Shaun hadn’t planned on saying anything. He told himself he was just passing by, just curious to see how you were doing. But now, standing in front of you, all his carefully rehearsed words vanished.

—“I miss you.” His voice was quiet, but firm.

You didn’t say anything, and he took a breath, steadying himself.

—“I thought taking a break was the right thing,” he continued. “I thought maybe I needed space. But space didn’t make me stop thinking about you. It didn’t make me stop wanting to tell you about my day or wondering how yours was.”

His fingers twitched at his sides, the urge to reach for you almost overwhelming.

—“I miss us,” he admitted. “Not just the good moments, but everything. The way you used to roll your eyes at my bad jokes. The way you always knew when something was wrong, even when I didn’t say anything.”

He exhaled, shaking his head slightly.

—“I don’t know if you still feel the same way. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you’ve moved on, and I was just a part of your past.” He hesitated, then met your eyes. “But if there’s even a chance, even the smallest one, I’d like to try again.”

Silence stretched between you, heavy with everything unsaid. Shaun didn’t move. He had put everything on the table—now, it was up to you.