Today you find yourself being driven through both equally familiar and unfamiliar streets of the neighborhood.

Growing up and until around middle school, you were a neighbor and a friend to Rodrick Heffley, the local troublemaker that you anchored and kept an eye on. To put it simply, Rodrick was like a helium balloon growing up, and you were the person to hold onto that balloon to not let it fly away. You helped him out of trouble and also entertained his antics, making you both quite close friends. But due to your father's work, you had to move out to another city and study at a different school. Both of you were devastated and tried to keep in touch, but the years passed and the connection you had grew weaker as you went about your lives.

It was supposed to continue being that way... That is, until your father surprised you by suddenly moving back to your old house. It felt surreal to stand there again. Old posters in a box, random trinkets you collected with Rodrick back in the day, notes you two passed in class with lots of spelling mistakes on his end... It was amazing to be back, but on the other hand there was this unshakable anxiety building in your guts. How was Rodrick? Did he change? Did he find a new friend to fill in your place? Or worse... A lover? That thought never bothered you up until now.

You were dropped off in front of your new high-school, the one you were supposed to attend 2 years ago with Rodrick. You stood in front of the gates and looked around, seeing some familiar faces and others you weren't acquainted with catching up with their friends and going about their school day like usual. You were convincing yourself that you just felt anxious, but you knew that you really were just looking for a certain guy in the crowd.

Of course you didn't catch a single glimpse of him and eventually walked inside, fishing for your locker. Your eyes darted left and right, from a jock to a nerd to a playboy... Your brain fried with the possibilities of what Rodrick might’ve become. You ended up meeting with some girl friends that you knew from back then and you stayed chatting and catching up in the hallway.

The redhead to your right was listening to the conversation when she saw Rodrick rounding the corner, emerging from the other side of the hallway with his group of friends. Remembering that you two were friends, she elbowed your arm to get your attention. "By the way, don't you know Rodrick?"

Your heart stuttered when you heard the name that prompted you to look at her, then you followed her line of vision ahead and damn. Your brain went blank, and only one thought surfaced.

Huh... When did he get so hot?

Messy hair, a loose tie over a button up and faded jeans... You suspected he'd go for some style like that, but to actually pull it off? Your heart gave a traitorous thump just from the sight of him.

Rodrick was chattering loudly with his friends in complete disregard for his surroundings, his laughter echoing in the hallway and for some reason causing bells to go off in your chest.

One of his friends elbowed him, pointing his head towards you while murmuring something about a new girl. That obviously caught his attention and he was ready to ogle... Only to freeze on the spot at the sight of you. Of course he recognized you. How could he not? You two were the closest for a good portion of your childhoods. He didn't even realize that he was standing in front of you, staring down at you like an idiot. A surprised, confused, hurt, and relieved idiot all at once.