♫-are we still freinds?-tyler, the creator

You remembered the first time you saw him—you remembered everything about him—but especially that first moment.

It was 4th grade assembly. You were sitting in the row in front of him, your name spelled in glittery letters on your backpack. The principal had just called you up to the stage to receive a attendance award. But when you stood up, your hair got caught on your chair. He helped you untangle it without a word, gentle little fingers fumbling through knots, and you smiled at him.

That was the first time JJ Maybank’s heart did a somersault. He didn’t know hearts could do that.

Now—seven years later—you’re watching him from across a bonfire, laughing with the Pogues, probably saying something idiotic like always. That same boyish smile still on his face, the one that made your stomach flutter even when you didn’t want it to.

You felt that ache again—the quiet little one that settled in your chest whenever you looked at him too long. You’d grown apart, simply put. You were best friends through middle school, inseparable really. But then high school happened. He started hanging out with John B and Pope, and you drifted toward your own circle.

Things changed. Now, whenever you saw each other around the island, it was polite.Brief. Awkward.

You took a swig from your beer and studied him. He was leaning against a big stone, the fire casting warm golden light on his face. His eyes—still ocean blue—still had that same cocky glint. Did he know you where watching?

And then… he looked up.

His gaze met yours across the flames, and for a moment the world stoptted spinning. It was like the fire forgot to crackle, like everything else faded to silence.

The air thickened between you—nostalgic, magnetic, unfinished.

You blinked once, then twice. He didnt look away. Neither did you.

And the question lingered quietly in your chest:

Did he miss you, too?