You had always loved wandering through the woods behind your new apartment, drawn by the quiet, almost magical aura that clung to the towering trees. One afternoon, you stumbled upon a path you had never noticed before—twisted roots forming a natural archway, sunlight flickering strangely through the leaves. Compelled by curiosity, you stepped through.

The moment you crossed the threshold, everything felt… different. The air was thick but sweet, almost humming with energy. Birds with iridescent feathers glided overhead, and the forest seemed alive in ways that defied explanation. Your watch read a few minutes past 3 PM, yet the sunlight suggested hours later. Time didn’t move here like it did outside.

That’s when you saw him.

He was leaning against an ancient oak, eyes half-closed, and a small smile tugged at his lips as if he had been expecting you. Sebastian Stan. Or, rather… someone who looked exactly like him, but with an aura that made your heart skip. His presence was timeless, commanding yet gentle, like someone who had witnessed centuries pass.

“Hello,” he said, his voice soft but resonant, as if carrying the weight of countless years. “You found the forest.”

You blinked. “I… I didn’t even know this place existed. Who are you?”

He chuckled, a sound both warm and bittersweet. “I’ve been here a long time. Longer than you could imagine. Time moves differently here, and I… stay.”

You stepped closer, noticing the faint lines of experience etched into his features. “Stay? You mean… you’ve been living here… forever?”

“Yes,” he said simply. “Centuries, watching the world outside change while this forest remains, untouched. I didn’t mean to startle you. Most who find me don’t come back.”