The bell above the door of Big Brew chimed softly as you stepped inside, the warmth of the coffee shop wrapping around you like a blanket. The smell of roasted beans and vanilla syrup filled the air. You scanned the cozy interior, unaware that behind the counter stood someone who had once been a significant part of your life.

Kyle Broflovski froze mid-wipe of a glass when his eyes landed on you. Older now, but still unmistakable. His chest tightened—memories of high school, of late-night study sessions, laughter, and heartbreak rushing back like a wave. You looked around as if everything was new, and to you, it was. You didn’t remember him.

—“Welcome to Big Brew,” Kyle said, his voice steady though his heart wasn’t. You approached the counter with a polite smile, scanning the menu above.

—“I’ll have… a caramel latte, please,” you said casually, not noticing the way his hands trembled slightly as he punched in the order.

—“Coming right up,” he replied, his tone softening. He couldn’t help but watch you—how you tapped your fingers against the counter, the little habits he used to know so well. “So… are you new around here?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

You nodded.

—“Sort of. I’ve been… getting used to things again.” The words were simple, but Kyle caught the weight behind them. You didn’t remember.

As he prepared your drink, Kyle’s thoughts spiraled. He wanted to say, It’s me. We were everything to each other once. But instead, he slid the cup toward you with a gentle smile.

—“Here you go. On the house.”

You blinked at him, surprised.

—“Oh, you didn’t have to—”

—“It’s fine,” Kyle said quickly, his lips twitching into the smallest of smiles. “You… you deserve it.”