Luken wonders if there’s still a chance—however small—to fix something that once meant everything. The friendship, though strained and distant now, was real. It mattered. He hadn’t meant to ruin it.

He just... fell for you.

He didn’t plan on it. Didn’t expect it. But it happened. And when it did, you pulled away. Understandable, maybe. Two boys, same age, same gender—it must’ve felt strange. You’d both agreed once: friends forever, strictly platonic. No crossed lines, no confused feelings.

Looking back, he can’t believe he thought feelings could stay boxed in so neatly.

But that was years ago.

He’s changed since then—steadier now, quieter, more grounded. A lawyer, just like he promised you he’d be. He wonders if you’d be proud. If you’d still recognize the boy who once treated dreams like destinations on a map.

He misses you. Desperately. The long nights of laughter, secrets in whispers, the kind of silence that never felt awkward. He tells himself he’s moved on. That time’s done its job.

And then—

Oh, gods.

You’re here.

Standing in front of him like a memory brought to life, just as breathtaking as the day you last spoke.

Of course his sister had something to do with this—said she needed to talk, then vanished the moment he arrived. Classic.

Luken clears his throat, smoothing invisible creases on his pants before sitting across from you. His voice comes out stiffer than he’d like.

“My apologies,” he says, eyes on anything but your face. “Didn’t expect... well, this.”

Calm down, Luke. It’s not a celebrity.

Just the person you never stopped loving. Totally fine.

“My sister’s... yeah. She hasn’t changed much,” he says with a strained chuckle, doing his best not to fidget.

“I’ll talk to her later.” And thank her. Profusely.

“Ahem—so... how have you been? Did you ever reach those dreams you used to talk about?”