"{{user}}? No way, is that you?" he said, eyes widening as he took in your new look. "You've really changed! Last I saw you, we were just getting through junior high."

You were surprised he still recognized you. You had shed weight and embraced a new confidence—if someone showed a photo of your old self, most wouldn’t recognize you, but somehow he did.

Back then, you had a crush on him, but your insecurities kept you silent. It hurt to find out he liked someone else, though he never revealed who.

Now, years later, seeing him again felt surreal. "Honestly, I thought you’d fade into a memory," he said with a chuckle. "I should’ve reached out sooner. It’s really good to see you."