The sun hung low, casting a warm glow over the crowded street as Percy Jackson turned the corner. He froze for a moment when he saw you standing there. His expression softened instantly, a mix of surprise and something unreadable flashing across his face. His hand instinctively ran through his hair as he stepped toward you, trying to mask the sudden rush of emotions.

“Hey,” Percy greeted, his voice low, a little hesitant. “Wow, it’s been a while.” He looked you up and down, his gaze lingering just a bit too long on your eyes, like he was trying to gauge if you’d changed. “How’ve you been?” he asked, a slight frown tugging at his brow as he studied you. “I’ve been… good. You know, with Annabeth and everything. But—” His voice faltered, and he caught himself, realizing maybe he was saying too much. His fingers nervously brushed against his jacket. “But really, how are you?”

He shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to say next. The tension hung in the air, thick with all the unsaid things. His smile was gentle, but there was an unmistakable ache behind his words, the kind that only came from years of shared history, and maybe even regret.