Emerald Fog

The dining hall buzzed with the morning rush, students weaving between tables, the clatter of plates and the murmur of conversation filling the space. At one particular table, things were quieter than usual.

Elphaba sat next to Galinda, the warmth of her presence both comforting and nerve-wracking. It was the first time in what felt like forever that they had shared a meal together, and Elphaba was doing her best not to overthink every second of it.

Nessa sat across from them, carefully stirring her tea, a soft smile playing at her lips as she observed them. Next to her, Fiyero smirked as he leaned back in his chair.

“Well,” he said, breaking the comfortable silence, “this is nice, isn’t it?”

Elphaba shot him a look, but he only grinned wider.

“You two,” he continued, gesturing between her and Galinda. “Sitting together again. Almost like old times.”

Elphaba opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Galinda spoke. “It is nice,” she said simply, offering Elphaba a small smile.

Elphaba hesitated, caught off guard. Then, slowly, she allowed herself to relax, nodding slightly. “Yeah. It is.”

Nessa, ever perceptive, watched the exchange with quiet approval. “It’s good to see,” she said gently, reaching for her tea. “You’ve both been through a lot.”

Elphaba glanced at her sister, expecting some kind of warning or hesitation, but there was none. Just warmth and quiet encouragement.

She shifted slightly, her fingers curling around the edge of her plate. “I, um…” She exhaled, glancing at Galinda before looking down at the table. “I have to go home tomorrow.”

Galinda stiffened just slightly beside her. “Oh.”

“I’ve been taking up Nessa’s space for too long,” Elphaba continued, forcing her voice to stay even. “I’ve definitely overstayed my welcome.”

Galinda was quiet for a moment, fingers toying with the rim of her teacup. Then, carefully, she asked, “And after that?”

Elphaba swallowed. She hesitated, then added, “I’ll be back for my gig on Friday. I’ve got a lot of making up to do with my band for disappearing on them.”

Galinda’s fingers stilled on her cup, but she didn’t say anything.

Elphaba took a quiet breath. She knew she had to acknowledge it, what had happened that night, what Galinda had seen. So, carefully, she said, “I completely understand if that’s not somewhere you want to be right now.”

Galinda let out a slow breath.

She didn’t say yes. She didn’t say no. But Elphaba saw the way her shoulders tensed slightly, the way her lips parted as if she might say something before stopping herself. It had affected her. And even though Elphaba wanted an answer, wanted to know where they stood, she didn’t push.

Instead, she let it sit.

After a moment, Galinda seemed to shake herself out of it, straightening. Then, after another beat of silence, she said, “I was thinking…would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

Elphaba blinked. “Dinner?”

Galinda bit her lip, then nodded. “Just us. No expectations, no pressure. I just…I’d like to spend the evening with you.”

For a moment, all Elphaba could do was stare at her.

It was so simple. So fragile. And yet, it felt like the most important thing in the world.

She exhaled, then nodded. “Alright.”

Galinda’s lips curved into a relieved smile. “Alright.”

Fiyero made a satisfied noise, with a knowing grin.

Elphaba rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t quite fight the small smile tugging at her lips.

Nessa just sipped her tea, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.

And for the first time in weeks, Elphaba felt like maybe, just maybe, things were finally beginning to heal.

Elphaba arrived outside Galinda’s dorm just as the evening settled into its quiet rhythm. She lifted her hand to knock, but before she could, Galinda’s voice carried through the door.

“Just a moment!”

Elphaba frowned slightly, shifting her weight. The muffled sounds of movement came from within, shuffling, something being adjusted, a soft exhale. Then, after a few beats, the door creaked open, and Galinda stood there, a small, almost nervous smile on her face. “Come in,” she said softly.

Elphaba stepped inside, but as soon as she did, she stopped short.

The balcony door was open, the cool evening air drifting in. Outside, a blanket was spread out across the wooden floor, carefully arranged plates of food set neatly on top. Candles flickered around the edges, casting a warm, golden glow. The sight of it, so intimate, so intentional, made something catch in Elphaba’s throat.

She turned slowly to Galinda. “What is this?”

Galinda gave a small shrug, her lips curving. “I missed you.” The words were quiet, but they landed heavily between them. “And I wanted to do something nice.”

Elphaba stared at her. She didn’t know what to say.

For weeks now, things had been shifting between them, pulling apart, coming back together, caught in some strange in-between where nothing felt certain anymore. But this, this was something tangible. Something Galinda had done just for her.

