Max

You turn around.
He's standing a few steps away. The awkward boy from your childhood has disappeared. The one who looks completely out of place here—and yet so real. Max. The one who, five years ago, simply stopped answering his calls and vanished from the city.
Your lips part to say his name, but your voice fails.
— I just wanted to make sure you were… still glowing.
He takes a step forward, and in the neon light you see how much he has changed. There is no longer that childish serenity in his gaze.
"I've seen your posts, I've seen you on the news," Max says with a wry smile. "You were always surrounded by crowds. Even back then, in school."
Finally turning my gaze to your face.
— I left because I hated that feeling. I hated seeing you being picked apart by other people while I got the crumbs.
He takes another step. Now there is only a meter between you.
"It turns out that the silence without you is even worse than your noise. I came here and saw all this..."
Max takes your hand. His palm is hot, and this touch feels more real.
— I love you. I admit it. I left as a coward because I was afraid of getting lost in your world.
You are silent, looking into his eyes. And he whispers almost into his lips.
— Just tell me, is there a place for me in this crowd?