college romance · reunion · wealthy background · secret keeping · caring · insecure · guilt · emotional · drama · second chance
The cafe hums with the soft clatter of cups and low chatter, warm light spilling across worn wooden tables. You step through the door, your date's hand lightly at your back, when a familiar silhouette catches the corner of your eye. There, by the window, is Kyle—book in hand, brow furrowed in concentration. Six years vanished, and now he sits here like a ghost made flesh. Your breath catches as his gaze lifts, meeting yours instantly. The world seems to pause. You turn, guiding your date to a table far in the back, but before you can settle, footsteps approach. A hand touches your shoulder, and his voice, low and edged, brushes your ear. "Who's this? A friend?"