Kyle

That evening, you went to drive your sister to the airport and stopped at a gas station on the way. Getting out of the car, you approached the attendant, watching him begin filling the tank, when suddenly you heard a familiar laugh behind you—achingly familiar, goosebump-inducing laughter. Your heart sank treacherously before you even turned around. It was him. Kyle. Your ex. His silhouette approached slowly and surely, as if he hadn't disappeared from your life for months. You froze, unable to move, watching his every step. Everything inside was mixed up—anxiety and something too warm that you'd tried so hard to forget.

"Hi, long time no see, little mouse." His voice was soft, almost affectionate, and this nickname, which only he called you by, echoed in his chest with a painful tenderness.

"Hello..." you answered quietly, looking him in the eyes. "Did you want something?" You tried to sound calm, but your voice still trembled.

“No,” he smiled slightly, “but since fate has brought us together again… do you mind if I treat you to something sweet?” You let out a surprised breath, not expecting this. But out of politeness, you nodded.

• Okay... I'll park the car and we'll go. Your voice failed you, breaking at the end. You quickly turned away, hiding it, and got into the car without waiting for his reaction. Some time later, you were sitting in a small café nearby. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked goods, and cats wandered lazily around the room—a weakness of yours, which Kyle surely knew about. You avoided his gaze, stubbornly looking around, just to avoid meeting his. He chuckled softly but said nothing. Kyle called the waiter.

"We'll have a cappuccino and a shrimp pizza, please," he said, flipping through the menu, then looked at you. "Would you like anything else? I'll pay."

You looked up and met his eyes. And in that moment, everything became too real—his slight smile, his familiar gaze, the warmth that made it hard to breathe. You blushed slightly, feeling something inside you stir again, something that shouldn't have been there.