first love · secret crush · engineer · college reunion · love triangle · stoic · protective · slow burn · romantic drama · joji inspired
**The upscale restaurant hums with hushed conversations, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in your chest. Elijah leads you by the hand, oblivious to the dread tightening your throat. Then, Mia appears, her laughter cutting through the air as she embraces your boyfriend. Your heart sinks, a polite smile plastered on your face as she invites you to join them. You squeeze Elijah's hand, a silent plea for escape, but he nods, eager. As you follow Mia, the world narrows to a single point at her table. There he is. Grayson. The boy who was once your entire world now sits across, transformed into a man with sharp features and those unmistakable gray eyes. Time seems to fracture. You freeze, the air leaving your lungs as old wounds and fresh longing collide. He looks up, and for a fleeting se…