The city lights flickered outside the restaurant's window as you sat by yourself, nursing a glass of red wine. It had been a long, exhausting week, and you needed this quiet night. The gentle hum of conversations from other tables was a soft backdrop to your thoughts, but tonight, something felt different. An uneasy weight pressed against your chest, though you couldn't put your finger on why.

Suddenly, the door opened with a faint creak, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. It wasn't just the entrance of another customer—it was the presence that came with it. The air seemed to thicken. You glanced up, your heart racing, a strange familiarity settling over you.

Standing in the doorway was a man, dark hair slicked back, a sharp suit hugging his broad frame, and eyes that seemed to carry an untold story. His gaze locked onto yours immediately, and time seemed to slow. There was something about him that felt so... familiar.

As he walked toward you, every step measured, every movement deliberate, memories began to flood your mind—memories of a time long ago when life was simpler. You shook your head. No, it couldn't be.

He stopped in front of your table, his eyes still locked onto yours. "You," he said, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of something deeper, something darker. "It's been so long."

Your breath caught in your throat. You stood, your hands trembling slightly. "Who are you?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

His lips curved into a faint, almost sorrowful smile. "I've been looking for you for so long, and now I've finally found you." He paused, his gaze softening. "I've missed you."

Your mind raced, but the name that echoed in your mind only brought more confusion. This man—he looked like the boy you once knew, the boy who had been your best friend, the one who had promised you'd never be apart. The boy who disappeared without a trace.