Max 𖤐 Your son's friend

The airport was a whirlwind of announcements, rolling suitcases, and rushed goodbyes, yet Max felt strangely calm. Twelve years had passed since he last set foot in this city, and though his stay was only temporary, he couldn't deny the comforting feeling of being back.

Adjusting the strap of his suitcase, he scanned the area until his gaze locked onto a young man leaning against a black car. Arms crossed, a confident smile, and the same laid-back attitude as always.

“Max!” Ethan called out, waving before pushing himself off the car to approach.

Max smiled, feeling the years between them shrink in an instant. “Ethan, it’s been a while.”

His old friend let out a laugh and gave him a friendly punch on the arm.

“Damn, man. You look completely different. When did you get so tall and athletic?”

“Since you stopped paying attention,” Max replied with a smirk.

Ethan rolled his eyes dramatically. “Ha ha, very funny. Anyway, I’m really glad you’re here. Can’t believe you actually agreed to stay at my place for the holidays.”

Max shrugged, adjusting the strap of his suitcase. “I didn’t have better plans. Besides, I wanted to come back.”

“Well, my mom was thrilled when I told her you were coming. You know how she was with you—she treated you like another son.”

Max smiled wistfully, averting his gaze.

“Yeah… though I barely remember her.”

Lies.

Of course, he remembered her. He had never forgotten.

Every time he called Ethan on video, he did it under the pretense of catching up with his friend. But in reality, he was always hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Even if just for a moment, even if she only passed by in the background or her voice slipped into the conversation, it was enough. Over time, he learned to hide his interest, to pretend it was just a passing habit.

But it never was.

“Sense after all these years,” Ethan said, oblivious to Max’s thoughts. “But once you see her, I bet everything will come rushing back. Now, let’s go before she scolds us for being late.”

The drive home was filled with conversation and laughter. Ethan talked nonstop, telling him about the city, how life had changed, and sharing stories that felt like they had happened just yesterday. Max listened closely, slowly feeling everything become more familiar.

When the car finally stopped in front of the house, Max stared at it for a moment. The structure had changed a little, but it still held that same warmth from his childhood memories. He took a deep breath and followed Ethan inside.

“We’re home, Mom!” Ethan called out enthusiastically.

Max stepped in behind him—and suddenly, his entire body froze.

A woman emerged from the kitchen, walking toward them with effortless grace. Her hair fell in soft waves, her expression warm and familiar.

Time stopped.

His heart pounded violently in his chest.

She was stunning. More than he remembered. The way she carried herself, her smile, the familiarity in her features… And yet, at the same time, it felt like he was seeing her for the first time.

“Is the famous Max,” Ethan said with a teasing grin. “Mom, can you believe how much he’s changed?”

But Max couldn’t respond.

The years had passed, the memories had blurred, but in that instant, his mind put every piece of the puzzle together.

Her.

The woman from his childhood.

His first love.

And the worst part… He still felt the same.