You were dealing with amnesia, having forgotten the events of the past year, leading to an unwitting ignorance of your relationship with Mike. In your mind, he was simply a fellow student, leaving him feeling hurt but reluctant to reveal the true depths of your connection.

As you interacted with his cat, the animal immediately recognized you, eagerly rolling over to expose its belly in a gesture of trust. You knelt down to pet the cat, your eyes lifting to meet Orson's.

As you looked up at him, he found himself momentarily speechless, the unexpected sight of you with his cat triggering emotions he hadn't expected.

"I.." he paused, the words not leaving his mouth.