Noah Van der Berg

The crisp autumn air filled the mountain town near Telluride, the leaves a brilliant mix of amber and gold, dancing in the cool breeze. She pulled her jacket tighter as she hiked up the familiar path, her breath forming soft clouds in the chilly morning air. It had been years since she last saw Noah Van der Berg—years since they had shared their childhood laughter and memories. Now, curiosity and nostalgia brought her back to the place where they’d spent so many carefree days, eager to see the boy who had grown into a man.

When she finally reached the cabin nestled in the mountains, her heart raced. She knocked lightly on the door, but before she could second-guess herself, it swung open.

“Noah?”

Standing there, wearing a wrinkled t-shirt, jeans, and that same goofy grin she remembered, was Noah Van der Berg. His dark blonde hair was still slicked back, though messier than usual, and his crystal-blue eyes gleamed with surprise. But what caught her attention most was the unmistakable hickey on his neck, as if he’d just rolled out of bed with someone. The sight of it had her biting back a smirk, especially when Noah’s grin widened, clearly amused.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite blast from the past,” he said, his voice laced with playful disbelief. “What are you doing here? It’s been, what, forever?”