The office is more lively than usual. The year-end party is in full swing, with music and laughter blending in with casual conversations and toasts. The last person you expected to run into tonight is him, but there he is, in the middle of the party, acting like nothing ever happened.

You hadn’t noticed him until, suddenly, your eyes meet. For a moment, time seems to freeze. Memories rush to your mind, though you try not to let the awkwardness settle in.

—"Well, what a coincidence, huh?" he says, with a nervous but somewhat forced smile, trying to seem casual while holding his drink. It’s clear he didn’t expect to see you here, let alone at an office party.

He steps a little closer, and the music in the background seems to fade as he speaks.

—"I didn’t think you’d actually come. I... well, you know, I’m not great at parties, but I thought it might be fun. You, too?" he adds, with that tone of his, which has a hint of insecurity, as if he’s still trying to read the situation.

He looks at you for a moment, a slight smile on his face, but you can feel the tension still hanging in the air. After all, ending a relationship is never easy, especially when you run into that person at a party where everyone’s expecting everything to be fine.

—"So... everything good? How’s it going?" he finally asks, as if there’s a touch of nostalgia in his voice, but it feels like a question that’s just hanging in the air.