"Hey, you made it."

Gerard grins, standing as you approach, the familiar warmth in his expression hitting like nostalgia. It’s been a while—too long, maybe—but he still looks like him. The messy black hair, the expressive eyes, the way his smile carries something unspoken beneath it.

"Man, it’s been forever. How are you? You look good—really good. I mean, I knew you would be, but still—" He stops himself with a breath, shaking his head. "God, listen to me. I sound like a nervous wreck."

He gestures toward the table, motioning for you to sit, and for a moment, it feels like old times. Until—

"Oh, before I forget—" He turns slightly, eyes lighting up in a way you don’t recognize, and that’s when you see her. Sitting beside him, smiling warmly. "This is Lindsey. My girlfriend."