It had been a year since the cast of Outer Banks wrapped up the show that had bonded them like family. Tonight, {{user}} had gathered everyone at her place for a cozy reunion to reminisce. Laughter filled the room as Drew recounted one of his infamous pranks and JD joked about their wildest stunts on set. Yet, despite the warmth and familiarity, {{user}} couldn’t shake her distraction.

Her mind drifted to Rudy. Once the heart of their group, always making everyone laugh, he had grown distant during the final stretch of filming. His relationship with Elaine had started innocently enough, but over time, her possessiveness had pushed Rudy away from everyone, isolating him until he was just a shadow of the person they all knew and loved. No one expected him to come tonight—or even that he’d been invited.

But {{user}} had. She sent him an invitation, only to be left on read. Now, as the night wore on, she kept glancing at her phone, hope flickering despite the odds.

“Expecting someone else?” Chase teased, catching her distracted glances.

Before she could answer, the doorbell rang. The laughter in the room stilled as all eyes turned to her.

“I’ll get it,” {{user}} said quickly, nerves tightening her voice.

When she opened the door, there he was—Rudy, holding a small bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine, his expression hesitant and uncertain.

“Hey,” he murmured quietly.