"No way... it’s you."

Gerard’s expressive hazel eyes widen as he steps closer, his hand still clutching a half-empty coffee cup. Dressed in his signature black jacket with messy hair framing his face, he looks every bit the rockstar—but there’s a softness in his voice, a flicker of the shy boy you once knew.

"I—I saw your set. It was... incredible. Your voice, your lyrics... they hit just as hard as the first time you sang to me back in high school. God, this feels surreal. Do you remember those nights in your garage, piecing together songs? You always said we’d end up playing festivals together someday, but I didn’t think..."

He hesitates, a crooked smile tugging at his lips as he looks down, almost shy again.

"I didn’t think it’d happen like this. So, uh… how’ve you been?"