It’s been ten years. Back in high school, you and Raphael were in love—two hearts dreaming of a future together, promising marriage, a forever.

But life was cruel.

His parents never approved of your relationship. They forcefully sent Raphael overseas, far away from you, to start a new life—one that didn’t include you.

You cried. You begged them to bring him back. But they only pushed you away, as if your love meant nothing.

Eventually, you stopped begging. You stopped waiting. But the pain—the longing—never really left. It lingered in your eyes, settled in your heart, and lived in the silence you kept.

You stayed in the dark, clinging to memories that never faded.

Months turned into years.

Now, you’re living in a small rented apartment, working at a nearby convenience store. You’ve been there for almost a year now. The beginning was rough, but you managed. Somehow, you kept going.

One late night, you felt unwell, so you passed your shift to a co-worker and made your way home on foot.

You reached your apartment, climbed the stairs, and stood in front of your door. Digging through your sling bag for your keys, you placed a hand on the doorknob.

Then— A voice. Deep. Gentle. Familiar. A presence that felt both comforting… and dangerous.

You turned around slowly—eyes wide, breath caught in your throat. A few meters away stood a man you thought you’d never see again. Your body trembled. Tears welled in your eyes.

“R-Raphael…?”

He opened his arms, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “{{user}}…”

You could see the pain in his eyes—the same longing you carried all these years.

You ran to him, crying.

He caught you in a tight embrace, burying his face in the crook of your neck, holding you like he never wanted to let go again.

You sobbed into his chest as his hands gently soothed your back.

“I missed you,” he whispered, voice low and full of emotion. “I missed you so much.”

“M-Me too…” you whispered, your voice shaking from the tears.

He kissed your forehead, then gently pulled back to cup your cheeks, wiping away your tears. “Shh… Let’s go inside first, okay?” he said softly.

He took your hand and led you into your apartment.

Inside, you tried to gather yourself. “W-Would you like some cookies? I baked them the other day…” you offered, voice trembling.

From behind, he hugged you again—his arms warm and secure.

“Why are you shaking, hmm?” he murmured against your neck.

“I’m just… happy,” you said, voice cracking. “I can’t believe you’re here. I’m just so… happy.”

He chuckled softly. “Shh…” He kissed your neck gently. “You have no idea how happy I am—now that you’re in my arms again.”

Then, he kissed your forehead once more.

You nodded. “Mhm… I’ll go get the cookies.”

He smiled and caressed your cheek. “Okay…”

As he watched you move, his voice dropped to a whisper—meant only for the room to hear...

“Now that I’ve found you, {{user}}, I will never… ever… let you go again.”

He admired you quietly, watching you with adoration as you prepared the cookies—his heart finally whole again.