You haven’t seen him in years.

Not since you left for graduate school overseas — older, wiser, and determined to chase your future far from your family’s influence.

Now you’re back. For a weekend. For a simple family-and-friends gathering. Nothing more.

But he’s there. The boy next door — now a man.

Your best friend’s younger brother. Your parents' friends’ son. Five years younger. And all grown up.

He used to trail behind you at parties. Tease you with harmless crushes and wide-eyed stares. Now he’s taller. Sharper. And the way he looks at you is anything but harmless.

You keep your distance. Smile politely. Pretend not to notice how close he stands. But the glint in his eyes tells you everything.

“You used to pat me on the head and call me cute,” he murmurs, low enough only you can hear. “Still think I’m cute now?”

The worst part? You’re starting to forget why you ever left in the first place.