though, so as not to pollute the environment. It’s lame, but what can you do? Rules are rules.”

The sound of the car door closing behind her made Nami turn toward the back seat, where Aya had sprawled out comfortably, not even bothering to put on her seatbelt.

“We wanted to make your departure special. It was mostly Erika’s idea, really,” Aya said.

“I was just looking for a way to apologize,” Erika added bashfully.

Nami’s expression softened with fondness. “I meant it when I said you don’t have anything to apologize for. It was your private life, but I’m happy you trusted me enough to finally share it. So don’t worry about it anymore.”

“Well then, let’s call it a celebratory ride. Let’s go,” Erika said, turning on the engine. The unfamiliar noise filled the car as it moved forward.

“Man, of all the places, you had to go to Iceland, huh?” Aya teased.

“One of the closest places to nature,” Nami retorted. “I always wanted to go there. It seems so… calm and peaceful.”

“Oh yeah, the active volcanoes are super relaxing,” Aya teased again.

“Oh, come on, you know what I mean!” the pianist chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah. Perfect place to meditate and write music. Take great pictures of the Northern Lights for me, will you?”

“I’d prefer snacks or a hand-knitted sweater,” Erika cut in, eyes still on the road. “Northern Lights are more special when you see them in person rather than in pictures.”

“They’d make a dope album cover, though!” Aya argued.

Their talk continued, but not for long. Soon enough, they arrived at the airport. Aya jumped out to grab Nami’s suitcase, while Nami said her goodbyes to Erika. Then, she gave Aya one last hug.

“Come back safe to us, okay?”

“I will.”

“And sorry if I messed with your head more by saying I felt you didn’t fit with Tsukasa. I thought you were already sure Atsushi was the one for you. Just wanted to support you.”

“I appreciate it. When I come back, I’ll decide once and for all.”

“You know, sometimes it’s the right person at the wrong time… or meant to be, but not in this universe. Whoever you choose, Erika and I will be there for you—even if you don’t choose either.”

“Thank you. And thank Erika again for the ride—it was much cozier than an automated car.”

“I will! See you soon!”

With that, Aya got into the front seat. Nami turned toward the airport entrance, looking back once to ensure her suitcase was following her. She entered the building, searching for her gate. Looking left and right, she spotted a board until someone spoke beside her.

“A75. It’s all the way to the right.”

“Tsukasa?”

“Hi. I hope you don’t mind me being here,” the black-haired man said, scratching his neck. The tan he had just days ago was already fading. “You were there to see me off, so I wanted to do the same.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Nami said, smiling softly. “Lead the way.”

In silence, they walked together to the gate. As they arrived, Nami spoke.

“If you… If you find someone worth your love, I won’t mind. Making you wait without knowing if I’ll choose you is too cruel.”

“If that’s cruel, let me be cruel by waiting and staying an option.”

“You always were too good for me,” she murmured, hugging him tightly. “You’re not wearing your Soullet, either?”

“I realized I don’t need a reminder to know I love you.”

“I see.”

“Hey,” he said, looking up, “they’re letting passengers in. You should go.”

“I’ll see you when I come back, okay?”

“Fingers crossed—with good news.”

He waved her off and walked away.

The onboarding process was smooth. Sitting in her seat, Nami pulled out her phone to see an unread message:

“Have fun in that nowhere zone! —From your secondary soulmate.”

She chuckled, turned off her phone, and leaned back, ready for the journey ahead.