Part 1

Liam adjusted the strap of his camera bag as he strolled through the bustling streets of Fairfield, Connecticut. The late afternoon sun bathed the quaint town in a warm golden light, perfect for the photo shoot he had planned the next day. His white t-shirt clung to his chest from the heat, the denim jacket draped over his shoulder as the temperature climbed.

He walked past the familiar storefronts, nodding politely to the shop owners who knew him by name. His job as a photographer had given him a unique connection to the town—capturing its essence through his lens made him see things others often missed.

As he rounded the corner onto Main Street, Liam spotted a crowd gathered near a small café. Curious, he approached, trying to see what the commotion was about. The crowd was mostly young people of the gen z generation, all clamoring to catch a glimpse of someone inside.

Liam smirked. "Must be someone famous," he muttered to himself, adjusting his camera instinctively ready to take a picture.

As he got closer, he caught a glimpse of a girl through the glass window of the café. She was perched elegantly on a chair, wearing a flowing pastel dress that contrasted sharply with her bleached white hair and dark skin color. The way she held herself—poised, confident, and completely at ease in the spotlight—was all too familiar.

Liam's breath caught in his throat. It couldn't be... but it was.

The girl inside was Tanya—the Tanya, the internet sensation with millions of followers. The last time Liam had seen her, she was just Tanya from high school, with wild ideas and a dream. But now, she was practically unrecognizable, transformed into a polished, larger-than-life version of herself.

Suddenly, Tanya's gaze drifted to the window, her catlike brown eyes locking onto Liam's. For a moment, her perfectly curated expression faltered. Recognition flickered in her eyes, followed by a genuine smile that broke through the polished exterior.

Liam felt his heart skip a beat.

With a nod to the fans around her, Tanya rose gracefully and made her way to the door. The crowd parted for her as she stepped out onto the sidewalk, her heels clicking against the pavement. She stood before Liam, her smile broadening.

"Liam Reynolds," she said, her voice filled with a warmth that took him back to their high school days. "It's been a long time."

"Tanya?" Liam replied, still processing the surreal moment. "Wow, you've... changed."

Tanya laughed—a sound that was as familiar as it was foreign in this new setting. "You could say that. And you... well, you're still the same."

"Maybe a little taller," he joked, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and curiosity. "But yeah, still me."

The two stood there for a moment, the past and present colliding in the most unexpected way. The Tanya he remembered was still there, beneath the layers of fame and the internet persona she had built. And he, despite everything, was still the same Liam, with a camera slung over his shoulder and a habit of seeing the world through a different lens.

"So, what brings you back to Fairfield?" Liam asked, slipping his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

"I never really left," Tanya admitted. "I mean, I've traveled a lot for work, but this is still home. Just... with a different view now."

Liam nodded, understanding more than she realized. "I get that. The town doesn't change much, but the way you see it can."

"Exactly," Tanya said, her eyes scanning the familiar streets. "It's weird, right? How everything can look the same but feel so different?"

"Yeah," Liam agreed, feeling the weight of her words. "It is."

They stood there, the summer breeze tugging at Tanya's dress and Liam's jacket, both of them wondering how much had changed—and how much hadn't—since the last time they'd seen each other.

"You know," Tanya said after a pause, "I could use some new photos for my profile. What do you say we catch up and maybe... you could take some shots?"

Liam grinned, the idea already forming in his mind. "I'd love that."

As they walked down the street together, the sun dipping lower in the sky, it felt like the beginning of something new. Or maybe, the continuation of something that had never truly ended.

As they strolled through the familiar streets, Liam turned to Tanya, his curiosity piqued. "So, where do you want to go to take these pictures?"

Tanya paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the street as if searching for a memory long forgotten. "Do you remember that little Italian restaurant we used to go to after school? The one with the red checkered tablecloths and the best tiramisu?"

Liam's face lit up with recognition. "Mamma Rosa's? Yeah, it's still around. As busy as ever, actually."

A smile spread across Tanya's face, a blend of nostalgia and excitement. "Perfect. Let's go there."

Liam nodded, but before he could suggest they start heading over, Tanya's gaze drifted over his casual attire. Her eyes lingered on his white t-shirt, denim jacket, and jeans before returning to his face with a playful smirk.

