Four years had flown by, and Oliver could hardly believe how much had changed. He had gone from being a hopeful art student to a famous, well-respected artist, celebrated for his talent and vision. His work was featured in galleries across the world, and his reputation had grown along with his skills. Alongside his studies, Oliver had spent time tutoring others, teaching them about the importance of art in their lives. His early graduation gave him the freedom to teach while focusing on his own passion for painting. Now, with his degree in hand, he was even qualified to teach in schools, something he had only dreamed of before.
But despite all his accomplishments, there was only one thought on Oliver's mind as the final bell of the semester rang: getting back to Noah.
Oliver raced home from campus, barely able to keep his excitement in check. His bags were already packed, and within hours, he had booked the soonest flight he could find. The journey back home was long and chaotic—a grueling 14-hour flight with multiple layovers in different countries. Each second felt like a lifetime, but the thought of seeing Noah made every inconvenience bearable. He hadn't seen him in four years, and though they hadn't spoken much, Oliver's heart longed for the reunion.
When he finally landed, jetlagged but filled with anticipation, Oliver wasted no time. He jumped into a taxi, his pulse racing as he gave the driver Noah's café address. The entire ride, his stomach was in knots. He could barely sit still, imagining what it would feel like to see Noah again, to close the gap that had kept them apart for so long. Every second closer to the café felt like his heart might explode from excitement.
At last, the taxi pulled up in front of the familiar café. Without thinking, Oliver tossed the fare at the driver, grabbed his bags, and bolted toward the entrance. His heart was pounding in his chest as the bell above the door chimed softly.
There he was.
Noah stood behind the counter, wiping down a mug, his brow furrowed in concentration. The moment their eyes met, everything else disappeared. Time seemed to slow, the world outside melting away as they stared at each other. Four years of silence, of longing, of missed opportunities—all of it dissolved in an instant.
Before Oliver could think, he dropped his luggage, his legs carrying him across the room. And then, without hesitation, he ran straight into Noah's arms. Noah caught him, holding him tightly, as if he never wanted to let go again.
Oliver grabbed the back of Noah's neck and pulled him into a kiss, not just any kiss—but a kiss filled with all the passion, all the love, and all the longing that had built up over the years. It was fierce and desperate, their lips crashing together like two people who had been starving for each other's touch. Noah's hands gripped Oliver's waist, pulling him in closer, their bodies pressed tightly together as if trying to make up for every moment they had been apart.
Noah let out a soft groan against Oliver's lips, the heat between them igniting with every second. Oliver's fingers tangled in Noah's hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss, savoring the taste, the feel, the intensity of finally being back where he belonged. It was raw and emotional, both of them pouring everything they couldn't say into that one kiss. The world faded away; there was only the two of them, lost in each other.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their chests heaving as they stared into each other's eyes. Their faces were flushed, and Oliver's heart was racing like never before.
"Why didn't you call?" Oliver asked, his voice trembling, eyes filled with unshed tears. His hands were still clinging to Noah's shirt, as if afraid to let go.
Noah swallowed, his own voice thick with emotion. "I… I couldn't," he admitted, his eyes softening as he gazed at Oliver. "Every time I tried, it hurt too much. Seeing you on a screen—knowing you were so far away—it would've broken me. I couldn't wait if I heard your voice. I would've gotten on a plane and gone to you."
Tears welled up in Oliver's eyes, but this time they were tears of joy, relief, and love. "You idiot," he whispered, his voice cracking as he pulled Noah into another embrace. "You could have come."
Noah let out a soft chuckle, his arms wrapping tightly around Oliver. "I didn't think you'd wait," he said quietly, his breath warm against Oliver's cheek. "But I'm so glad you did."
Oliver pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Noah's eyes. "Of course I waited. I've loved you this whole time." His voice was steady now, full of conviction.
Noah's face broke into a smile, tears shining in his eyes. "I love you too, Oliver. I always have."
Oliver's heart skipped a beat at the words, and before he could stop himself, he kissed Noah again—this time softer, sweeter, but still full of the love that had always been there. They both melted into the kiss, the weight of the years apart slipping away with every moment.
When they finally pulled apart again, Noah held Oliver's face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that had spilled over. "Does this mean… we're finally doing this? For real?"
Oliver laughed, a sound full of warmth and happiness. "Yes. For real. No more waiting. No more distance."
Noah smiled through his own tears, his voice barely above a whisper. "Boyfriends?"
Oliver grinned, his heart swelling. "Boyfriends."
They hugged again, tighter this time, the embrace full of promises for the future. For the first time in years, everything felt right. The years of uncertainty, the fear, the longing—it was all behind them now.
As they stood there, wrapped up in each other, neither of them wanted to let go. They had finally found their way back to each other, and they weren't going to waste another second.
Finally, they had come home.