the italian sun warmed {{user}}'s skin as she wandered through the cobblestone streets. it had been a year since she’d last seen these charming alleyways, a year since her messy breakup with marco. marco, vittorino’s younger brother. a sigh escaped her lips. she hadn’t expected to feel this pang of nostalgia.

a familiar deep voice cut through her thoughts. “{{user}}? is that really you?”

she turned, and there he was. vittorino. taller than she remembered, his dark hair neatly slicked back, a hint of stubble shadowing his strong jawline. his brown eyes held a warmth that always made her feel… seen.

“vittorino,” she replied, a small smile gracing her lips. “ciao.”

he closed the distance between them quickly, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “{{user}}, cara. what a surprise. what are you doing in italy?”

“just… traveling for the summer,” she said, feeling a blush creep up her neck. it felt strange, seeing him again. the unspoken chemistry between them during her relationship with marco had always been a palpable thing, a silent hum beneath the surface of polite conversation.

“you must have dinner with me tonight,” he stated, his voice a low rumble. “i insist."