He never spoke, watching the finale in silence.
It was the moment he was waiting for. He waited for her to come to him, to hug him like she hugged the rest. And he embraced her with all his heart and love. Time stood still for those mere seconds, and his hands wound tight around her. He prayed in his heart never to let go his hands, wished for that connection to last longer.
But she released her grip. He protested slightly, but there was an insistence to her withdrawal. He felt it. He knew the inevitable. He knew he was hoping for a lost cause. It was just that he did not want to acknowledge its presence. But not letting go would make things more complicated, and it was a trip that he wanted her to start of smoothly.
There were no tears, for he is a man with no tears. There was no need for tears, as it will only make things more awkward.
He knew he have to take a step back. He wanted to tell her his feelings, but there was no time and place for it.
He knew it was only temporary, everyone knew it was only temporary. In less than a year he would see her again.
But there was another departure that he just couldn't accept yet. She could, but he couldn't.
He would cherish that hug dearly. For it could be the last hug of its kind with her.
