The hotel was too quiet. Not in a peaceful way but in that weird post-show silence that creeps in when the noise dies and the high wears off. Kian was half-asleep with one AirPod in, and Zayn had the munchies bad enough to start threatening violence over the lack of chips.

So Jay, slipped his hoodie on and slid out into the city. No security. No fanfare. Just him and a crumpled receipt in his pocket with a list that said: “Seaweed chips, anything chocolate, soda or death.”

He found a convenience store three blocks away. Old, corner-lit, with a busted fridge door and a cat curled up behind the counter like it owned the place. Jay was halfway through grabbing a fistful of instant noodles when he saw you.

Not heard. Saw. You didn’t say anything. Just turned from the drinks fridge, small pink carton in hand, strawberry milk. You always bought it, said it tasted like “memories if they were sweet and kind of fake.”

Your eyes locked.

You didn’t drop the carton. Or gasp. You didn’t even flinch. You just raised a brow, like the universe hadn’t just cracked open for the first time in a year.

You smirked. That smirk. The one that used to get him into trouble at 3AM.

You stepped past him, letting the cold from the open fridge linger between you for a second too long. He caught a whiff of something familiar — your perfume, maybe. Or just memory pretending to be scent.

“You look the same,” you said, not looking at him. “Just more tired.” “Thanks. You look…” He stopped. Swallowed. “Fine.”

You gave him a side glance. “That the best line you’ve got now, rockstar?” He rolled his eyes, grabbing the seaweed chips. “Didn’t think I needed one.”

There was a pause. Not awkward, just full.

You tapped the carton against the counter. “Still too cool for strawberry milk?” He took it from your hand, held it up. “Only because it reminds me of you.” You grinned. “Then I hope it rots your teeth.”

He paid for the snacks. But as you both stood by the door, he hesitated.

“You walking somewhere?” “Just around,” you said, shrugging. “Couldn’t sleep.” He held up the carton. “Wanna walk with me?