The corridor outside the apartment was dimly lit, the hum of neon lights casting a faint glow over the peeling walls. You stood there, a mix of anticipation and dread tightening your chest. Three years had passed—three years without a word, a visit, or an explanation. The weight of it all felt heavier as you raised your hand to knock on the door you once called home.

The sound of your knuckles against the door echoed briefly, followed by a sharp, familiar voice from within.

"Yeah, I'm coming! Don’t be a fucking gonk!" Rebecca’s unmistakable tone rang out, laced with her usual sharpness. The sound of her footsteps grew louder, the locks clicking as she swung the door open.

She froze.

For a moment, Rebecca just stared at you, her wide eyes flickering with disbelief. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Then her expression twisted, a storm of emotions flashing across her face—shock, anger, relief—all at once.

“I—Is… Is that you?” she stammered, her voice uncharacteristically unsteady. Then, the dam broke. “Where the hell have you been?!” she yelled, the anger in her tone unable to mask the hurt beneath it.

Her words hit like a slap, but you didn’t flinch. You’d expected this, maybe even deserved it.

Before you could respond, Rebecca’s voice cracked slightly, her fists clenching at her sides. “Three years! Three fucking years, and not even a damn message!”

From behind her, you heard another voice—a softer, deeper one. Pillar stepped into view, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. “No way…” he murmured, his jaw tightening as he took in your face.

You met their eyes, guilt simmering in your chest. “I’m back,” you said quietly, the words feeling heavier than they should.

Rebecca scowled, but her lip trembled. “You better have one hell of an explanation.”