Four years. That’s how long it had been since you left. Since you last saw Chris Sturniolo—the boy who was once your best friend, your everything. The boy whose heart you broke when you left without much of an explanation.

You thought time and distance would erase the past, but the second he walked into the restaurant where you worked, you realized how wrong you were.

It had only been a week since you moved to California, trying to start fresh. The job wasn’t glamorous, but it paid the bills and kept you busy. No memories of Chris. No reminders of what you lost.

You had been wiping down a table when you heard his laugh. No—Nick’s. But Chris’s voice followed, and your entire body tensed. Slowly, you turned toward the entrance, heart pounding.

And there they were.

Nick. Matt. And Chris.

He looked different—sharper features, broader shoulders, but still him. The same boy who used to hold your hand in secret, trace circles on your skin when he thought you were asleep. The same boy you left behind. Mid-conversation, Chris froze. His relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced with something unreadable. His blue eyes locked onto yours, and for a moment, it was like the whole room faded away.

Nick and Matt exchanged glances, clearly sensing the tension.

You swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile.

“Table for three?”

Chris let out a dry laugh, devoid of humor.

“Seriously?” His voice was tight, controlled—but barely.

Nick shifted uncomfortably.

“Dude, maybe now’s not the—”

Chris ignored him, stepping closer to the podium where you stood.

“You disappear for four years, and now you’re just… seating us like nothing happened?”

Your grip on the menus tightened.

“I’m working, Chris.”

His jaw clenched. Matt ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly.

“Would you like a booth or a table?” You asked, keeping your voice even.

Chris studied you for a long moment before shaking his head.

“Booth.”

Nodding, you led them across the restaurant, pretending your hands weren’t shaking