"Liam," she began, tilting her head slightly, "do you have a suit?"

Caught off guard by the question, Liam chuckled. "Yeah, I've got one, but it's back at my place. Why?"

Without missing a beat, Tanya grabbed his arm, her energy contagious. "Come on, then! We need to get you something more fitting for the occasion."

"Wait, what?" Liam sputtered, trying to keep up with her sudden burst of enthusiasm. "You mean now? The mall's still open?"

"Of course!" Tanya replied, her heels clicking briskly against the pavement as she led him down the street. "Besides, it'll be fun. It's not every day I get to play stylist."

Liam couldn't help but laugh as she practically dragged him toward the mall. "You really haven't changed, have you?"

Tanya shot him a quick, mischievous grin. "Maybe a little. But some things are too good to change."

As they entered the mall, Liam found himself being pulled into one store after another. Tanya's eyes lit up as she browsed through racks of suits and dress shirts, occasionally holding up an item to Liam's chest and shaking her head before moving on to the next. He watched in amusement as she critiqued each piece, her internet influencer persona slipping away to reveal the same Tanya he'd known in high school—determined, focused, and with an undeniable flair for fashion.

Finally, after what felt like an endless search, Tanya held up a sleek, yellow suit with a crisp white shirt and a slim yellow tie. She looked at Liam with a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. "This. You'll look perfect in this."

Liam took the suit from her, eyeing it appreciatively. "I've got to admit, you've got good taste."

"Thank you," Tanya said with a mock bow. "Now, go try it on. I want to see how it looks."

He headed to the fitting room, still slightly in disbelief at how his day had turned out. It wasn't every day you ran into an old friend, let alone ended up on an impromptu shopping spree with one of the internet's biggest influencers.

After a few minutes, Liam emerged from the fitting room, dressed in the suit. The transformation was immediate—he looked sharp, the tailored fit enhancing his tall frame and giving him a polished, sophisticated appearance. He smoothed down the jacket, feeling a little out of his element but surprisingly comfortable.

Tanya's face lit up as she saw him. "Liam, you look amazing!"

He glanced at himself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the person staring back at him. "I've got to hand it to you, Tanya. You know what you're doing."

Tanya stepped closer, adjusting the tie slightly and smoothing out the lapels. "It's all about the details," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "You've got to present yourself like you belong, you know? Confidence is everything."

Liam nodded, absorbing her words. There was a truth to what she was saying, a lesson she had clearly learned in her rise to fame. But standing here with her now, in a simple mall fitting room, he realized that despite all the glitz and glamour, she was still the same Tanya underneath it all.

"Alright," she said, breaking the moment with a bright smile. "Let's get this and head to Mamma Rosa's. We've got some photos to take—and some catching up to do."

With the suit carefully packaged up, Liam and Tanya left the mall, their day now set on a path he had expected when he woke up that morning. As they made their way to the restaurant, there was a sense of anticipation in the air—of old memories resurfacing and new ones waiting to be.

The warm glow of the afternoon lights outside Mamma Rosa's created the perfect backdrop as Liam adjusted the settings on his camera, framing Tanya in his lens. She stood just outside the restaurant, the golden sun light casting a soft halo around her, accentuating her white hair and the elegant flow of her dress. She struck a pose, her natural ease in front of the camera evident with every click.

Liam couldn't help but smile as he snapped the photos, memories of their childhood flooding back to him. Tanya had always been the girl with the incredible imagination, the one who wore princess gowns to school and pretended to be a fairy queen during recess. She was the girl who saw the world as her stage, turning the mundane into something magical. It was no surprise to him that she had channeled that same creativity into becoming a popular influencer, captivating millions with her unique blend of charm and artistry.

"Perfect," Liam said, lowering his camera and giving her an approving nod. "You've still got it, Tanya."

She beamed, her playful energy lighting up the space between them. "You make it easy, Liam. It's like old times."

They shared a look, a silent acknowledgment of the years that had passed but hadn't dulled their connection. With the photoshoot done, they stepped inside the restaurant, greeted by the familiar scent of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh bread. The cozy atmosphere of Mamma Rosa's, with its red checkered tablecloths and dim, romantic lighting, hadn't changed a bit.

