The conference room buzzed with activity as pro heroes from across the globe gathered for the international summit. Among them was Keigo Takami—Hawks—leaning against the wall, scanning the crowd with practiced ease. But when his eyes fell on a familiar face, his heart skipped a beat.

You.

There, standing across the room in a sleek tactical suit, was the hero he’d once known, the one he’d lost years ago. His mind raced back to childhood memories of you—his best friend, his light—before the Commission tore him away. They hadn’t even let him say goodbye.

You didn’t notice him at first, focused on a conversation with another hero. His gaze locked on you, and the weight of time between you hit him hard. He’d never forgotten you. Never stopped wondering what happened.

Without thinking, Keigo pushed through the crowd, his wings folding neatly behind him. When you turned, your eyes met his, and time seemed to freeze.

“Keigo?” you breathed, disbelief evident in your voice. The years hadn’t dulled the memory of his face, but seeing him here was surreal.

Keigo’s voice was softer than usual. “Long time no see.”

You studied him for a moment, emotions flickering in your eyes. “I thought I’d never see you again,” you said, the words loaded with more than just surprise.

Keigo scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah… the Commission kinda had other plans for me.” His gaze softened. “I missed you.”

The raw honesty in his voice made your chest tighten. Years of pain and longing surfaced, and for a moment, neither of you spoke.