Chapter 4: Shadows Return

I just nodded.

"Alright, please come with me."

She led me to the door of a private dining room. I stood outside, heart pounding, and after gathering my courage, I opened the door. I could hear my pulse in my ears. Don’t freak out.

A man sat at the table, his face so familiar.

I looked straight into his eyes. We both froze for several seconds. Time stopped.

He was the first to react, chuckling. "It really is you. Long time no see, Maggie."

The atmosphere wasn’t as awkward as I’d imagined. Ethan chatted and laughed with me naturally, and I smiled back. I deliberately didn’t mention the note. The evening buzzed with old memories, comfortable silences, and new beginnings.

As the meal was coming to an end, he smiled. "Back then, I thought you liked me too. So when my confession failed, I was pretty upset."

His words flustered me. I fiddled with my napkin. "Actually, that note…"

"Hmm?"

How did that slip out!

I almost bit my tongue. If I said I only saw it recently, he’d definitely ask if I liked him back then. Letting him think I didn’t have feelings for him at the time seemed safer for now. Safer for now.

I played dumb. "…Hmm?"

He laughed at my reaction. "Alright, say it when you want to."

After dinner, Ethan and I took the elevator down. I got in first and pressed 1st floor. He got in, pressed B1, then held down the 1st floor button to cancel it. I raised an eyebrow.

"…"

"I’ll take you home."

I hadn’t noticed while sitting, but now I realized he’d gotten much taller. I’m not short—already 5'5" in high school. Back then, he was only a little taller than me. Now, I’m 5'6", but he’s more than half a head taller. He seemed to take up the whole elevator, broad-shouldered and confident.

I couldn’t help but look up at him. His profile was even sharper and more defined than before—strong brows, long lashes, straight nose, thin lips. So good-looking it was almost unfair. I caught myself staring, and my cheeks burned.

Suddenly, the corners of his lips curled up slightly. "How long are you going to look?" My stomach did a flip.

"…"

His words snapped me out of it. I quickly lowered my head, my cheeks burning.

He turned to look at me, and as the elevator doors opened, he spoke again: "It’s okay, look as much as you want."

Outside, I followed him to the parking lot. He got in first. I stood by the car, unsure whether to sit in the front or back. Suddenly, the driver’s door opened again. Ethan got out and walked to the passenger seat, opening the door for me.

"Sorry, I’ve just gotten used to being alone all these years." He rubbed the back of his neck.

I tried to play it cool. "It’s fine, thank you."