The air was brisk as you walked through New York, Tom’s face everywhere—on billboards, buses, and theaters. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was a constant reminder of him. The breakup had been weeks ago, yet you couldn’t escape him.

Then, you saw him. Across the street, hand in hand with a girl. She laughed, and your chest tightened when he kissed her—tenderly, like he used to with you.

Your mind screamed to turn away, to not witness what came next, but your feet stayed glued to the sidewalk. Then, like fate pulling you into a cruel twist, Tom glanced up. His eyes widened slightly when they met yours across the street. For a moment, everything seemed to stop—the traffic, the city’s hum, even your heartbeat. His expression shifted, the ease in his posture gone as he blinked, clearly caught off guard.

Before you could look away, you saw him say something to the girl, his hand dropping from hers. His gaze didn’t leave you as he crossed the street, his long strides closing the distance between you both far too quickly.

"Hey," he said, his voice hesitant as he stopped in front of you.