While You’re Here

I don’t know how long we’ll have, or what the future will bring, but as long as we still have this time. I’ll love you the best way I can.

Hi, I’m back again after such a long time without sharing anything here.

In short, on April 20th, 2026, my boyfriend surprised me by coming to Indonesia after three months of a long-distance relationship. I was really surprised because I thought he would come back at the end of the year. But unexpectedly, he came much earlier.

He planned everything far in advance. Actually, not only me — his family was also surprised. He came to my office and waited for me until I finished work. He had already arrived at 7 PM, but unfortunately, I only finished at 9 PM. So he had to wait for about two hours.

That day felt like any usual day. I left the office and ordered a Go-Ride to the MRT station to go home. As usual, I called him on the way — he likes to accompany me on calls. During the call, he suddenly said, “Babe, look behind you.” Normally, I would ignore him because he likes to prank me. But this time, I turned around…

And there he was.

He came out from his hiding place, holding a camera and recording the moment. And me? I felt like I was dreaming. Was it really him? My knees went weak, and I couldn’t hide the smile on my face. I couldn’t stop staring at him. The person I had been waiting for had finally come — sooner than I ever expected.

It felt like half of my soul had returned. Now he was truly here, standing right in front of me, holding me tightly — as if I wanted time to stop for a while.

At that moment, his presence boosted my energy so much. I couldn’t wait to spend time with him again. My mind was full of ideas about what we could do during his holiday in Indonesia. I won’t waste this precious moment.

Maybe this holiday feels a little different. Since I’m already back to full WFO, we can only meet on weekends. It’s sad, but I’m still grateful for this blessing. Everything feels easier when we choose to be grateful. My partner and I are strong enough to face this challenge together :)

Long story short, on the first week after he arrived, I wanted to take him to eat something he really likes. While working abroad, he often said he missed grilled food. So I took him to Gyu-Kaku. He ate so happily, and it made me really glad to see him like that. Sometimes he nodded and smiled — I knew you were really enjoying it, my love.

He also said he wanted to try a trendy juice place called Boost. Luckily, I had tried it before, so I could recommend something for him. At that moment, whatever he wanted, I felt like a fairy who could grant his wishes.

As usual — after eating and snacking — we needed coffee. We’re the kind of couple who feel incomplete without it, haha. We usually go to Djournal Coffee Shop, but unfortunately, since it was the weekend, the place was crowded and full. So we decided not to go there.

After walking around looking for a comfortable place, we found a hidden coffee shop near Gandaria City called Simetri Coffee Shop. It was our first time there. I was happy we got to try a new place and that it didn’t disappoint. The place was cozy, and the coffee was good too. For us, the vibe always comes first — we don’t like places that are too crowded. The coffee comes second.

We shared so many stories while having coffee. I really missed moments like this — just the two of us. Listening to him talk, looking at him… oh God, thank You for giving me this precious moment.

By the way, do you remember the challenge my boyfriend and I have been facing in our relationship? I’ve been keeping it to myself all this time. I intentionally didn’t tell him before because I felt the time wasn’t right. But yesterday, I finally told him.

I started from the beginning, slowly. I tried to explain everything carefully. As I spoke, I couldn’t hold back my tears. And my boyfriend — he has such a gentle heart. He kept looking at me, and sometimes wiped away his own tears.

From his expression, I could tell he was still trying to process everything. His gaze looked empty, as if he was trying to accept this painful reality. I held his hand tightly the whole time, reassuring him that everything would be okay. Nothing could shake me. I’m happy with him, and my dream is to be with him.

On the way home, he was very quiet. I kept trying to break the silence because I didn’t want him to drown in sadness.

Even though my own heart felt like it was breaking, I didn’t want him to feel that pain alone.

On the second week, we continued spending time together. We went to one of our favorite places in Gading Serpong called Uncle Lui. It’s one of our favorite kopitiam spots. While he was working abroad, he often said he missed their Butter Toast — along with the Seafood Balacan Fried Noodles.

So of course… yes baby, we went there.

Right now, his happiness is my priority. I’m not thinking about what will happen later when he goes back to working abroad. What matters most is that while he’s here, he feels happy — with me by his side.

Of course, we didn’t forget to stop by our favorite coffee shop, Kebon Kita. It really feels like this holiday is all about revisiting our favorite places — with my favorite person.

But honestly, the moments I miss the most are the simple ones like this — just the two of us, talking, with coffee, and the person I love beside me. That’s the best kind of comfort.

On the way home, we stopped by Uniqlo. I wanted to buy him a shirt for work, but instead, he chose a plain white t-shirt. He really is such a basic, casual kind of person. But that’s okay — as long as he’s happy, that’s what matters. It’s what he wanted, after all.

Then we also tried a cute photobooth. The last time we did it was when I came back from Vietnam, and now, after he returned to Indonesia, we did it again.

I wonder… did he realize that? :)