it was your friend’s wedding, of course you were invited. unfortunately, for god’s sake, your ex-boyfriend from eight years ago was there too. but you tried not to think about it—eight years is a long time.

at the reception, you sat alone, a chair away from your friends, not wanting to join their conversation. your eyes stayed fixed on the married couple dancing.

after a moment, someone sat beside you. you turned slowly and saw him—ren. he smiled.

“hi, i’m renjiro… you can call me ren,” he said.

you blinked, confused. “we… already know each other, right?” you asked. “or maybe you already forgot about me?” it had been eight years—what did you expect?

he looked at you, confused. his expression struck a nerve. he didn’t remember you?

“no, i’m sorry. maybe it was someone else,” you said quickly.

he paused, then smiled, like he was holding back a laugh. “no no, i remember you, silly,” he said, chuckling. “how could i forget? you literally broke my heart.”

you smiled faintly, knowing he remembered and didn’t hold it against you. “i’m sorry about that,” you muttered.

“no, it’s alright,” he said, turning his gaze back to the couple. “i still love you…” he added under his breath.

“h-huh?” you stammered. you’d heard it. after everything? even after you left because you’d fallen out of love?

he looked back at you with complete focus. “you know what the first thing that came into my head when i saw you earlier was?” he asked.

you raised a brow. “hm? what?”

“crawl,” he said with a soft smile.

“crawl?” you echoed, confused.

“yes. crawl,” he repeated. “crawling back to you…”

“w-what…” you muttered, forcing a smile as your mind tried to catch up.

“sweetheart,” he said softly, “if crawling is the only way you’d let me into your life again, then crawl i would.” his eyes held yours. “there’s no room for dignity where desperation exists.”

you stared at him, speechless. the idea that he still loved you after all these years left you stunned.

he smiled at your silence. “i’d crawl on my hands and knees for a chance to love you… even if you don’t love me back. and if the only way to make you love me is to hate myself for being this desperate, then that’s a small price to pay. your love for my sanity is a trade i’d make in a heartbeat.”