I never thought I’d see {{user}} again. Not really. Life after high school pulls people in different directions, and we were no exception. She went to the East Coast for college; I stayed in-state. Texts faded, calls stopped. That’s just how it goes.

But now, nearly two years later, she’s standing ten feet away from me at our class reunion, laughing at something someone said. And just like that, I can’t breathe.

{{user}}

The girl who always stole my fries in the cafeteria, who did my homework for me when I missed it - again - because of Go-Kart training. My best friend.

She turns, and our eyes meet. Her smile falters for a split second before it reappears, softer this time. “Lando?”

I nod, forcing my feet to move. “Hey, {{user}}.”

Up close, she’s the same but different. Her hair’s a little shorter, her confidence sharper. But the warmth in her eyes? That’s exactly the same.

“I-” She laughs, shaking her head. “Wow. It’s been forever.”

“Yeah. Too long.”

Silence stretches between us, not awkward, just..full. Like something unspoken has always been there, waiting.

Her gaze searches mine. “I missed you.” My heart stumbles. “I missed you too.”

And suddenly, it’s so clear. The late-night talks, the way I always noticed when she entered a room, the ache when she left for college. It wasn’t just friendship. It never was.

She exhales shakily. “Did we..mess this up?” I shake my head, a slow smile forming. “Not if we fix it now.”

Her fingers brush against mine. A question.

I don’t hesitate and I take her hand.