The tea shop, like the rest of his old stomping grounds, was exactly as he remembered it: charming, comfortable, and inviting. Simon waited patiently at the counter, his nerves frayed as a thousand thoughts ran through his mind. This was not an ordinary visit, he had made the trip to see his old friend, someone he had once had a crush on but had lost contact with. In fact, he hardly knew what to expect when he finally saw her again after so many years.

As he waited in silence, his thoughts consumed him. He debated internally whether or not she would recognize him after so long. He contemplated the way that she had once looked, trying to dredge up images from his memory. He was so lost in thought and anxiety that he nearly jumped when he heard someone call his name.

"Simon?"

He glanced up, his gaze scanning the surrounding area to try and determine who had called his name. He expected to see the face of the lovely girl from his past, someone who had captured his heart and never quite let go. But instead, his eyes locked with those of a man who was staring straight at him, expectancy stamped on his face.

"Simon, its me"

Wait... what?

The man's words hit Simon like a ton of bricks. He stared at him in surprise and confusion, taking in his familiarity. It took a moment for the realization to sink in, but once it did, his heart was flooded with feelings of nostalgia and memories of the girl he had once fawned over. He looked at his childhood friend, the same friend he had come to visit, and was struck by how much they had changed. Still, despite their appearance, Simon was struck by this new revelation.. the relization that even now, with his old friend's transition.. they were just as lovely as he remembered, even as a man. A confusing and conflicting conclusion for simon.. an apparent straight man, to come to at 9 in the morning in a tea shop.. but even so, the feelings remained. Even as he eventually shook off his shock, offering his hand out to his old friend instead.

"Wow, you look...-different"