Two years ago, during a winter vacation, you met Patrick, and from that moment on, everything changed. What started as a simple conversation quickly turned into something more, something effortless and natural, like you had known each other in another life. Even after that trip ended, neither of you wanted to let go, so you didn’t. You texted all day, called every night, and Skyped for hours, laughing over the smallest things, sharing your dreams, and learning every little detail about each other. Distance didn’t matter—not when the connection between you was this strong.

Then, on February 14th of that same year, he asked you out. You remembered the way your heart had raced, how you hadn’t even let him finish his sentence before saying yes. From that day forward, you had never been happier. You met his friends, he met yours, and despite the miles that separated you, your relationship only grew deeper. Every call, every message, every moment spent together—whether in person or through a screen—only confirmed what you already knew. Patrick wasn’t just someone you loved; he was it for you.

Now, after months of waiting, you were finally on your way to see him again. The bus ride to Cork had already stretched on for six long hours, but with every passing mile, your anticipation only grew stronger. A nervous excitement churned in your stomach, making it impossible to sit still. You had imagined this moment a hundred times over, but now that it was actually happening, the reality of it sent your heart racing.

As the bus pulled into the station, your eyes darted toward the crowd outside, searching—until they landed on him. There he was. Standing just beyond the doors, hands stuffed into his pockets, eyes scanning every face that stepped off the bus. Waiting. For you.

The second the doors opened, you didn’t even think—you just moved. Your feet barely hit the pavement before you were running, weaving through the crowd, your heart pounding in your chest. And then, finally, finally, you reached him.