After a moment, she nodded, swallowing. “Okay…thank you.”

Galinda’s expression softened, and she stepped aside, gesturing toward the balcony. “Shall we?”

Elphaba followed her out, lowering herself onto the blanket. The space between them was small but not suffocating. There was a quiet ease to it, even through the lingering shyness.

They settled into their meal, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow between them, making the moment feel strangely delicate. The night air was cool, but not enough to be uncomfortable, and the soft hum of distant voices from the courtyard below made it feel like they were in their own little world. For a while, they ate in a silence that neither of them quite knew how to break. It wasn’t tense, just hesitant, like they were both too aware of how fragile this moment was.

Elphaba poked at her food, sneaking a glance at Galinda, who was entirely focused on cutting her meal into the tiniest, most uniform bites Elphaba had ever seen.

“Do you always eat like that?” she asked, voice light but uncertain.

Galinda glanced up, blinking as if she hadn’t realised she was being watched. “Like what?”

“Like…that.” Elphaba gestured vaguely to her plate. “Perfect little pieces. It’s almost surgical.”

Galinda gasped, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. “I beg your pardon! It is elegant.”

Elphaba smirked, taking a bite of bread. “It’s suspicious, is what it is.”

Galinda narrowed her eyes, but there was amusement in them. “And how, exactly, do you eat?”

Elphaba shrugged. “Like a normal person.”

Galinda snuck a glance at Elphaba’s plate and let out an exaggerated sigh. “Right. Tearing your food apart like a wild animal. Very normal.”

Elphaba huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “It’s practical.”

Galinda tilted her head, studying her with an almost mischievous glint in her eye. “You don’t care much about appearances, do you?”

Elphaba’s smirk faltered slightly. “Should I?”

Galinda’s lips parted, and for a moment, she didn’t answer. Then, just a little too softly, she murmured, “No. I like that about you.”

Elphaba froze, her fingers tightening around her fork. She wasn’t sure why those words made her heart stutter the way they did, but suddenly, she felt warm.

Galinda seemed to realise what she had just said at the same time Elphaba did, because her cheeks went pink, and she quickly took a sip of water.

Elphaba cleared her throat, grasping for something to say, anything to break the sudden shift in energy. “Well. That’s good. I guess. Since I-uh-probably won’t be changing anytime soon.”

Galinda let out a breath of laughter, shaking her head. “No, I suppose not.” She hesitated, then, voice quieter, “I wouldn’t want you to.”

Elphaba stared at her, the words settling between them, heavier than they should have been.

Galinda fidgeted with her napkin, looking down at her plate. “So,” she said abruptly, as if trying to redirect the conversation before it got away from her again, “do you ever eat dessert?”

Elphaba blinked at the sudden shift. “That’s…a random question.”

Galinda lifted her chin. “It’s important.”

Elphaba huffed a soft laugh. “I don’t really like sweets.”

Galinda looked scandalised. “Not even pastries?”

“Nope.”

“Cakes?”

“No.”

Galinda gasped dramatically. “Chocolate?”

Elphaba hesitated, and Galinda’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Aha!” she exclaimed, pointing her fork at her. “You do like sweets.”

Elphaba groaned, rubbing her forehead. “I tolerate chocolate. Occasionally.”

Galinda grinned, looking far too pleased with herself. “Interesting. I’ll have to remember that.”

Elphaba narrowed her eyes at her but said nothing.

The conversation quieted again, but this time, the silence was different, charged in a way that made Elphaba’s skin prickle with awareness. She wasn’t sure what to do with it.

So, instead, she focused on her plate, cutting a piece of food with more concentration than was necessary.

Galinda must have shifted slightly, because the next thing Elphaba felt was the brush of their hands, fingers barely grazing against each other on the blanket between them. It was the lightest touch, accidental and fleeting, until neither of them moved away.

Elphaba swallowed, her heart picking up speed as Galinda, after a moment of hesitation, slowly threaded their fingers together.

Elphaba glanced at her, and Galinda was looking down at their hands, lips pressed together in a way that made it clear she was trying not to smile.

Elphaba grinned. “Well. That’s bold of you.”

Galinda rolled her eyes but didn’t let go. “You’re impossible.”

Elphaba grinned, warmth curling in her chest. She gave Galinda’s hand a light squeeze before letting their hands rest together between them.

