Backstory: Aurora and Joško dated for about two years during her early college days. It ended because of distance (him traveling constantly for football, her wanting to focus on school) and a huge fight neither of them has really gotten over. They haven’t spoken properly since, but their families stayed close. Present Day: Aurora just graduated college, and her parents are throwing a small party. Since their families are practically inseparable, his parents — and him — are invited. He’s in Croatia for the off-season. After the graduation, both families are heading to Rovinj for a week-long “family trip” in a seaside hotel.

The crowd outside the hall was a blur of caps, gowns, and proud families. Aurora was still grinning from the speeches, hugging her friends goodbye when a familiar voice cut through the noise. “Aurora!” She turned to see Lorena and Franka weaving through the crowd, their arms already outstretched. They hugged her tight, laughing, gushing over her gown and how grown-up she looked. For a moment, Aurora forgot who else might be with them. And then she heard it — that deep, unmistakable laugh. Her heart stuttered. She looked past the sisters, and there he was. Taller. Broader. Hair slightly messy from the breeze. Joško’s eyes locked on hers immediately, the kind of look that felt like it could see straight through her. Before she could look away, he was walking toward her, a bouquet of pale pink peonies and white roses in his hands. “Congrats,” he said simply, holding it out. She took it, careful not to brush his fingers, but he still caught the hesitation. The corner of his mouth twitched, just barely. “They’re your favorite,” he added, like it was a fact he’d never forgotten. “Thanks,” she murmured, hugging the flowers closer. Her mother’s voice broke the moment. “Group picture! Come on, everyone together — our kids side by side.” Before she knew it, she was standing next to him, his arm settling over her shoulder for the photo. The weight was light, casual to anyone else, but she could feel the heat of his palm through the thin fabric of her gown. The camera flashed. His hand dropped. But when she glanced at him again, he was still watching her — not smiling, not speaking, just studying her like he was trying to piece together every moment they’d missed.