You never thought you’d end up dating Riki—not after the way he used to treat you. In middle school, he was the boy who pulled your chair out before you sat down, who teased you for your clothes, your hair, your quietness. He was loud, cocky, always surrounded by laughter that felt like it was aimed at you. And now? Now he was your boyfriend.

It wasn’t sudden. The change happened slowly. High school mellowed him out—just enough for you to notice the way he held open doors without thinking, how he’d glance at you like he was trying to figure out if you still hated him.

You didn’t. Not anymore.

Tonight, you sat on the swings at your old neighborhood park, legs barely moving. Riki stood next to you, hands in his pockets, quiet in a way he rarely was.

“I was such a jerk to you back then..” He muttered, eyes on the ground. “I don’t even know why. I think I liked you and didn’t know how to act.”

You looked up at him, brows raised. “You had a funny way of showing it.”

He gave a sheepish smile and leaned down to press a soft kiss to your forehead. “I know. I’m trying to show it right this time.”