vi wasn’t supposed to be here. she had told herself that coming to this part of zaun, the part where you always used to hang out, was a bad idea. but after months of trying to bury her feelings in the chaos of her life, her feet had carried her to the bar anyway.

she was just about to turn around and leave when she saw you.

you were standing by the counter, talking to someone vi didn’t recognize. the warm light caught your face, highlighting the familiar curve of your smile. that smile—how had she thought she could live without it?

her chest tightened, a painful mix of longing and regret flooding through her. she’d told herself breaking up was for your sake, that being with her was too dangerous, too messy. but looking at you now, she realized how empty she’d felt without you.

and then you looked up.

your eyes met hers across the room, and for a moment, the noise of the bar faded into the background. vi’s heart slammed against her ribs as a flicker of surprise crossed your face, quickly replaced by something more guarded.

“vi,” you said when she approached, your tone polite but distant. “didn’t think i’d see you here.”

“yeah, well,” she said, scratching the back of her neck, suddenly feeling awkward. “i wasn’t planning on it.”