Just returning from a business trip to South Korea, I spotted her in the crowd as I walked out of customs, carrying bags of all sizes.

She didn't wear any makeup, with her chestnut-brown long hair tied up high behind her head. Her face seemed somewhat weary, appearing thinner compared to the first time we spoke.

I didn't know how to face her in what state. During the few days I went to Busan, I had gotten quite tanned, my makeup wasn't done, and I hadn't applied any skincare products on my face. My clothes were soaked with sweat - I am particularly intolerant to heat and, ironically, very detestable towards the smell of sweat. These two characteristics combined made me feel like I was in hell at that time.

Like me, she likes sweetness, likes dryness, likes autumn. I know that this is the least suitable time for me to see her.

But when I pushed the cart, facing the stuffy air as I made my way through the crowd of people at the airport, we met each other at the very end of the road.

"Why did you get so tanned?"

This was the first sentence she said, a bit awkward, yet still with the usual playful tone.

"Don't even mention it, Busan is scorching hot." I lightly touched the sticky sweat on my body, really hoping she wouldn't come closer and suddenly touch me. It would truly be disgusting for her to do that...

Let's go, I'll walk you home.

"No need, I'll go back on my own. I parked my car on B2 before leaving."

A strange emotion flickered across her face, but she still wore a faint smile and said, "I know, I didn't drive here."

Now I also choked up.

Isn't this... clearly a moment of experiencing awkwardness with the same person in the car?

"Um..." However, I couldn't just leave her here and make her take a taxi back. I hesitated for a while, but ultimately nodded. "Alright, I'll take you back."

She nodded and said, "Hmm."

So, we still walked side by side to the elevator entrance of the T3 airport in the capital. The subway exit was on the left, with few people around. But the elevator area was crowded as if it had a magnetic force, making it impossible for the crowd to dissipate.

There was an adult man pushing a small cart beside me, and I could smell a strong body odor emanating from him even from a meter away. Before I could even start to feel disgusted, I felt the person next to me grabbing onto my arm and pulling it in the opposite direction.

Turning back, she lowered her head and pinched her nose, desperately giving me a meaningful look with her eyes.

"Point this way!"

"Uh..."

It's not that we despise the workers, it's just that the smell is really nauseating - especially in such a cramped space.

But I quickly realized that she was holding onto my sweaty arm. She doesn't like the feeling of sweat on people, whether it's herself or others.

So, I withdrew my hand and returned to my original position.

After I performed this action, I immediately regretted it.

It seems like I'm rejecting her by doing it this way.

I wanted to explain, but when I turned around, I saw her also hanging her head with her face turned to the side, her slender fingers rubbing against the tip of her nose.

After knowing her for so many years, I could tell that she was feeling sentimental.

With so many people around, I don't know how to comfort her.

I could only wait and follow the crowd into the elevator with the adults. After she caught up with me, I tousled her hair, hoping that it would make her a little happier.

But she didn't lift her head as she usually did, giving me an exaggerated "mua" accompanied by a radiant smile.

At this moment, I suddenly felt that we had completely come to an end.

Even though they had already cried their hearts out, had already argued fiercely with the intention of killing each other, had already embraced each other in remembrance, this meeting should be the end.

I broke up with her completely in the eighth year and four months since I first met her.