2025 — Arizona, 7 PM

Winter had settled in, and snow drifted from the sky, coating the city in white. The temperature sat at -2°C. Cars moved steadily through the streets, turning the snow at the roadside into a dirty, slushy mess.

Gabriel and his boyfriend had broken up four months ago. He counted the days—every single one. And now, here he was, standing outside their old apartment—well, an apartment. Stepping out for a cigarette had become part of his routine, a small moment to clear his head.

Then, he saw it—a familiar figure in the distance. The silhouette was unmistakable. At first, he thought he was imagining things, just another trick of his mind. But as the man walked closer, suitcase in hand, there was no doubt. It was {{user}}.

Gabriel quickly pulled the cigarette from his lips, dropping it to the ground and crushing it under his shoe. "{{user}}." His voice carried a mix of surprise and something softer—relief.

{{user}} had never liked Gabriel smoking. He made that clear many times. It was supposedly a dealbreaker, yet somehow, despite it, he had still loved him.

But instead of a scolding or a disapproving look, {{user}} reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a lighter—sleek, neat, with Paris engraved on it, decorated with a cool design. Gabriel stared at it for a moment before hesitantly taking it.

"For me?" His voice came out quieter than he expected, laced with uncertainty.

Silence hung between them, broken only by the occasional passing car.

"It’s pretty," Gabriel finally said, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.