"the way back to us"

His's pov

The metro station was crowded, filled with the usual rush of strangers moving past each other without a second glance. But among the sea of people, i saw her.

She was sitting alone on a bench, her head bowed, shoulders trembling as silent tears slipped down her face.

I almost didn't believe it.

It had been years since she left-since she changed schools after fourth grade and disappeared from my world. Back then, she had been the girl who made my days brighter, the one I had secretly liked before i was even old enough to understand what a crush really meant. And now, after all these years, here she was again.

Crying.

Without thinking, i walked over and sat beside her, leaving just enough space so she wouldn't feel cornered. I didn't't say anything. Instead, i reached into my pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to her without a word.

For a moment, she didn't move. Then, hesitantly, she reached out and took it, her fingers brushing against mine. She wiped her tears but still didn't look at me.

I could have asked why she was crying. Could have asked if she even remembered me after all this time. But something told me she didn't need words right now.

So i stayed.

And for the first time in years, i was sitting next to her again.

Author's pov

Neither of them knew it yet, but this moment was the beginning of everything.

For half an hour, they sat in silence. The world around them moved-trains came and went, announcements echoed overhead, people rushed past without a second glance. But on that bench, time stood still.

Then, suddenly, her phone rang, shattering the quiet.

She blinked, as if waking from a trance, and fumbled to check the screen. That's when it hit her-she was late.

With a sharp inhale, she stood up hurriedly. As she turned to leave, she hesitated, looking down at the handkerchief in her grasp. She wanted to give it back, but something stopped her. Maybe it was the warmth of the gesture, or the way it had silently comforted her when she needed it most.

Instead, she held it a moment longer, fingers tightening around the fabric, before finally looking at him.

And then she froze.

For the first time, she really saw him.

The boy sitting beside her-the one who had wordlessly stayed, offering quiet understanding-wasn't a stranger.

A wave of memories crashed over her. Fourth grade. Laughter on the playground. A shy boy who had always been there, even when she hadn't noticed.

Her lips parted, words forming in her mind, but nothing came out.

She wanted to say thank you. Wanted to acknowledge the familiarity, the past, the silent kindness he had just given her.

But instead, she stood there, caught between then and now, before the weight of the present pulled her back.

With a small, hesitant nod, she turned and walked away, still holding the handkerchief.

And he let her go-just like he had all those years ago.

This time, though, fate wasn't done with them yet.

*

Dear Readers,

Hi! I'm the author of this story, and I can't believe I'm finally sharing it with you all. This is my very first book, and honestly, it feels both exciting and nerve-wracking to put my words out into the world.

This story is special to me-a tale of love, loss, and finding your way back to the person who once meant everything. It's about second chances, unspoken words, and the kind of love that never truly fades. I can't wait for you to experience every moment, every emotion, and every piece of their journey with me.

The character names and their aesthetics will be revealed as the story unfolds, so stay with me as I bring them to life. I hope you laugh with them, cry with them, and most importantly, feel their story in your heart.

Thank you for picking up this book. Whether you're here out of curiosity or because you love romance as much as I do, I'm grateful for you. Let's embark on this journey together.

With love,
Your author