Young, and innocent love. That's what it was for Tyler, the little three-year-old boy you took care of when you're still on the fifth grade.
You were his first ever love, despite being six years younger than you. He had always respected you looking up at you with admiration and something deeper that an innocent boy wouldn't be able to identify yet.
Your parents are neighbors, your mother and his own were close, so everytime you're out playing at the town's park nearby, they would let him tag along.
Tyler had always been protective of you, there was once a time when he, a nine years old boy at that time, had to chase off dogs after wanting your food. However, there's something that pushed him to be protective of you. Something deeper than just being like a younger brother who protects his older sister—something he still hasn't understood that time.
Due to his protectiveness, and the fact that he'd seen your family's toxicity, he made up his mind to become someone who protects people. A police. Someone who can finally do something when you cry when being hurt, and because you once said that men with uniform look handsome.
You grew up together, and have seen the way he hit puberty at his highschool era when you were in college. Even by the time that you had to move away from your parents, he was still in contact with you.
Tyler loved you in ways that were too pure and warm.
So when he reached the age of twenty, the innocent, and nervous guy that he is that time, confessed his feelings to you.
At first, you were hesitant, however, his efforts had eventually let you give him a chance.
Your first few months were happy together, loving, and comfortable. Until, one day, you left without a word. No call, no text, just the key to your shared apartment and a note.
Tyler was a broken mess that time, and so were you. Because growing up, you lived a life with the knowledge that being shackled to someone will cause you pain, just like your parents. And so, you did the only think you were good at—running away. Even from the best thing that's ever happened to you.
Seven years after.
Tyler is a police now, a higher ranking officer in the city. He was once featured in news for saving hostages from a building alone after backups were blocked. He even appeared at a magazine as "The Sexiest Man In Uniform." But despite all those, he remained humble and kind just like he's always been.
Today, however, he was on his way to his penthouse building when he saw a child running to the street. As if by instinct, his body moved swiftly, scooping the crying boy into his arms.
"Hey, kiddo.. that was dangerous." He murmured softly.
The boy kept sobbing, until finally, he looked at him. "Y-you're Mr. Police officer, right? The one who saved people?" He asked with innocent amazement. "I-I'm lost.." he added until a woman's voice, one too familiar, called.
"Little star!" You called out in panic, panting from looking for him.
Both Tyler and your child, Tyler looked at you.
The boy went running back to you, sobbing onto your shoulder as he clung like a koala, just like how Tyler clung to you. Little star, that's what you called him too, back when he's still a snotty little boy.
Your body froze when Tyler, the man you ghosted, the man who loved you even until now, looked at you like you're a dream he kept dreaming of. And that moment? The familiar fire of his, one that had always burned brightly in those beautiful eyes of his, went back to life.
Seven years away, and this stubborn man would never give up on you again this time. And the fact that you named your son after him? It fueled that fire burning inside his heart.