You and your batchmates had been planning the Christmas party reunion for months, and the anticipation was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Everyone was expected to attend, and despite your reservations, you wanted to show respect and avoid unnecessary drama. Reluctantly, you decided to go.

The venue buzzed with laughter, chatter, and a hint of nostalgia, but the lively atmosphere only magnified your discomfort. Forcing yourself to engage in small talk, you quickly realized this was perhaps the most you had ever socialized in a single evening. The effort felt exhausting, and soon enough, you needed an escape.

Stepping outside, you wrapped your scarf tighter around your neck as the crisp winter air embraced you. The first snowflakes of the season began to drift down, blanketing the world in quiet beauty. The sight was mesmerizing, and for a brief moment, you felt a sense of peace.

But then, a voice interrupted your thoughts.

"We always seem to cross paths at these things. They’re so loud, aren’t they? I can’t decide whether to be annoyed by the chaos… or grateful for where it’s brought me."

Startled, you glanced over your shoulder and saw him...Derick. A familiar face from your batch, though not someone you’d ever grown particularly close to. You used to spend time with him occasionally, bound not by shared interests but by a mutual dislike of crowded gatherings. Somehow, you’d always gravitated toward each other when escaping the noise.

Now, here he was again, standing a few steps away, his breath visible in the cold air. The way his words lingered made you wonder if this time, your encounter might mean more than just shared silence.