Almost twelve hours later, at the Avaloria City's international airport, a figure clad in a black trench coat walked out of the arrival hall. His crimson strands were messy under the light.

Ruediger strolled through the terminal, his long strides steady despite the hour. With a backpack on his right shoulder and a suitcase rolled behind him, he scanned the bustling scene.

The air inside the airport was a mix of exhaustion, excitement and motion.

Though it was past two in the morning, the terminal was still alive.

Luggage wheels were dragged across polished floors and the occasional loudspeaker announcements cut through the hum of people speaking in various languages.

Some travelers curled up in the provided chairs, while others slept near the walls with jackets draped over them. A few groups sat at the tables in 24-hour cafes and restaurants, either sipping coffee, having bread or slurping instant noodles.

Ruediger barely took it all in as his mind raced with one thought.

Lariette.

Smiling softly, Ruediger almost laughed at himself. Lariette didn't know he was coming home early. She thought he might return in a few days more.

'She should've been sleeping.' Catch the formatted version at *.

Ruediger called Lariette at half past ten. She sounded happy, but drowsiness clinging to her voice. She said she was reading an online novel.

He persuaded her to sleep early and continue reading tomorrow. She laughed, before telling him to do the same.

Little did she know that he was heading to the airport.

His desire to see her outweighed everything. He just wanted to be there, to return to her warmth, her scent and the comfort of her presence.

From the beginning, Ruediger tried speeding things up as much as possible so that he could come back early. And then, Vincent pulled up the outrageous stunt, forcing him to work even quicker.

Fortunately, the important cases had been settled. His Aunt Felicia's company was no longer in danger. He could continue monitoring from afar.

Ruediger even dragged Madeline into this plan. He told his cousin to make up excuses so that she had to leave instead of having another sleepover with Lariette tonight.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll leave. Who wanna see you guys being lovey dovey, huh?"

Ruediger laughed when Madeline grumbled.

Finally, Ruediger stepped closer to the main entrance. Lines of taxis waited outside. He steadily approached one of them.

Upon hearing about Ruediger flying home at midnight, Edmund wanted to send a chauffeur to pick him up at the airport. But the former refused, saying he could easily find one there.

Ruediger mentioned his destination. As he slid into the back seat, the taxi driver took the suitcase and placed it inside the trunk.

The taxi pulled up from the curb, speedily leaving the international airport as it eased into the city's quieter roads. At this hour, clubs had closed and neon signs had dimmed as the city began to sleep.

Ruediger leaned back against the seat, exhaling softly. Through the window, the cityscape blurred. He watched the empty pedestrian paths, the traffic lights with soft glow and the occasionally passing vehicles.

'She's sleeping in my room again, right?'

His heart had been thudding with joy since the moment he boarded the flight. His mind was full of her, imagining her sleep and hugging the pillow.

The thought made him smile, and his fingers tapped impatiently on his thigh. His excitement shadowed the exhaustion from not resting today.

"Sir, we'll arrive in ten minutes," the driver suddenly spoke, informing him.

"Alright," Ruediger murmured, eyes still focused outside as he watched the buildings grow familiar again.

The flower shop he often frequented, the cafe they always had breakfasts at, the huge grocery market — everything was familiar to him.

The district was cloaked in calm. The tall apartment building stood like a quiet guardian, with only the faintest glimmer of hallway lights through the windows. Still, the lobby was brightly lit.

Ruediger stepped out after paying the taxi driver. Grabbing the suitcase handle and adjusting the strap of his backpack, he headed inside the lobby.

'Two-forty, not too bad.'

Ruediger glanced at his wristwatch while entering the elevator. As he ascended, the adrenaline returned, pulsing beneath his skin.

A dim and peaceful hallway welcomed Ruediger once the elevator doors slid open. He quickly walked to the apartment unit. The door clicked open once he keyed in the passcode.

'Home sweet home.'

The entryway was softly lit by the recessed light. Ruediger quietly slipped off his shoes, changing into his home slippers, and then taking off the coat. He left the suitcase by the shoe cabinet.

Walking down the hallway, Ruediger saw the living room lay in darkness, but the faint outline of the couch and other furniture pieces were still visible. His first destination was the kitchen.

The area was pristine and clean. Smiling, he washed his hands and face, letting the droplets freshen him up.

Then, after drying his hands and face, he finally made his way to his bedroom. The door was closed, but not locked.

Ruediger reached for the sleek metal handle. He quietly opened the door, not daring to make any unnecessary noise.

The warm yellow glow of a small lamp faintly illuminated the room. His eyes fell on the bed, finding her figure curled under the comfy blanket.

A corner of the blanket had slipped down, revealing her round shoulder, and her hair tousled against the pillow. She slept so soundly, so peacefully.

His heart thumped, and then it ached at the sight.

Ruediger thought he had realized how much he had missed Lariette but in actuality, the feelings were more intense, burning within him.

He missed the peaceful way she slept, the soft inhale and exhale of her breath, and the way she nestled in his arms.

It was home.

She was his home.

Smiling faintly, Ruediger approached the bed, his steps quieter than before. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching the sleeping Lariette who was unaware of her surroundings.

He reached out a hand, his knuckles gently grazing across her soft cheek. Leaning in, he whispered, "My love, I'm home."

And then, his lips found a place on her temple.