They found a table near the back, away from the main hustle and bustle, where they could talk without interruption. After ordering their food, they settled into a comfortable silence, sipping their drinks as they waited.

"So," Liam began, breaking the quiet, "what made you come back to town? Doing some work around here?"

Tanya looked at him, her expression a mix of nostalgia and something deeper. "Actually, I came to see a few people from our past. I did see your name on social media. I couldn't believe it was you, still taking pictures. I thought you'd still be together with Samantha."

Liam's smile faded slightly, but he appreciated her directness. "Samantha's not in the picture anymore. After high school, we realized that we didn't like each other that much anymore. So we went our separate ways. As far as my photography goes, it's been doing pretty well."

"I'm sorry to hear that, baby. You two looked like a cute couple," Tanya said, her voice soft as she kept her eyes on him.

Liam shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I really should have dated you back then. But then again, I'm not known for making great decisions."

Tanya's expression softened as she reached across the table and touched his hand. "You were still an amazing person to me, Liam."

He nodded, her words comforting him more than he expected. "Thanks, I really needed that. So, how long are you planning to stick around?"

"For a week," she answered, her tone lightening. "Why? Is that too long for you?"

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "No. But I was hoping that we could spend some of that time to hang out and catch up. I don't know how long before you swing by again."

"That sounds great to me, baby," Tanya replied, her voice taking on a flirtatious lilt that made Liam's heart skip a beat.

He lifted his glass, smiling at her. "So, here's to a week of us catching up!"

"To a great week, indeed!" Tanya said, clinking her glass against his.

As they drank, the conversation flowed easily between them, weaving through memories of their shared past and the adventures they'd each had since. The restaurant's cozy ambiance wrapped around them, making the outside world feel distant, almost forgotten.

As the day wore on, they found themselves laughing about old times, reliving moments that had once seemed so ordinary but now felt precious. Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude that Tanya had come back into his life, even if just for a short time. There was something about her presence that made everything feel a little brighter, a little more alive.

When their plates were finally cleared away, and the last drops of wine had been sipped, they lingered at the table, neither wanting the day to end. The world outside Mamma Rosa's might have changed, but within these walls, it was as if time had stood still, allowing them to reconnect with the people they once were and the bond they'd shared.

"Liam," Tanya said softly, her hand still resting on his, "I'm really glad we ran into each other today. It feels... right."

Liam squeezed her hand gently, his smile warm and genuine. "Me too, Tanya. It feels like this was meant to happen."

As they gathered their things and prepared to leave, Liam couldn't shake the feeling that this week would be more than just a chance to catch up. It felt like the beginning of something new—something that might just be worth holding onto.

As they stepped out of Mamma Rosa's, the cool evening breeze greeted them, carrying with it the sounds of a town winding down for the night. The streetlights flickered on, casting a soft glow over the sidewalk as Liam and Tanya walked side by side, their footsteps in sync.

"So," Liam began, glancing at her with a smile, "what else are we going to do today? There's still plenty of time before the day ends."

Tanya paused, her eyes lighting up as she considered his question. "How about we go to the beach, baby?"

Liam couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head in amusement. "I still can't believe you still call me baby. It's too cute!"

She giggled, nudging him playfully. "It's a habit. People love it when I call them that on social media. Even though I started saying it when we were kids, I'll still continue saying it for the rest of my life."

Liam smiled, her words tugging at his heart. It was comforting, in a way, knowing that some things hadn't changed despite everything that had. As they continued walking, his mind began to drift, imagining what kind of swimsuit Tanya might wear. The thought of seeing her in something that matched her confident, glamorous personality made him both excited and a little nervous.

"Are you sure you want to go to the beach now?" he asked, trying to keep his thoughts grounded. "It is getting late."

"It's fine," she replied, her tone casual but with a hint of excitement. "It only means that there won't be too many people there. I would like to go there alone with you."

Liam felt a surge of warmth at her words, the idea of having the beach to themselves suddenly seeming like the perfect plan. "All right then. Let's meet up at our favorite spot at the beach in an hour. I need to go home and change. You still remember the place?"

Tanya nodded confidently. "Yes, I do. I'll see you then, baby."

