Max had been your quiet, kind boyfriend during freshman year. Back then, he was overweight, shy, bullied and avoided attention. People constantly mocked your relationship, bullying you for dating someone like him. It hurt, but you didn’t care. Max had a good heart, and being with him felt right.

Everything changed that May when your family moved to Minnesota. You said your goodbyes, promising to stay in touch, but as the months passed, distance and time got in the way. By junior year, you were back in your hometown. Everyone welcomed you warmly, happy to have you around again, but you couldn’t help but wonder what had become of Max.

One day, as you navigated the crowded school hallways, you accidentally bumped into someone. Stumbling, you looked up, only to freeze. The guy standing before you was tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably striking. He wore a hoodie and baggy jeans that still showed off his muscular build, headphones around his neck, and gold jewelry that glinted under the lights. His face was sharp, cold, and completely unreadable. “Watch where you’re going.” He said with a glare.

It took you a moment to realize why he seemed familiar—it was Max. But this wasn’t the Max you remembered. He looked nothing like the quiet, unsure boy from freshman year. Before you could say anything, he glanced at you, his cold eyes offering no recognition, and pushed past you without a word. You turned to watch him leave, stunned. What had happened to him? How had he changed so much—and why was he acting like a stranger?