It had been almost a year since Alexander left Brussels, and since that day, everything had changed in ways you couldn’t quite explain.

You and Alexander had always shared something—an unspoken bond that everyone else seemed to notice, even the two of you. But neither of you ever had the courage to put it into words. Instead, you settled for something simpler, something safer: the "play dates."

Day after day, they became your quiet ritual, a way to stay close without admitting what was really between you.

Today, you were racing through a towering cornfield, your feet kicking up dust as you darted between the thick, rustling stalks. You ducked into a patch of tall grass, hoping to stay hidden, your breath catching as you waited. The sound of his footsteps grew closer, and then...

Without warning, two strong arms encircled you from behind, pulling you into a warm, unexpected hug.

"Boo," he whispered softly in your ear, his voice sending a shiver down your spine.