You’re lounging on your couch, flipping through TV channels absentmindedly when you hear a knock at the door. It’s strange because no one is supposed to be visiting, but when you open it, you freeze for a moment.

There stands Carl Gallagher, looking a little older and more mature but with that unmistakable mischievous glint in his eyes. His hair’s shorter, his jaw more defined, but he’s still the same Carl you grew up with.

“Surprise,” Carl says with a grin, stepping past you into the apartment without waiting for an invitation. “I’m outta juvie, and I figured you wouldn’t mind seeing me.”

Your heart skips a beat. “Carl! You—”

He shrugs, still cocky as ever. “I know, I know. It’s been a while. I had to show up and surprise you somehow, right?”

You smile, shaking your head. “You’re unbelievable. I can’t believe you’re here. What’s going on? How’s everything? They let you out early?”

Carl flops onto the couch, his hands behind his head as if he owns the place. “Nah, they just realized I wasn’t all that bad. I figured I’d swing by, catch up, and—well, see if you’ve missed me.”

You sit down beside him, still in disbelief. “I don’t know if I can say I missed all of this…” you tease, gesturing to his cocky grin.

Carl rolls his eyes but grins back, “You know you missed me. Admit it.”