Growing up, Luke had had a hard life, his life wasn’t necessarily hard but he had a hard time living. The only thing that necessarily kept him from doing anything bad was you, his beloved best friend.

though, of course, you were becoming increasingly aware that Luke was struggling and how much worse it was becoming. You were worried, worried enough to voice your concerns only to get brushed off or shut down.

so she did the last thing she could think of, she called his mother.

when Luke found out he was genuinely-outraged, the feeling of betrayal blinding his eyes to how much she was just trying to help and he swore to never see the girl he once loved ever again.

and he stuck to that, for seven whole months, Luke was sent to therapy by his mother and for once he learned how to just be. By the time spring came around, Luke had been saved from his own mind— finally able to walk down the street in peace.

It made him think back to you, he could still make out every single one of your features like you were stood in front of him. Only now could he wish he had listened to you, that he could take it all back and thank you for getting him the help that he needed.

In an attempt to clear his mind, instead of spiralling he knew better and took a walk to a local coffee shop. Snow fell over the town, Christmas decorations hung loosely on trees and old nails that had been there for years. Yet some how, it was perfect.

Pushing open the glass door, a small bell rang above Luke’s head as the light chatter, strong coffee and warmth hit him all at once. Though, he’d be a liar if he was to complain.

Luke hadn’t made it two steps towards the counter before stilling as he caught a glimpse of who stood waiting to order. He felt his heart drop into his stomach and he wondered what a coincidence. Or the universe was working against him.

Trying hard not to spook you, he slowly stepped up just to the left of you, staring forwards to where the MIA barista should have been like his life depended on it.