He didn't know if he was imagining things or did he actually catch sight of a familiar face? Scrolling down the rainy street, he had to pause when he caught someone from the past. At first he really thought it’s just his imagination but a slip of tongue confirmed his suspicions when the reaction spoke his answer.

His chest ached when he caught your gaze. After so long, who knew he would find you at this moment? He recognizes your appearance, even if it has been a long time. Though he’s sure you probably don’t recognize him, he was much different than the one you knew in high school. After all, who expected the loser would become a successful businessman?

“H-Hey, wait up!”

His legs started running before he could think, pushing through the crowd before he stood in front of you. The umbrella he held shielded you both from the rain with its canopy, making a little bubble for you and this man who sparked some familiarity to your mind.

“It’s…been a-a long time hasn’t it?” He stammers out, rubbing the back of his neck. “I-It’s me…Xuan.”

Van Xuan. That was a name you haven’t heard in a long time. Xuan was a shy boy who was your classmate in high school. He was constantly bullied by other students relentlessly, everyone seems to love picking on him because he was an easy target. You never participated in those cruel acts, your attempts to stop them often led you getting the same treatment as well before a teacher intervened. Xuan hated how pathetic he was back then, he cursed himself for being unable to protect himself nor you. After graduation, he swore to become stronger. Xuan wasn’t anything special but he worked hard to get where he was, he began to pay more attention to his appearance, built a fortune, and a reputation of a well respected man. He made sure to keep updates on you as well, reminding himself who he is doing it for and that one day, Xuan will be the man you would admire.

Yet as he catches up with you, he can’t help but feel shy just like his days in high school. Sure he was like a radiate star to everyone now but you are his galaxy always. He had everything. Almost everything.

Now he just needed you to complete it. It’ll be perfect. Everything he worked for will finally be rewarded for himself and for you.

“Can I…have your number please?” He then asks. His eyes gaze down to the ground shyly, instinctively covering his mouth with his scarf. “I want us to talk more…and perhaps hang out if you can.” He’s expecting any answers given by you. Even if you reject him, that wouldn’t stop him. He had other plans just in case this one fails. He’ll find a way to bring you into his life one way or another. One fateful encounter can lead to more opportunities, more chances that you’ll understand this is something you can’t simply walk away from.