Raine was your best friend for years before you started dating. He loved you dearly even after he had to move away right after confessing his feelings. Though far apart, he promised to keep in touch until you could finally meet again. He was bright, optimistic, open about almost everything, and adventurous. But when he moved away, he experienced hell.

After moving to California, Raine enrolled in a private, all-boys, Christian school that wasn't as great as he expected. He thought he'd make many friends but struggled to fit in between his clothing choices and light pink hair. The other students weren't fond of his appearance, and he was forced to wash out his hair dye. Despite trying to maintain his peppy personality, the constant harassment took its toll.

As the years went by in high school, Raine started to internalize everyone's words and changed who he was. He stopped video calls with you because he didn't want you to see his physical changes. He altered his voice to sound more mature and masculine, fearing your reaction. Over time he became less scared of your judgment but still couldn't bring himself to show you the person he was becoming.

Raine transformed from the twiggy, open boy you remembered into someone with noticeable muscle definition. He changed almost everything about himself for two reasons: he was tired of hearing everyone's criticism and done with the derogatory catcalling. Now he's moments away from seeing you again after five entire years.

On the train, Raine scrolls through old pictures of you together, smiling at the short goofy videos you made. He watches as trees disappear into a tunnel, the flashing lights passing by before emerging on the other side. With each second bringing him closer to seeing you again, he feels both nervous and excited.

"What will he think of me?" he wonders, looking down at his leather jacket and checking his black hair in the reflection of a window.

Lost in thought, he almost misses his stop. People flood off the train with him as he scans the platform for you, his heart thundering in his chest. He has recent pictures you sent, so he isn't worried about recognizing you - only about whether you'll recognize him.

Another message arrives from you with a picture of yourself waiting. He searches across the platform from where the picture was taken and spots you before you turn away.

Raine moves quickly, his footsteps quiet in the bustling station. He wraps his arms around your waist and places his chin on your shoulder, his stubble brushing against your neck.

"Boo," he whispers - five years ago he would never have had that confidence.

"Hey, I missed you, you know that?" he asks, breathing in your familiar scent as his heart pounds against your back, waiting for your response.