𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙩 & 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚| 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙭 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Days had blurred into one another in a haze of routine and distraction. Y/N had tried everything to keep her mind occupied: working harder, spending more time with March and Himeko, and even indulging in hobbies she'd long since abandoned. But despite her best efforts, there was always a space that felt empty, a part of her that remained tethered to Boothill's absence. She knew it was silly to expect to fill that gap with work or socializing, but it didn't stop her from trying.
At the moment, she was sitting at her desk, papers scattered around her as she worked through a stack of reports she had been meaning to get to. The constant ticking of the clock in the background did nothing to ease her mind. Her focus kept drifting, the sharp edges of her thoughts pulling her away from the task at hand, until she found herself staring at the same line for the fifth time in a row.
I miss him.
It was like a gentle pulse at the back of her mind. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, the feeling never quite went away. She shifted in her seat, rubbing her eyes as she glanced over at her phone. There was no new message from Boothill—no sign of him at all, other than the brief replies he had sent a few days ago. She had tried to be patient, tried to trust in his promise, but every day that passed without any word made the waiting harder.
With a sigh, Y/N closed the report she had been working on and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. It wasn't like her to be so distracted at work, and she knew she needed to snap out of it.
She grabbed her coat and stepped out of the office, deciding that a little fresh air might do her good. The streets were still busy, but the cold bite of the wind made her feel more alive, more awake. Her thoughts, however, kept slipping back to him—what he was doing, if he was safe, how much longer it would be before he returned.
"Hey, Y/N!" March's voice cut through the haze of her thoughts, and she turned to see her friend approaching with her usual exuberance. March had a way of brightening even the gloomiest of days with her energy.
"Hey, March," Y/N greeted with a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "What's up?"
March tilted her head, noticing the slight slump in Y/N's posture. "You okay? You've been a little... off lately. You're still waiting on Boothill, right?"
Y/N nodded, not needing to say more. It was obvious to anyone who knew her that something was missing from her life. And it was Boothill.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Y/N said, offering a faint smile. "Just... it's hard, you know? Not knowing what's going on with him. I keep hoping he'll message, but I haven't heard anything in a while."
March reached out and squeezed her hand in understanding. "I get it. The waiting is tough. But I'm here for you, okay? If you need a distraction, you know where to find me."
Y/N appreciated the offer, and the warmth of March's sincerity. She knew she didn't have to shoulder this burden alone.
"Thanks, March. I appreciate it."
March grinned brightly, her enthusiasm never waning. "Alright, then. How about we go grab something to eat? I know the perfect spot to take your mind off things!"
Y/N chuckled, grateful for her friend's persistent optimism. "Sure, I could use a break."
The two of them wandered through the streets, March excitedly babbling about her latest adventures, and Y/N finding herself listening more than talking. She didn't mind the change of pace. It was nice to be around someone who didn't expect her to be fully present—someone who understood the space she needed while also helping her escape from her own thoughts.
They reached a cozy little café, tucked away from the busy streets, with warm lights shining through the windows. As they entered, Y/N was immediately hit with the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. The atmosphere was relaxed, the low hum of conversation in the background making it easy for her to zone out.
They ordered their food, and March launched into her usual teasing stories about Himeko's "mysterious" tendencies and Dan Heng's inability to read a room. Y/N couldn't help but smile, even if it was just a little. The stories felt like a reminder that life went on—even without Boothill in it for now.
After finishing their meal, the two of them headed back to Y/N's apartment, where March insisted they watch a movie to unwind. Y/N, though reluctant at first, found herself getting comfortable on the couch, her feet tucked underneath a blanket as the flickering light from the screen distracted her for a while. She hadn't realized how badly she needed this—just a few hours where her thoughts weren't dominated by worry.
A few days later, Himeko had joined them for a shopping trip. The trio roamed through the markets, picking out trinkets and clothes they didn't really need but enjoyed looking at. It was a fun distraction, one that filled the hours with chatter and laughter, though Y/N couldn't quite shake the quiet space inside her that was reserved for Boothill. Each time she thought of him, she couldn't help but wonder when he would come back.
It was while she was at the counter, paying for a book she didn't need, that a message finally came through.
"Mission complete. On my way back. See you soon."
Y/N's heart leaped in her chest, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to feel a surge of hope. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make her smile—a real, full smile that reached her eyes.
She quickly typed back, her fingers flying over the keys.
"I'm so glad you're safe. I can't wait to see you."
As soon as the message was sent, she felt the weight of the last few weeks finally begin to lift. The waiting hadn't been easy, but knowing that he was on his way back made everything feel a little more bearable. She still had a ways to go before they could be together again, but for now, she had his words to hold on to.
Later that evening, Y/N found herself in the same spot she had been in many times before: sitting by the window, staring out at the city below. But this time, there was no ache in her chest, no overwhelming weight of longing. There was only the quiet excitement of knowing that Boothill was on his way back, that soon, he would walk through that door again.
The waiting wasn't over yet, but for the first time in a while, it felt manageable. She had done what she could to keep herself busy, surrounded by her friends and work, but the thought of his return made everything feel a little lighter.
And when he did return, she would be ready. She would be here, waiting, with a heart full of hope.