"Sometimes I wish I could tell you how much I miss you and how hard it was to lived every single day without you...but I'm scared."

-3rd person-

"I'm sorry." Valery mutters, cupping the warm mug in her hands. She felt bad for him. She knew how he felt back then. It has happened to her as well. She couldn't help but the feel bad for the lad. He lowered his eyes, not wanting to meet hers.

Tyler felt pathetic. He didn't want her pity nor did he wanted her sympathy.

She had asked Tyler to talk in a nearby cafe which he, luckily, accepted. His face seemed grim, probably from what he heard earlier. She couldn't find fault in her friend since she was sincere about everything she feels. She knew that Maddie didn't want Tyler to get hurt.

"You don't have to feel sorry for me, you know. I messed up." Tyler mutters, recalling all the times he treated Maddie with such rudeness. He was pushing her into a relationship she didn't want to commit to. She only did it because she didn't want him to get hurt. Remembering what he had said, his face twisted into emotions of guilt, sadness and embarrassment.

"Look, people make mistakes. It inevitable, like they say nobody's perfect. So, I'm sure she forgives you." Valery says softly, hoping to lift the boy's spirit. He lets out a sigh, taking a sip from his cup. "I guess.."

After a moment of silence, Tyler speaks up. You can clearly see him fidgeting with his fingers. "Maybe it's best if I let her go." He says, letting out a shaky breath. Valery snaps her head up, shocked at the boy's sudden revelation. She hadn't expected this at all. "What?"

"I feel like I'm in the way of her happiness. I wish I could be her source of happiness, the one who makes her smile. But sadly, I'm not. Her source of happiness is Ren." He sends her a half smile, a kind of smile that doesn't reach the eyes. He would get over it eventually, what matters to him now is Madilyn's happiness. If she is happy, so is he. Valery could not contradict his decision nor could she support it. All she could do was to sit there and stare at the man. "I guess...."

"Anyways, it's for the best, right? I'll just have to support her, this time as a friend." He chuckles, taking another sip from his cup. "All is well then, I suppose?" She asks, resting her head on her hand. Her eyes met the young lad's brown ones. "Yeah." He flashes her a genuine smile, his mood immediately changing from glum to relaxed.

"It is."

"It is not!" Leah cries, dragging out the last syllable. She tried to wiggle out of her friend's grasp. "Oh my gosh, will you stop whining?" Capella groans, heaving Leah's body off the chair. A series of groans left the latter's lips as she struggled to stand up. "But sponge bob lives in that pineapple! We can't lose him." Leah mutters, sticking her lower lip out as she sulks. She tries to reach for the pineapple situated on the countertop nearby but ends up falling on her face. "Ow.."

The bells of the restaurant tinkle, signaling someone coming in. The cool outside air mixes with the store's warm one as hasty breaths fill the room.

"You needed help?" The deep voice of Ren echoes. His footsteps can be heard padding against the hard wooden floor. Capella lets out a sigh of relief upon seeing the young lad. "Yes, thank you." Smiling, she gestures to the wasted girl who was now slumping on the table. His eyes moved to the direction Capella was pointing at. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, a happy feeling sinking in his chest. Madilyn's cheeks were flushed pink as she slightly stirs in her sleep. Her mouth was parted and stray hair fell on her face, hiding her eyes.

Ren couldn't help but chuckle, finding her extremely adorable. He slides into the chair next to her and moves her hair away from her hair. The evening light shone on all the right parts of her face, making her even more beautiful if that was possible. She groans and rolls to the other side, possibly uncomfortable in her past position. She sighs in contentment as she nuzzles into her coat's sleeve. A small smile cracks on his lips as he trains her eyes on her sleeping face.

"Cute."

He snaps out of it, embarrassed for staring at her that way. A blush spread across his cheeks as he shakes his head. Focus Ren. "Maddie? It's me." Ren says softly as he pats her gently on the back. "Hm?" She hums, her eyes slowly fluttering open. Her lips curled up into a smile and her eyes still droopy. Her head hurts like hell but she thought that it was all just a dream. Letting out a sigh, she rubs her temples. It'll vanish sooner or later..

Her vision focuses on the figure sitting in front of her, her eyes adjusting to the light. She felt a sudden pang in her chest. Her lips quivered as she held back her urge to just to hug him. She truly missed him. But she was scared...scared that he might leave her again.

"Ren....."

"May I?" He asks, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. Madilyn could only stare, her mouth slightly agape. Ren chuckles a bit as he wraps his arm around her legs, gently heaving her petite body on his back. She took a moment to appreciate how he looked up close. How his brown hair was messily tousled to the side and how his eyes shimmered under the soft light. She wanted to take in all of his features before this dream of hers will end.

"You can rest your head on me. I know you're tired." He murmurs, his body sending vibrations with each word he spoke. Snapping out of her trance she complied, her eyes half lidded. She placed her head on his back and basked in his warmth. It made her feel safe somehow.

Taking baby steps, Ren walked—or rather stumbled out of the restaurant. The moon illuminated the sky with it's light and stars twinkled above. The cold air nipped at the young lady's skin, causing her to shiver a bit. She was lucky that she had worn her thick coat out today.

After a few moments of silence, Ren felt her warm breath tickling his neck and heard the faint sounds of her snores. He smiled softly, knowing that she had fallen asleep.

Since he lived a few blocks away from the restaurant, he decided to let her stay over for the night. For he knew that Madilyn's house was farther. He knew that Maddie couldn't really stand the cold for so long so getting her somewhere warm would be best. Imputing the password to his penthouse, the door let out a small click.

He stumbled across the living room all the way to his guest bedroom. His brother argued that he must put a guest bedroom just in case his friends came over. It was a good thing he didn't object.

He lets out a sigh of relief.

Gently placing Maddie on the bed, he took extra blankets and tucked her in. A small smile cracks on his lips and he watches her sleep soundly. Moving closer to her, he tucked away the strands of her that were covering her left eye. Chuckling lightly, he stood up and decided to clean up.

Suddenly, Madilyn grabbed his arm. Both their eyes were locked, his shocked ones to her teary ones. Her eyes searched his as she pulled him closer to her. A tear rolled down her flushed cheeks as she sniffles lightly. She reeked of alcohol but he didn't mind.

"Idiot...do you know how much I-I've missed you? Y-You probably won't know this since it's all a dream but I forgive you. It's hard not to...." She slurs, her hand dropping to her side. She sniffles quietly, cheeks blossoming into a pinkish color.

"Hey, don't cry..." Ren whispers soothingly, a soft smile found it's way on his lips. He was happy knowing that he might still have a chance. Wiping her tears, he caressed her hair softly. He locks his eyes with hers once more.

"Don't leave me.." she whispers, her voice cracking at the end of the sentence. Ren felt his heart ache with as he remembered what her friends told him. They told him that she waited for him to come back for three years. That she would always try to contact him. But then....he forgot everything. His everything. He forgot her.

He sends her a reassuring smile. He slowly intertwines his hand with hers, interlocking their fingers. Giving it a small squeeze, he softly whispered

"I won't."

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