With a final smile, they parted ways, each heading off to prepare for the next part of their unexpected reunion. Liam drove home, his thoughts racing. He grabbed his swim trunks, a few essentials, and packed a cooler with drinks and snacks, along with an umbrella to set up on the sand. His camera, of course, was a must—he couldn't resist the idea of capturing more moments with Tanya, especially at the beach where the lighting would be perfect as the sun set.

An hour later, Liam arrived at their favorite spot on the beach. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The beach was nearly deserted, just as Tanya had predicted. He spotted her immediately, standing near the water's edge, the gentle waves lapping at her feet.

Tanya had already arrived, and she looked stunning. She wore a sexy bikini that complemented her sun-tanned skin perfectly, the outfit both stylish and understated. Her bleached white hair contrasted beautifully with the vibrant colors of the setting sun, making her look almost ethereal against the backdrop of the ocean.

Liam approached with a grin, the cooler in one hand and his camera slung over his shoulder. "Ready?"

Tanya turned to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she took his hand. "Let's go!"

They walked together along the shoreline, the water cool against their feet as they ventured further from the few remaining beachgoers. The sounds of the ocean and the distant call of seabirds filled the air, creating a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Liam set up the umbrella and cooler a little ways up the beach, then turned back to Tanya, who was already gazing out at the horizon, her expression thoughtful.

He lifted his camera, unable to resist capturing the moment. "Tanya, look over here."

She turned toward him, her lips curving into a soft smile. As he snapped a few photos, Liam felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. This wasn't just a photoshoot; it was a memory in the making, one that he knew he'd cherish for a long. The parasol offered a bit of shade as the day began its transition into dusk, casting shadows on the sand. Once they were comfortably seated on the large beach towel, Liam reached into the cooler and pulled out a beer.

"Want one?" he asked, holding it out to Tanya.

She shook her head with a playful smile. "No thanks, baby. I only drink wine and champagne."

Liam chuckled, cracking open his beer with a satisfying hiss. "Of course, nothing but the best for you."

They settled into an easy rhythm, the conversation flowing naturally as they munched on snacks. The familiarity of being together made it easy to slip back into old habits, sharing stories and catching up on the years they'd spent apart. Tanya talked about her whirlwind life as an influencer, the constant pressure to stay relevant, the endless stream of photoshoots, and collaborations. Liam listened intently, admiring how she had turned her childhood passion into a successful career.

"So, what about you?" Tanya asked, leaning back against the parasol pole. "How's the photography business treating you?"

Liam smiled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. "It's been going well. Here, let me show you some of my recent work."

He handed her his phone, and Tanya began scrolling through the images on the screen. Each picture told a story—portraits of people, landscapes bathed in golden light, candid moments that captured the essence of life in Fairfield.

"Wow, these are incredible," she said, her voice tinged with genuine excitement. "You really know what you're doing, the lighting is amazing!"

Liam couldn't help but smile at her praise. "I had a lot of practice because of you. Remember when we were kids? You loved girly things like princesses and fairies. I used my dad's old camera, the one that spits out the Polaroid pictures with each click."

Tanya's eyes lit up with nostalgia. "Oh yeah, I loved taking pictures with you! We'd spend hours posing and pretending we were in some magical land."

A wistful expression crossed Liam's face as he recalled those days. "Back in middle school, people would often tease us. You still liked to dress up, even in public."

Tanya chuckled, her laugh light and carefree. "Yeah, looks like I never grew out of that phase."

Liam looked at her, his expression serious but warm. "But I respect you more now that you kept up that image. You're the only one in our school who really made it big."

Tanya blushed, bringing her hands to her cheeks in mock embarrassment. "Stop making me blush!"

"It's the truth," Liam insisted, leaning back on his elbows. "Just imagine how our lives would be different if we'd stayed friends. We could be married by now."

Tanya gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. "Married? Baby, you're making me dream big now!"

Liam laughed, though there was a touch of sincerity in his eyes. "You always had big dreams."

They both fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging between them. The idea of marriage had been thrown out so casually, yet it stirred something in both of them—memories of what might have been, and the possibilities of what could still be.

Tanya broke the silence, her voice soft as she gazed out at the ocean. "You know, I used to wonder what would have happened if we hadn't drifted apart. I always thought you'd be the one person who understood me, no matter what."

