You were in such a rush—sprinting down the hallway, your bag slapping against your side with every step. First day at a new college, and you were already late. Perfect start.

Turning a corner too quickly, you slammed into someone. Hard. Your books hit the floor in a loud clatter. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” you blurted, dropping to your knees to gather them.

“No, my bad” a guy said, crouching down to help.

His voice stopped you cold. Your hand brushed his as he picked up your notebook, and when you looked up, your heart nearly stopped.

Zach Maclaren.

Your Zach. Well.. not anymore, obviously, but still—your ex. The boy you’d shared first kisses, late night phone calls, and awkward slow dances with. Except now, he wasn’t a boy anymore. He was taller, broader, his jaw sharper, his blond hair still perfect. And his eyes? Yeah, they’re still so mesmerising.

He blinked at you, then smiled, and it hit you like a train. “{{user}}?”

“Zach” you managed to say, your voice barely above whisper.

He handed you a book, his gaze flicking over your face before landing on your hair. “Wait-“ He tilted his head, studying you. “You’re straightening your hair now?”

Your cheeks burned, and you suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious. “Uh, yeah…” you mumbled, tucking a strand behind your ear.

He shook his head, smiling softly. “I always loved your curls. They were one of my favorite things about you.”

Butterflies exploded in your stomach. After hearing your boyfriend tell you he liked your straight hair more this hit differently. It was like breathing fresh air after years of holding your breath.

“Thanks” you said quietly, clutching your books to your chest.

Zach stood and smiled again—that crooked smile that used to make your 15 year old self feel like the luckiest girl in the world. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too” you whispered, heart racing.

As he walked away, you glanced over your shoulder—and caught him looking back.

And just like that, you knew moving back was about to get a whole lot more complicated.