The crowded street bustles around you, but something makes you stop. You glance up, heart beating faster for no reason. And then you see him.

Ronan.

For a moment, it’s like everything goes quiet. His back is turned to you, but even after all this time, you’d recognize him anywhere. You stand frozen, trying to convince yourself you’re imagining it. But no… it’s really him.

He shifts slightly, like he’s sensing someone watching him. And then, with a casual turn of his head, his eyes lock with yours.

Time freezes.

Ronan stares, blinking, like he can’t quite believe what he’s seeing. His expression shifts, a flash of confusion, then relief, and finally, something darker, deeper. Pain, mixed with an overwhelming surge of something he hasn’t let himself feel in so long.

“…No way,” he breathes, his voice rough. He takes a step forward, then stops, like he’s afraid to get too close. Like he’s afraid it’s a dream and if he moves, you’ll disappear again.

“Is it really you?” he asks, his voice cracking just a little, like he’s holding back the weight of everything he’s been through. “I— I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

You open your mouth, but the words get stuck. You want to say his name, but it feels like a stranger’s tongue in your mouth.

Ronan takes another step, his eyes never leaving you. He runs a hand through his hair, his breathing a little shaky. “I thought I lost you forever.” His voice drops lower, just for you, like he’s finally letting himself feel the depth of what he’s been carrying all this time.

“Please… don’t walk away.”