Liam turned to look at her, the sincerity in her words touching something deep within him. "I think we both needed time to figure ourselves out. But I've always believed we'd cross paths again."

She smiled, her eyes shimmering with something unspoken. "Maybe this is our second chance."

The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon with shades of pink and orange. As the first stars began to twinkle above, Liam reached out and took Tanya's hand, their fingers intertwining naturally, as if they had always belonged that way.

"Maybe it is," he said softly.

As they sat together under the parasol, the beach around them growing quieter with the approach of night, they both realized that what they had now was special—something that had survived the test of time and distance. And as they shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments of reflection, they knew that the future held even more.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon and the sky turned a deep shade of violet, Liam leaned back into the sand, finishing off his beer. Tanya, her playful nature always bubbling beneath the surface, tugged on his arm with a mischievous grin.

"I want a drink too," she said, her voice soft and flirtatious. "Maybe we can go to a bar tonight? You can drink as many beers as you want, and I can have all the wine."

Liam raised an eyebrow, smirking as he glanced over at her. "That sounds like a good date night to me."

Tanya's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Wow, a date?" she teased. "You're making me feel like we're kids again. Just doing whatever we want without a care in the world."

Liam laughed, the sound easy and carefree, but there was a certain warmth in his gaze. "Maybe we can relive our past a little, huh?"

Tanya leaned closer, her face inches from his. The setting sun painted her features with a golden glow, making her seem almost unreal in the fading light. "Maybe we can, baby," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of flirtation and sincerity.

Liam's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by how close they were, how natural it felt to have her beside him. But the reality of her impending departure lingered in his mind. "You sure?" he asked, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. "I mean, I'd love to, but let's not forget that you're leaving in a week. I might fall for you before then."

Tanya pouted dramatically, giving him a playful nudge. "Hey, watch it, okay? I may be leaving soon, but there's nothing wrong with having a little fun while I'm here. Let's not overthink it."

Liam smiled, appreciating her carefree attitude. "Alright, alright. Fun it is."

As the evening began to settle in, they slowly packed up their things—folding the parasol, gathering the cooler, and shaking the sand from their towels. The walk back to their cars was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that didn't need to be filled with words. The ocean waves lapped gently against the shore behind them, while the breeze played with Tanya's hair as they made their way off the beach.

Once they reached the parking lot, Liam turned to her with a grin. "I'll text you the address of the bar. Shall we meet at nine?"

Tanya, already pulling out her phone, smiled and nodded. "Sounds good to me, baby."

They exchanged a quick wave before parting ways. Liam felt a surge of excitement course through him as he drove back home to get ready. He knew tonight would be different. It wasn't just the thrill of reconnecting with an old friend—it was something more. Something deeper.

Back at home, Liam showered and changed into something more fitting for a night out—a crisp button-up shirt and dark jeans. He glanced in the mirror, running a hand through his chestnut hair. His mind wandered, wondering how the night would unfold. Tanya had always been the girl with big dreams and a bold personality, and now she had blossomed into a confident woman. She was still the same Tanya, but there was something about her now that felt even more magnetic.

By the time nine o'clock rolled around, Liam had already parked outside the bar, a trendy spot on the outskirts of town that had a laid-back vibe. He had chosen it for its casual atmosphere, knowing that Tanya would appreciate the relaxed energy after a day at the beach. He sent her a quick text letting her know he was there, and within minutes, she appeared, stepping out of her car with the same effortless grace that had always made her stand out.

Tanya was dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black dress, her bleached white hair glowing under the streetlights. She flashed him a playful smile as she approached. "You ready for our 'date'?" she asked, throwing the word out with a wink.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "Wow, Tanya. You look amazing!"

"Thank you baby. You don't look so bad yourself," she answered.

Liam rubs his hair sheepishly, "I guess I do clean up nicely."

She laughed, looping her arm through his as they walked toward the entrance. "Let's see where the night takes us, shall we?"

Liam and Tanya settled into their seats at the bar, a cozy corner away from the noise of the crowd. The bartender approached with a warm smile, and Tanya ordered a fragrant red wine, the deep crimson hue catching her eye. Liam, opting for something lighter, chose a mellow white wine. When the glasses arrived, Tanya raised hers to her nose, taking in the rich aroma before swirling the glass gently.

