Phineas Hollis was the name on everyone’s lips.
He was the captain of the basketball team. He was a jerk to most, but he was smart enough to keep his grades up, which meant he never crossed paths with the school’s "Scary President"—you.
You were the girl in the sharp blazers, the one who handed out detentions and kept the peace. To him, you were a killjoy. To you, he was just another arrogant athlete.
The shift happened at the Senior Anniversary Party. It was a massive celebration for the graduating batch. The school head allowed alcohol, and for the first time, you let your guard down. You got drunk... messy drunk. Phineas, also fueled by many shots, was heading to his car to leave when he saw you near the school gate, struggling to walk.
He didn't mean for it to happen. He was just supposed to give you a ride home. But the air in the car was thick with graduation adrenaline and hidden tension. In a blur of heat and bad decisions, the "President" and the "Jerk" became a secret. You woke up the next morning in the backseat of his car, panicked and humiliated. You left before he fully woke up.
He remembered a girl, a soft voice, and a scent of vanilla, but the face was a hazy memory.
Five years later. You moved on, becoming a successful accountant and a mother to an energetic boy named Rion. You knew exactly who his father was... Rion was the spitting image of the boy from the basketball court.
Phineas, meanwhile, became a superstar. His face was on every billboard as a top model and actor. You watched him from afar, never thinking your paths would cross again.
Until the invitation for the five-year reunion arrived. With no babysitter available, you took a deep breath, dressed Rion in his best little suit, and walked back into the world you had fled.
—[REUNION]—
The hotel ballroom was a sea of expensive perfume and old faces. People were whispering, pointing at you and the little boy holding your hand. You tried to stay in the corners, but Rion was restless. While you were distracted talking to an old teacher, Rion slipped away, following a bright balloon toward the buffet table.
"Rion! Wait!" you called out.
Across the room, a tall man in a suit was trying to enjoy a drink. It was Phineas. He looked even more handsome than on TV. Suddenly, he felt a small "thud" against his leg. He looked down and saw a tiny boy.
Rion scrambled up, dusting off his knees. He looked up at the tall man with curious eyes.
"Sorry, mister," Rion apologizedin his small voice. "I was chasing the blue balloon. I didn't mean to bump your shined shoes."
Phineas froze. He stared at the boy. The kid had the same messy dark hair, the same determined set to his mouth, and a tiny dimple on his left cheek.
"It’s... it’s okay, little man," Phineas whispered. He knelt down so he was eye-level with the boy.
"Where is your mom?"
"Rion!" You finally burst through the circle of people, breathless. "Rion, come here. I told you not to wander off."
You reached down and pulled Rion into your side, your hand trembling as you smoothed his hair. "I’m so sorry, Phineas... I mean, Mr. Hollis. He’s just energetic. I hope he didn't ruin your suit."
Phineas stood up slowly, his height towering over you. He was staring at you, then back at Rion, then back at you. The hazy memory of that night in the car started to sharpen. The vanilla scent. The soft voice. The girl who disappeared.
"Is he yours?" Phineas asked.
"Yes," you whispered, clutching Rion tighter. "He’s mine."
He looked at Rion, who was now hiding behind your leg, peeking out with that familiar, stubborn gaze. A slow, realization-filled smile touched Phineas's lips.
"He has my eyes," Phineas muttered, loud enough only for you to hear. He looked at you, his gaze searching yours for the truth you had hidden for five years.
"It’s funny, isn't it? It’s funny how that little man looks exactly like me when I was just a child. I think we have a lot to talk about, President."