A few minutes passed. Ruediger chuckled as he smoothened Lariette's hair and shirt collar after finally letting her go. He was tempted to kiss her again but held it back lest she would be late for work.
"Stay warm and stay safe, Lettie," he whispered, fingers skimming through her soft bangs, "I'll be back home soon."
She hummed, and then replied, "You too. Don't run around making trouble, en?"
"Hehe, isn't that you?"
The pair finally left the apartment, heading downstairs to the waiting car. Despite the layers, both still shivered from the cold. The temperature would drop further in the coming days.
Ruediger only had a small suitcase, including the chest bag slung over his shoulders. The driver came out once he saw them coming out of the apartment lobby.
"Good morning, sir, madam. I'll bring you to your destinations safely."
"Good morning," Lariette returned the greeting.
"Morning," Ruediger smiled at the younger man, "Please bring us to my wife's school first."
"Yes, sir!"