The night air was cool against her skin, but the warmth from Galinda’s fingers, from the soft flicker of candlelight, made it feel far away.

Galinda shivered. It was small, barely noticeable, but Elphaba caught it anyway. Without a word, she squeezed Galinda’s hand and gently pulled her to her feet. “Come on,” she murmured. “Let’s go inside.”

Galinda hesitated, then nodded. She squeezed Elphaba’s fingers back before letting go, moving ahead of her into the warmth of the dorm. Elphaba followed, shutting the balcony door behind them.

Inside, the air was softer, filled with the lingering scent of candles and something distinctly Galinda, floral, warm, familiar.

Without thinking too much about it, they both sank onto the floor, backs against Galinda’s bed, the quiet settling around them. It felt natural. Easy, in a way that things hadn’t been for a long time.

Their hands found each other again, fingers intertwining, a silent confirmation of everything they weren’t saying out loud.

After a few moments, Galinda spoke, her voice softer than usual. “Do you remember the first time I told you…that I liked you?”

Elphaba’s breath caught in her throat, the question unexpected but not unwelcome. She hesitated before nodding. “I remember. You weren’t exactly subtle.”

Galinda chuckled lightly, the sound warm against the cool air. “I was nervous. Terrified, actually. But it just came out, you know? One of those moments where I couldn’t hold it in anymore.”

Elphaba’s fingers tightened slightly around Galinda’s, a question rising in her chest, but she didn’t speak it aloud. Instead, she said, “You never seemed nervous to me. You were always so…sure of everything.”

Galinda sighed softly, her thumb brushing over Elphaba’s hand. “I wasn’t sure, not at all. I was scared of what it meant, of how it changed everything. I didn’t know if you’d feel the same, or if I even deserved to tell you how I felt.”

Elphaba turned her head slightly, her heart thudding in her chest. She could feel the weight of Galinda’s words, the vulnerability in her voice. “But you told me anyway.”

“I did,” Galinda said, her voice steady now, though there was still a trace of something tender in it. “Because I had to. Because I couldn’t keep pretending that I didn’t care about you. You’ve always been…different. You make me feel things I don’t know how to explain.”

Elphaba swallowed, her chest tight with the enormity of the moment. They sat in comfortable silence, their hands pressed together, the world outside seeming far away. It wasn’t perfect, not yet, but it was enough. And for now, that was all that mattered.

For a while, they just sat like that. Then, after a moment, Elphaba took a deep breath. “So,” she murmured, “about my gig.”

Galinda glanced at her, fingers twitching slightly in hers.

“What I said at breakfast…I meant it,” Elphaba continued carefully. “I understand if you don’t want to come to my gigs at The Ozdust anymore. To be honest with you, I’d rather not be there either. But I can’t do that to the guys.”

Galinda let out a slow breath, looking down for a moment. Her thumb brushed absently against Elphaba’s. “It’s not that I don’t want to go,” she admitted. “It’s just…seeing her again. It won’t be easy.”

Elphaba’s stomach twisted. She knew exactly who Galinda meant.

“But,” Galinda continued, looking up, her expression earnest, “watching you up there… seeing you in your element…it’s more important to me than my own discomfort.”

Elphaba blinked. The words landed with a quiet weight, pressing against something deep in her chest. “You don’t have -”

“I know,” Galinda interrupted gently. “But I want to.”

Elphaba swallowed, exhaling slowly. “Okay.”

Galinda smiled slightly, but then her expression shifted, something more hesitant creeping in. “I would have come on Friday, but…really, I can’t.”

Elphaba frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You must know from Nessa…Shiz is on break next week,” Galinda explained. “I’ll be traveling home that day and I won’t be back until the following weekend.”

Elphaba’s shoulders loosened slightly. “Oh. Right.” She nodded, forcing a small smile. “That makes sense.”

Galinda hesitated. “I’ll miss you.”

The words sent a strange, soft ache through Elphaba’s chest. She looked at Galinda for a long moment, then squeezed her fingers lightly. “I’ll miss you too.”

The silence stretched between them, a comfortable kind of stillness, before Elphaba broke it with a soft sigh. She glanced toward the window, where the night had deepened further, the air cooler.

“It’s getting late,” she said softly, reluctant but aware of the time. “I should let you get some rest.”

Galinda’s fingers tightened around hers, and for a moment, Elphaba thought she was going to let go, but then Galinda’s voice, quiet and uncertain, floated to her ears. “Stay.”

