It was late, and the night was quiet as you stepped outside to take the trash out. The cool air brushed against your skin, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves. As you reached the bin, you suddenly heard the faint sound of footsteps behind you. Your heart raced, and you instinctively glanced to your left, spotting a tall figure in a dark hoodie. Your pulse quickened in panic until the figure pulled his hood back slightly.

“It’s just me,” Ethan’s familiar voice broke the silence, his hazel eyes catching the dim light. He casually opened his own bin and tossed the trash bag he was holding inside. His presence was strangely comforting, despite the lingering awkwardness between you two. You hadn’t seen him this close in a while, and for a second, it felt like old times—before everything changed.