The sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm golden glow over the summer campgrounds. The final morning had arrived. Campers bustled around with bags in hand, sharing hugs, laughter, and even a few tears as they prepared to part ways.
In front of their cabin, Akg stood with Serena, Korrina, and Chloe, all four of them quiet for a moment, not wanting to break the fragile peace of their last time together.
Serena stepped forward first, eyes shimmering. "Akg, I... I'll never forget this summer. You made it so special for me." She hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. Akg gently returned the hug, then smiled warmly at her. Before she could pull away, she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Promise you'll come find me one day?" she whispered.
Akg nodded. "I promise. No matter where you are."
Next was Korrina. She tried to act tough as always, but her slightly trembling voice gave her away. "Tch… don't think I'll cry or anything, okay? But... I'll miss you, Akg." She moved in for a hug, gripping him with surprising strength. After a pause, she too gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then turned away with a slight blush. "That's just... a goodbye gift! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Chloe walked up last, a soft smile on her face. "I've never felt as close to anyone as I do with you and the girls… Thank you, Akg. For everything." Her voice cracked at the end, and she hugged him with all her heart. As she pulled back, she looked up at him, then gently kissed his forehead. "You're really someone special."
Akg, a bit overwhelmed but smiling genuinely, looked at the three of them. "I don't want to say goodbye… so I'll just say, 'See you later.' Because I know we'll meet again."
The girls nodded, each holding back tears, but feeling hopeful. The bond they shared wasn't something that distance could break.
As the departure time came, they gave one last group hug—tight and full of emotions, not wanting the moment to end.
"Until we meet again," Serena whispered.
"Don't forget us," Chloe added softly.
"I'll punch you if you don't come find us," Korrina said, half-joking, half-serious.
Akg laughed, eyes misty. "I'd never forget any of you. I swear it."