Elphaba blinked, not sure she heard right. “What?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a small frown crossing her face as she turned toward Galinda.

“Please stay,” Galinda repeated, this time with a quiet urgency in her tone. Her eyes were soft, almost pleading, and there was something vulnerable there that made Elphaba’s heart twist.

Elphaba hesitated, caught between the desire to give Galinda everything she wanted and the hesitation she still felt in some deeper part of herself. She studied Galinda’s face for a long moment. There was a fragility there, something in her posture that made Elphaba feel like she was being entrusted with something very important.

Galinda’s voice was barely a breath as she added, “You’re going home tomorrow…I just…I just want to be held tonight.”

Elphaba’s chest tightened at the rawness of the request. It was a simple thing, but it felt heavy, like it was something Galinda had been holding back for a while. Elphaba didn’t speak right away, but something warm spread through her chest at the thought of offering this simple comfort.

She looked into Galinda’s eyes, steady and quiet, her voice soft but resolute. “You only ever need to ask. I really couldn’t think of anything better than holding you tonight.”

The words felt like a promise, and as Galinda’s smile flickered, Elphaba felt a sense of peace settle in her heart, knowing they were taking this step together. They both knew how fragile things were, how much was still uncertain, but tonight didn’t feel like the time for doubt. It felt like a moment they could hold onto, just for now.

Slowly, they moved, both getting ready for bed in their own quiet way. Elphaba had a set of pyjamas left in the room, an unspoken sign of how often she had stayed over, and as she slipped into them, she felt a sense of normalcy, a comfort that hadn’t been there before. Galinda changed too, and soon, they were lying on the bed, on their sides, facing each other.

Galinda reached out first, her hand hovering near Elphaba’s face before gently tracing the light freckles across her nose and cheeks. Elphaba froze for a moment, the touch so tender, so unexpected. Galinda’s voice was a whisper, like she was afraid of breaking something.

“You’re so beautiful.”

Elphaba’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching. She smiled, but it wasn’t just a smile, it was something full of warmth, something more than she’d ever let herself feel before. “You make me feel like I am,” she whispered back, meeting Galinda’s gaze, holding it.

Galinda’s eyes searched hers for a long moment, and Elphaba could see all the unspoken words lingering between them. Then, slowly, Galinda leaned in, just slightly, until their noses were brushing, their lips only a breath apart.

They stayed like that, both of them breathing deeply, the air between them charged with something unspoken. Neither of them moved for a long while, just sharing the moment. Time seemed to slow, and Elphaba felt every heartbeat thrum through her chest. Then, without really thinking, Elphaba closed the gap.

The kiss was gentle, soft, but it was filled with everything they hadn’t said. Elphaba’s hand rose instinctively, tangling in Galinda’s hair as the kiss deepened, but it remained slow, a shared tenderness between them that neither of them had ever known before. It was as if they were both savouring the newness of this closeness.

When they finally pulled apart, it was with a soft gasp, and Galinda let out a light, airy laugh that filled the space between them. Elphaba couldn’t help but grin, her smile so wide it almost hurt. The moment was perfect in its simplicity, and for a second, nothing in the world could feel wrong.

They stared at each other, eyes never leaving. They were two people who, for once, had found something that felt right.

Elphaba chuckled softly, the sound of it almost foreign to her. “Come on,” she said quietly, pulling Galinda a little closer. “Let’s get some sleep.”

Galinda didn’t protest. Instead, she settled into Elphaba’s arms, her head resting gently against her chest. Elphaba wrapped her arms around her, holding her close, the warmth of her body next to hers a quiet comfort.

And as the night stretched on, Elphaba let herself believe that, for once, things might be okay.

The morning light crept softly through the edges of the curtains. Elphaba stirred slowly, blinking as she adjusted to the quiet morning. She was still half-dreaming, her mind foggy from sleep, but there was something about the warmth beside her that felt so real. Galinda was curled up against her, one arm resting over Elphaba’s chest, her face peaceful in slumber.

Elphaba’s heart fluttered at the sight. Galinda looked so delicate, so trusting, her features softened in sleep, the tension from the past few weeks seemingly gone. She hadn’t realised just how much she’d missed the comfort of this closeness, how much she craved it until now. It was as if all the pieces that had been scattered for so long were finally settling back into place.

