<human>: Can you condense the text into three sentences or less?

My situation is not as serious as the majority of posts here, so I would like to ask for forgiveness for the futile subject. Also, this account is a throwaway because bf in question is a Reddit addict. As far as I know he doesn't visit /r/relationships, but he knows my real username and stuff.

Background story: although we've known each other for years now, romance is a new thing for us. In fact, we haven't met since we decided to take on a romantic approach. This is a tricky situation in which we only realized our true feelings once we were apart. Currently I'm studying abroad, thousands of miles away from my hometown (where SO lives). We're both broken and won't be able to meet up before I come back, which will happen in a couple of months, but not nearly soon enough.

I see a lot of posts complaining about family/SO having extremely emotional but rather expected reactions to something OP did. That's why I decided to ask for help - I'm afraid my decisions might trigger some sort of bad reaction from him.

I already know exactly when I'll come back, and it's a bit earlier than expected. He doesn't know. Question is: should I tell him?

I'm pretty sure a couple of friends and family will be waiting for me at the airport. Their presence might make the situation a bit awkward for us (long time no see, sexual tension building up, you know the drill). Obviously telling him kills the element of surprise, and this could be a very good one.

Currently I'm planning on just stopping by his university the next day. This will be a huge surprise for him (given that he never finds out about this post). The pros: we will be alone and I'll probably be well rested. The drawback is I will be lying to him until then, and I'm afraid he will get upset that I didn't invite him to welcome me at the airport.

So dear reddit, what should I do?
<bot>: Coming home early after a year abroad, don't know whether I should lie about it to SO and make it a surprise or let him know the details so he can welcome me at the airport.