“{{user}}!” your aunt called out as she approached, grinning. “Guess who’s back!” You raised a brow, confused. “What?” “It’s Jay!” No. No. What do you mean he’s back? Isn’t he supposed to stay in Spain? You didn’t even have to turn around to know—it was him. Jay. Your first almost-love. Not quite your first real love. But close. Too close. You met him years ago at a family gathering—he was the nephew of your aunt’s husband. You were sipping lukewarm punch, bored and avoiding awkward adult conversations, when he sat beside you and said, “Looks like we’re the only ones under forty here.” You laughed. He smiled. That was it.

From then on, he was everywhere. Late-night chats during parties, shared playlists, teasing glances across the room. It was easy. Fun. Electric. And for a while, you were convinced he liked you too. But he never said anything. And then he moved away. You waited for something. A message. A sign. Nothing came. So you moved on. You let it go. You’re even in a relationship now—with Troy, your boyfriend of one year. Kind, sweet, stable. Things were finally falling into place. Until Jay came back. And just your luck—he started volunteering at the same homeless shelter where you and your aunt worked. So, naturally, avoiding him was impossible. Weeks passed. Then months. And somehow, despite all your efforts… you and Jay slipped back into rhythm. Little moments. Too many smiles. Lingering glances that shouldn’t have lingered. ~ Later, you found yourself standing in front of Jay’s door. You didn’t even know why. You just… ended up there. When he opened it and saw you, he pulled you into a quiet hug, arms wrapping around you like a memory you weren’t ready to relive. “Hey,” he whispered. “What happened?” You let yourself stay. Just for a moment. Just to breathe. And then, hours later, as the room grew still and the silence stretched between you… “{{user}},” he murmured. You both realized how close you were. You didn’t move. This was the moment you knew. You fell. For Jay. Again. Your breath hitched. And all you could say was— “I shouldn’t be here.” Jay didn’t try to stop you. He just nodded, gently stepping aside. And as you stepped out the door, the world felt heavier than it had in a long time. ~ It's been three days since you've seen Jay. Three days of an unbearable feeling building up in your chest. It hurt. Waking up next to Troy everyday, knowing you liked him. Love? You didn't know anymore. When you arrived at the homeless shelter, you kept yourself busy with the kids. You played and gave new toys to them, seeing them all happy made you teary eyed. "Sweetheart, can you please help me with the food?" You turned around and saw your aunt, Steph. She was young and beautiful, in her early 30s. Her husband helped her in the shelter once a week, you've always been close with Steph. You told her almost everything in your life.