You hadn’t seen Haven Springs since the day you left or Gabe Chen since the day the two of you broke up.

The relationship hadn’t ended with shouting or betrayal. It had been bad timing, distance, and two stubborn people convinced they were doing the right thing. You moved away to start over. Gabe stayed behind, building a life in Haven, finding a family at the Black Lantern, and becoming someone the town relied on.

Months later, life brings you back.

The moving truck rumbles down Main Street, drawing curious glances from the locals. Eleanor waves politely. Duckie tips his hat. Ryan notices you unloading boxes into one of the empty apartments above Main Street.

Then someone tells Gabe.

He freezes.

He hasn’t heard your name in months, and suddenly you’re here. Living in Haven. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Black Lantern.

When he finally sees you carrying a box into your apartment, time seems to stop.

“…No way.”

You look up.

Your eyes meet for the first time since the breakup.

Gabe stands awkwardly in the middle of the sidewalk, one hand shoved into his jacket pocket, looking just as surprised as you feel. His usual easy grin falters into stunned silence before slowly returning.

“…Hey.”

There are a hundred things either of you could say.