She didn’t want to move, didn’t want to disturb the moment. So she stayed still, breathing in the quiet of the morning and the scent of Galinda’s hair, trying to commit it all to memory. Her fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Galinda’s face, tracing the soft curve of her cheek, then her jaw, her thumb catching on the faintest hint of a dimple. Elphaba didn’t even realise she was smiling until she felt the warmth spreading across her face.

It wasn’t long before Galinda’s eyes fluttered open, the hazy gaze slowly clearing as she looked up at Elphaba. For a moment, neither of them spoke, just taking each other in, the silence comfortable despite its weight.

Their eyes met, and a shy smile tugged at the corners of Galinda’s lips, her eyes crinkling at the edges. Elphaba couldn’t help but mirror it, the quiet joy of seeing Galinda’s sleepy smile making her own heart flutter.

“Good morning,” Elphaba murmured softly, her voice still thick with sleep, but sincere.

Galinda let out a small, contented hum, her lips still curving in that gentle smile. “It is, isn’t it?” she said with a slight, playful tilt to her voice.

Elphaba’s chest warmed at the sound of her voice, and she gave a soft laugh, shaking her head. “This…this is my favourite way to wake up.”

Galinda hummed again, this time in thought, as she shifted, pulling herself up slightly. She leaned forward, her lips brushing against Elphaba’s in a soft kiss that seemed to take both of them by surprise. It was brief, a quiet kiss, but full of meaning, more than words could ever express.

When she pulled away, she grinned, her eyes alight with something playful yet tender. “I think this is my favourite way to wake up too.”

Elphaba’s smile widened, the warmth in her chest blooming into something full and complete. The moment felt so simple, so perfect in its quiet honesty. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind Galinda’s ear, her hand lingering for just a moment.

Elphaba smiled softly, her hand resting lightly against Galinda’s cheek, her thumb brushing over the soft skin. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice still thick with the remnants of sleep. “For last night. That dinner…it was wonderful.”

Galinda’s eyes fluttered open, her smile gentle, though there was a softness in her gaze that made Elphaba’s heart skip. “I’m glad you liked it. I just wanted to do something nice,” she replied, her voice tender.

Elphaba’s fingers brushed over her hair again, as if she couldn’t help but touch her, to remind herself that this moment was real. “You did more than that. I didn’t realise how much I needed that…just the two of us, no pressure, just being together.” Her voice caught slightly, a mix of vulnerability and affection slipping through.

Galinda’s eyes searched hers for a moment, the unspoken understanding passing between them. She let out a soft hum and shifted a little closer, her face resting again against Elphaba’s chest. “It was nice, wasn’t it?” she murmured, her voice full of contentment.

“Yeah,” Elphaba replied, her heart full, though a little heavier knowing she would be leaving soon. “It really was.” The words hung in the air between them, something bittersweet about the softness of their connection, the simplicity of it, and yet how fleeting it felt.

Neither of them spoke for a while, just savouring the quiet, the warmth, and the feeling of being close again.

Galinda’s voice broke the silence, soft and hesitant. “When do you leave?” she asked, her tone almost fragile.

Elphaba hesitated, the question settling in her chest like a weight. “Lunch time,” she replied quietly, her gaze dropping to where their hands still intertwined. The words sounded too final, too much like an ending, and she hated it.

Galinda’s smile was small, but there was a trace of sadness in it. She didn’t say anything right away, but the heaviness of her silence spoke volumes.

Elphaba shifted slightly, as if the thought of leaving was making her more restless. “I don’t want to go,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes meeting Galinda’s.

Galinda’s expression softened, her lips curving into a faint smile. Without another word, she moved. Her leg slid over Elphaba’s waist, and suddenly she was sitting on top of her, her body pinning Elphaba down gently. Galinda’s hands braced either side of Elphaba’s head, trapping her in the most delightful way.

“Now you can’t go,” Galinda said, her voice teasing but with a note of something deeper, something more. She leaned in closer, her breath warm against Elphaba’s skin.

Elphaba’s heart raced, and she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, though it was laced with affection. “Now I really don’t want to go,” she said, her voice softer, more sincere.

Galinda’s eyes fluttered closed as she leaned down, her lips brushing against Elphaba’s in a soft kiss. It was light at first, a gentle press of warmth, but it deepened as the seconds stretched on, both of them giving in to the moment, the pull between them undeniable.

When they pulled apart, just inches separating them, Galinda rested her forehead against Elphaba’s, her breath shaky with the emotions stirring between them. Neither of them spoke for a moment, but neither needed to. In that quiet space, it was clear: they didn’t want to let go of this…of each other.

