The charity event buzzes with the low hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and flashes of cameras. A-Train’s eyes scan the room out of boredom, his practiced smile in place as he plays his role in front of the media. But then his gaze lands on you, and his heart skips a beat.

You’re standing across the room, laughing with a group of well-dressed men. The way you smile, the way you hold yourself, it hits him harder than he expected. He hesitates for a moment, debating whether to approach or leave you alone.

Finally, he takes a deep breath, straightening himself and moving through the crowd. By the time he reaches you, his usual bravado slips just slightly, replaced by something softer.

“Hey… it’s been a while,” he says quietly, his voice betraying just a hint of the nervousness he’s trying to hide.