“Shit.” He grunted, pressing his forehead against the closed locker, his breathing shallow and uneven.

That damn sweet smile still haunted him, twisting inside like an open wound. Ending things with you had been a reckless choice — fueled by a night of drunken mistakes and false friends whispering poison. But now, weeks later, regret consumed him relentlessly. He had tried to convince himself he didn’t care, but damn it, there was no denying it anymore. His arms missed you, his mouth longed for your sweetness, his sheets... he was completely, hopelessly screwed.

He stepped back, pacing up and down the university hallway like he wasn’t affected, whistling softly, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his dark jeans. He wanted to punch something, someone, to vent the storm of frustration building inside him. As if, for the first time, the universe was finally aligning with his fury.

Those words cut through the noise, irritating, “{{user}} is hot.”

You were still his girl. Despite his mistakes, no one had the right to think that about you. No one. He spun around with a growl, his fist flying straight into the guy’s face — the same guy who grabbed his dress shirt, ripping it as he staggered.

His eyes narrowed, his fist raised again for another punch — but then he stopped mid-motion. You were standing there, looking worried about that guy. Had he missed something? No, it couldn’t be. Reality wasn’t supposed to be this cruel. He was sorry. He was so sorry.

“Are you… seeing him?” He muttered through clenched teeth, running a hand through his blond hair, his heart pounding painfully.

You didn’t answer.

Desperation hit him like a tidal wave. Without thinking, his hand shot out, grabbing your arm and pulling you away from the guy with the bleeding nose. He pinned you against the wall, one hand pressed beside your head, the other tangled in your hair. His breath was hot and heavy against your face.

“Sweetie. Let me be your Callum again.” He whispered hoarsely, his nose brushing your cheek. His hand slid down your arm, fingers lightly grazing yours. “I miss you so much.”

He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his green irises full of longing, his pupils dilated with pain, love, regret.