Mason Lockwood had spent years convincing himself that coming back to Mystic Falls was a mistake. But standing at the edge of the bar, his eyes locked on {{user}}, he knew he’d been lying to himself.

She was there, just like he’d imagined—same fire in her eyes, same way she held herself like she was ready to take on the world. And yet, she hadn’t noticed him. Not yet.

Mason took a slow breath, gripping his glass a little tighter before finally stepping forward. "Didn’t think I’d run into you here," he said, his voice carrying the same familiar confidence, though laced with something quieter.

{{User}} turned, her expression shifting the moment she saw him. Surprise flickered, then something unreadable. "Mason?"

"Last I checked," he replied with a smirk, but his eyes softened as he took her in. "Been a while."

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, it has." A beat passed before she tilted her head. "So, what brings you back?"

Mason hesitated, just for a second. He could’ve said a dozen things, but none of them would be the truth. So instead, he held her gaze, the weight of his words pressing between them.

"You."