As the morning begins to roll into the afternoon, and nearer the time that they will be pulled apart, they finally start to get ready for the day.

Elphaba stands by the window, trying to pull her top over her head, but as she adjusts it, her movements pause when Galinda’s voice breaks the silence.

“Elphie…about what you said the other day.”

Elphaba freezes, her hand still clutching the fabric of her top as she looks at Galinda. Her heart skips a beat, unsure of what’s coming next. She looks up at Galinda, her expression tentative.

“What do you mean?” Elphaba says softly and uncertain.

Galinda hesitates, her fingers twisting together before she lets out a small breath and takes a step closer, her own movements slowing as she watches Elphaba carefully, as if weighing her words before speaking. She takes a breath, the vulnerability in her eyes almost palpable.

“When you said you love me.”

Elphaba’s hand drops from the top, her eyes widening slightly at the mention of the words. She looks at Galinda, as though unsure how to react, but her voice remains steady.

Elphaba quietly protests. “You don’t have to-”

Galinda cuts her off, stepping forward, earnest. “I don’t want you to go without knowing that I…I don’t think I should say it back. Not yet. Not when I’m still figuring out how to hold this…how to hold you, without feeling like I might drop it.”

Elphaba nods, too quickly, too stiffly, like she’s trying to accept it before it can hurt. But before she can look away, before she can shrink into herself, Galinda reaches out and catches her coat, grounding her there.

Galinda is quieter now, her voice just a little unsteady. “But if I told you I don’t love you, I’d be lying.”

Elphaba’s breath stutters. Her eyes snap up to Galinda’s, wide, searching, like she’s making sure she heard that right. Galinda gives a small, nervous little laugh.

Elphaba is almost in disbelief as she softly mutters, “Really?”

Galinda nods, her voice steady. “Yes.”

Elphaba stands there, her chest tightening as the reality of the words sinks in. She doesn’t know what she expected, but this…this feels like everything.

There’s a brief, quiet pause before Elphaba takes a slow step forward, reaching out and gently cupping Galinda’s face in her hands. Her thumb brushes over Galinda’s cheek as she searches her eyes, as if looking for confirmation that this is real. Galinda leans into the touch, her own hands trembling slightly as she places them on Elphaba’s waist. The distance between them closes, and without another word, Elphaba leans down, pressing a soft kiss to Galinda’s lips. The kiss is tender, slow, as though they are both savouring the newness of the moment, allowing the feelings they’ve been hiding to settle into the open. It’s not desperate or overwhelming, just full of everything unspoken between them.

When they pull apart, their foreheads touch, and they stay there for a moment, just breathing. A soft, contented smile spreads across Elphaba’s face, a smile that’s both tender and full of something deep.

“How am I supposed to leave you now?” Elphaba softly teases.

Galinda grins, letting out a breathy little laugh. “How am I supposed to be away from you for two weeks?” She huffs dramatically, leaning her head against Elphaba’s shoulder. “It will be torture.”

Elphaba chuckles, rolling her eyes, but there’s something unbearably fond in the way she looks at her.

Galinda is suddenly, quieter, sincere. “I’ll write to you.” She hesitates, then gives a small, almost sheepish smile. “Is every day too much?”

Elphaba laughs…a real, light laugh, crinkling the corners of her eyes. She shakes her head slightly. “Absolutely. Much too much.”

Galinda gasps, pressing a hand to her chest in mock offence, and Elphaba laughs, her heart feeling lighter than it has in a long time. But then the weight of the moment begins to sink back in.

There is a bittersweetness to her smile as Galinda softly mutters, “I know you have to go.”

The words hang in the air between them, and Elphaba sighs, her smile fading just a little. “I have to go.”

Galinda steps closer, reaching out and placing a gentle hand on Elphaba’s arm. Without saying anything, she pulls her into a final, lingering kiss, soft and full of everything they’ve just shared.

After a moment, they pull apart. Elphaba offers a small, sad smile, her eyes shining with the unspoken emotion between them. She takes one last look at Galinda before slowly turning to walk toward the door.

Galinda watches her go, standing still in the center of the room. Her heart aches, but there’s something else too…something that feels like hope. She knows this isn’t the end.

With one final glance over her shoulder, Elphaba disappears into the corridor, leaving Galinda standing in her room, holding onto the words that will carry her through the days ahead.