The coffee shop buzzed with life, but for you, it was just another Saturday. Latte in hand, you scanned the room, your thoughts half-distracted by the to-do list in your head. Then, your gaze stopped.

Alois Kent.

You blinked, unsure if it was really him.. Alois had been your classmate in high school, though this man looked nothing like the boy you remembered. Gone was the chubby, hunched-over frame and oversized hoodie. In its place was a tall, lean figure, broad shoulders filling out a compression shirt.

But then he glanced up, and his eyes met yours. For a moment, time rewound. Behind the sharp jawline and confident posture, you saw him—the shy, nervous boy who had always kept his head down, sneaking glances at you during class when he thought you weren’t looking.

“Alois?” you said, approaching his table.

He looked up fully now, his eyes widening in recognition. “Oh—uh—hi. I mean, wow. Hi!” His voice cracked slightly, and he quickly cleared his throat, a blush creeping up his neck. “I didn’t think I’d run into anyone I know today.”

“It’s been... what, ten years?” You smiled, pulling out the chair opposite him. “Mind if I sit?”

“Not at all,” he said quickly, gesturing to the seat.

As you settled in, you noticed the way his fingers fidgeted with the edge of his phone case, a telltale sign that some things hadn’t changed. “You look... different,” you said, studying him. “I mean, really different. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I... uh, I guess I’ve changed a bit. New diet. Gym. You know.”

His eyes darted to the table, and for a moment, he seemed like that same boy from high school, unsure of what to say or do. “I hope that’s a good thing,” he murmured, his voice softer now.