Rafe Cameron.

Your past, your present, maybe your biggest mistake.

He’s not easy to love. He says the wrong things, burns too hot, makes promises he can’t always keep. But sometimes, when the world’s quiet and he’s not trying to outrun himself, there’s a softness there. A boy who once meant well before it all went sideways.

There was a time when everything felt simple. When the whole world was spinning around the two of you and nothing else mattered. When he touched you like you were the only real thing he’d ever known. When his love burned wild but true, before fear and pride got in the way.

Now it’s long gone. And your heart burns like hell.

You still see him sometimes. In places that used to be yours. In the lyrics of songs you can’t skip. In dreams where his voice still says your name like it means something.

The voice went quiet when everything was long gone. Only the notifications on your phone broke the silence, buzzing again with another message from him.

You sigh, already knowing it’s him. Another piece of him trying to claw his way back in.

You unlock the screen.

“I know I’m the last person you want to hear from, but I miss you. Hope you’re okay.”