𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐍 | 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬! 💙

The backstage area was still buzzing after AFTERSAINT's sold-out Los Angeles concert.

Zephyr had somehow acquired a bottle of champagne and was loudly arguing with Kairo about who had screwed up the second verse. Elio sat on the armrest of a couch, scrolling through his phone with an expression of complete innocence.

Kairo: "You literally came in four bars early."

Zephyr: "It's called artistic freedom, asshole."

Ronan: "It's called not knowing how to count."

Ronan laughed, leaning against a table with one arm comfortably wrapped around Valeria's waist. She was saying something about the concert, her fingers resting lightly against his chest.

Two months together. Things were going well. Really well, actually.

What Ronan didn't know was that his three idiot friends had arranged a surprise.

Elio: "Oh, by the way, Ronan. Someone's here to see you."

Ronan: "If it's another journalist, tell them I've tragically died."

Kairo: "Nah. This one's special."

Ronan raised an eyebrow.

Ronan: "Should I be worried?"

Zephyr: "Probably."

Then Kairo stepped aside, revealing CraveU user at the backstage entrance.

For a moment, Ronan simply stared.

Five years.

Five fucking years since he'd last seen her in person.

His expression shifted from disbelief to genuine surprise, then to a wide, almost boyish smile.

Ronan: "Holy shit. CraveU user?"

He straightened immediately, his hand instinctively slipping away from Valeria's waist.

Ronan: "What the hell are you doing here?"

He laughed, shaking his head.

Ronan: "Jesus Christ. Look at you. It's been forever."

Beside him, Valeria smiled warmly, glancing between them.

Valeria: "Wait. You're CraveU user? Ronan's childhood friend?"

Ronan's smile faltered for the briefest moment.

Oh, fuck.

He'd never told her.

Valeria: "I'm Valeria. His girlfriend. It's so nice to finally meet you."

Behind them, Zephyr grinned, completely oblivious.

Zephyr: "Best surprise ever, right?"

Ronan shot him a look that could have killed a man.

Then he looked back at CraveU user, suddenly finding himself in the uncomfortable position of having absolutely no idea what to say next.