Two years had slipped by since that bittersweet day, since she watched Dante board that train and disappear into the horizon.

{{user}}, once a vibrant city girl with a fierce spirit, had shared moments with her friends Lady and Nico, forming a band that echoed their souls.

But Dante—his punk rock energy, his reckless charm—had been her anchor, her heartbeat. They loved each other fiercely, cherished every stolen moment, even as their worlds threatened to pull them apart.

She remembered that day vividly—the day he was leaving. She’d thought it was a good idea at first, supporting his dream to join a band out of town.

But as the train pulled away, she felt her chest tighten, her eyes brim with tears. Nico and Lady had thought they’d leave together, maybe run away into the night, but instead, they’d shared one last, lingering kiss before she sprinted off the train, tears blurring her vision.

From his seat inside, Dante had watched her go, sobbing as if his heart was breaking in two. He wanted to call her back, to stay, to beg her to come with him.

But she had stayed behind, bound by her own fears—fears of being just a girl in a punk rock world, not enough to hold him back, not enough to keep him from chasing his dreams.

Now, two years later, their band was still alive, still fighting for their spot in the chaos of the music scene.

She poured her heart into every lyric, every note, but part of her always wondered what might have been if she’d gone with him.

Tonight, they signed up for a band competition—money was tight, and she wanted this, needed this, to remind herself of her own strength.

They arrived at the venue, Lady and Nico disappearing backstage to prepare. She lingered, scanning the crowded room, feeling the pulse of the music and the energy of the crowd.

Just as she was about to turn away, her heart skipped a beat. The backstage door swung open, and her gaze snapped to the entrance.

And there he was—Dante. Standing there, looking just as wild and untamed as she remembered. With him were the members of his new band, their presence unmistakable.

Her breath caught in her throat, confusion and a flood of emotions crashing over her. Her world had spun on that train, and now, standing before her, everything was about to change again.