Tatiana stood at the airport terminal, her heart pounding in her chest as she scanned the crowd of passengers disembarking from the flight. She clutched her phone tightly in one hand, checking the time again even though she knew it by heart. Samuel's plane had landed, and any moment now, he would be walking through those doors.
It had been months since they'd last seen each other in person. Though their daily calls and texts had kept them close, the physical distance had been a constant ache. But now, all that time apart would be worth it. They were finally going to be together again.
As she waited, memories of their time together flooded her mind—how they'd first met on campus, the late-night study sessions, the moments of laughter with Maya and Clara, and the way Samuel would look at her, his eyes filled with quiet admiration. Those memories had sustained her through the long months of separation, and now she was about to create new ones.
Suddenly, the doors slid open, and passengers began to emerge. Tatiana's eyes darted from face to face, her breath catching every time she thought she saw him. And then, there he was—Samuel, with his familiar, slightly disheveled hair and calm expression, scanning the crowd just as she was.
The moment their eyes met, Tatiana felt a surge of emotion so strong it took her breath away. All the months of waiting, of longing, melted away as she took off running toward him, her heart racing with anticipation.
Samuel saw her and his face lit up with a smile that sent warmth spreading through her entire body. He dropped his bag and opened his arms just as Tatiana threw herself into them, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tightly.
"Samuel!" she breathed, burying her face in his shoulder, taking in the familiar scent of him, the feeling of his arms around her. "I've missed you so much."
"I missed you too, Tati," Samuel whispered, his voice filled with emotion. He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes scanning her face as if to memorize every detail. "You're even more beautiful than I remembered."
Tatiana laughed, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "You're just saying that because it's been so long."
"No," Samuel said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I mean it. I've missed you every single day."
For a moment, they just stood there, holding each other, lost in the overwhelming relief and happiness of being together again. The noise of the airport faded away, and it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Eventually, Samuel pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on her shoulders as he gazed at her with that same quiet intensity that had first drawn her to him. "Let's get out of here," he said, his voice low and warm. "We have so much to catch up on."
Tatiana nodded, still smiling as they grabbed his bag and headed toward the exit. As they walked through the bustling airport, hand in hand, Tatiana couldn't help but steal glances at him, still hardly believing he was really here.
Outside, the city was alive with energy, the cool evening air filled with the sounds of traffic and people going about their lives. But for Tatiana, all that mattered was that Samuel was by her side again. She led him to her car, and they loaded his bags into the trunk before sliding into the front seats.
As Tatiana started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, she felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The months of long-distance had been hard, but they had made it through. And now, with Samuel beside her, she knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"So," Samuel said, glancing at her with a teasing smile, "where are you taking me first?"
Tatiana grinned, her heart light. "I thought we could go back to my place, order some takeout, and just… be together."
Samuel's smile widened. "That sounds perfect."
The drive to her apartment was filled with easy conversation, their hands occasionally brushing as they navigated the city streets. It felt as though no time had passed at all, as if they were picking up right where they had left off. But there was also something new between them—a deeper connection, forged through the trials of their long-distance relationship.
When they arrived at Tatiana's apartment, she led Samuel inside, giving him a quick tour before they settled on the couch. They ordered their favorite takeout and spent the evening catching up, laughing, and reminiscing about the past months.
As the night wore on and they sat together, their hands intertwined, Tatiana felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The challenges of the past months had only made their relationship stronger, and now, with Samuel by her side, she felt ready to face anything.
"I'm so glad you're here," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"Me too," Samuel replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Being apart was hard, but it was worth it. For this."
Tatiana smiled, closing her eyes and savoring the moment. This was what they had been waiting for—the reunion they had both dreamed of. And now that they were together again, she knew that nothing could stand in their way.
They had overcome the distance, the doubts, and the challenges. And now, as they sat together in the quiet of her apartment, Tatiana knew that their love was stronger than ever.
The reunion was only the beginning of a new chapter in their story—one filled with promise, hope, and the unshakable belief that they could face anything, as long as they were together.