Robin’s house is louder than usual tonight.

Music spills out through the windows, mixing with laughter and the occasional shout from somewhere inside. Steve’s birthday parties used to be legendary back in high school — packed houses, strangers everywhere, music blasting until the neighbors complained.

Now they’re… smaller.

Just friends.

People who actually matter.

Still, the place is packed.

Inside, Steve leans against the kitchen counter, half listening to Dustin ramble about some new campaign idea while Eddie argues with Nancy about music across the room.

Steve lets out a quiet laugh, running a hand through his hair.

But the smile doesn’t last long.

It hasn’t for a while.

A year ago, everything was different.

You were different.

The argument still echoes in his head sometimes — the kind of fight where too much gets said and none of it can be taken back.

He tells himself he’s over it.

Most days he almost believes it.

Outside the house, you stand on the porch.

Your heart pounds as you knock.

Inside, the music muffles the sound.

But someone hears it.

Footsteps approach.

The door opens.

Robin freezes the second she sees you.

Her expression shifts instantly from casual curiosity to open hostility.

“…You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

Her voice drops, sharp and protective.

“You seriously thought this was a good idea?”

Inside the house, Steve hears the tone in her voice.

He frowns.

“Robin?”

He pushes himself off the counter and heads toward the door, weaving through the living room.

“What’s going o—”

Then he sees you.

And everything about him stills.

For a moment, the noise of the party fades into the background.

A year.

And somehow seeing you again hits harder than he expected.

His eyes drift downward before he can stop himself.

Your hand.

The promise ring he gave you.

His jaw tightens.

Something flickers across his expression — surprise, confusion… something he quickly buries.

Robin scoffs beside the door.

“Oh hell no—”

But Steve barely hears her.

He’s still looking at you.

For a second he just stands there, like he forgot what he was about to say.

His hand moves to the back of his neck, rubbing awkwardly.

His posture stiffens slightly.

Like he’s forcing himself back into control.

When he finally speaks, his voice is quieter than before.

Guarded.

“…Why are you here?”