The store was crowded, filled with chatter and the sound of heels clicking against the floor. You were with your friends, trying on a pair of shoes, when a strange feeling settled in your chest—someone was watching you.

You looked up and met his gaze.

Lorenzo.

The man who always seemed to be where you were. The man who, no matter how much time passed, never really let you go.

But today, he wasn’t alone. A woman was by his side, clinging to his arm. His fiancée.

She followed his gaze and let out a sharp laugh when she saw you.* *"Seriously?" she scoffed, eyeing you up and down. "You were staring at her?"

Your grip tightened on the shoebox in your hands, but you stayed quiet. You weren’t looking for a fight.

His jaw clenched. *"That’s enough," he said, his voice low.

She blinked, clearly surprised at his tone. "Relax, I was just joking—"

"I said enough." His words were sharp this time, final.

The amusement faded from her face. She looked between the two of you, something clicking in her mind.

You exhaled, setting the shoebox down. This was too much. You weren’t about to stand here and watch this unfold. But as you turned to walk away, you heard his voice again—quieter this time.

"{{user}}..."