"The color, the scent, the texture… it's perfect," she said, her eyes shimmering as they caught the dim light of the bar. She looked so effortlessly elegant, yet there was something deeply familiar about her that grounded the moment.

Liam smirked, signaling the bartender. "Could you just leave the bottles? We'll need them tonight."

The bartender nodded and placed both bottles on the bar before stepping away. Tanya tilted her head, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You really know how to impress a girl."

Liam poured another glass for both of them, his smile softening. "Only you," he said, meeting her gaze. "I'm glad to see that you haven't changed since we last hung out."

Tanya sipped her wine slowly, her eyes twinkling in the bar's ambient glow. "Well, someone had to keep their charm intact."

Liam laughed, shaking his head. "I wish I could say the same for myself. I've changed a lot since then."

Tanya leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh? How so?"

Liam leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass as he spoke. "You've seen some of those changes. I used to be a lot thinner, remember? So, I started going to the gym and bulking up."

Tanya gave him a knowing look, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, I definitely noticed that at the beach," she teased, taking another sip of her wine.

Liam chuckled, feeling a slight warmth rise to his cheeks. "And I've been dabbling with computers too—setting up websites, doing promotions for my photography. Just trying to stay on top of things. There are other changes, but I'll let you see them for yourself eventually."

Tanya raised an eyebrow. "So, photography's your career now, huh? Not just a hobby?"

Liam nodded, a flicker of seriousness crossing his face. "Yeah. I decided to make it my career after you left."

The words seemed to hang in the air, and Tanya placed her hand gently over his, her touch sending a familiar jolt through him. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispered, her voice tinged with regret. "I had to leave. I didn't have a choice."

Liam swallowed hard, looking down at her hand resting on his. "I still feel that if I'd chosen you… if I'd fought harder… you wouldn't have left."

Tanya's eyes softened, a sheen of emotion brimming at the edges. "I understand. You had to follow your dreams."

Liam's voice cracked with the weight of the memories they shared. "You were my dream too, and I let you go."

Her eyes welled up with tears at his words, the sadness of what could have been catching up to her. "Baby, please…" she whispered, her voice fragile and raw.

Liam, realizing they were drifting too far into their shared past, shook his head gently. "I know. We're getting all emotional now." He forced a smile. "Let's just drink and enjoy the rest of the night."

Tanya wiped her eyes, smearing her mascara slightly but not caring. "You're right," she said, her voice steadier now. "It just feels so surreal to be back here with you."

Liam refilled her glass, his own emotions swirling beneath the surface. "Let's make this a week to remember."

They clinked their glasses together softly, the sound cutting through the noise of the bar, but for them, it felt like they were the only ones in the room. As the night stretched on, they drank and laughed, sharing stories about their lives and catching up on everything that had happened since they'd last been together.

For Liam, though, it became harder and harder to keep his feelings at bay. Seeing Tanya so close, hearing her laugh, watching her eyes light up—it all brought back the memories of how much she had meant to him. She was the love of his life, and his greatest regret was not choosing her when he had the chance.

But in this moment, as they sat together, wine glasses in hand, laughing like old friends, Liam found some measure of peace. There was no anger or bitterness in her voice, no resentment for the choices they'd made. She had come back, even if only for a short time, and for now, that was enough.

As the evening wore on and the wine bottles slowly emptied, they found themselves falling into an easy silence. Tanya leaned back in her chair, her smile soft, her eyes heavy with the warmth of the wine and the nostalgia of the night.

"I've missed this," she said softly.

"Me too," Liam admitted, his voice quiet but filled with meaning.

As the night stretched on, the bar slowly emptied, leaving only the soft hum of music and the occasional clink of glasses. Liam and Tanya sat close, the warmth of the wine and the comfort of each other's company creating a bubble of intimacy around them. Tanya let out a soft yawn, her eyelids heavy with sleep.

"Baby, I'm tired," she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. "Can we go to bed now?"

Liam glanced down at her, his heart doing that familiar skip it always did when she called him "baby." He nodded gently. "Sure. Let me take you back to your room."

Liam called a cab, and as they waited outside under the cool night sky, he asked, "Which hotel are you staying at?"

Tanya gave him the name, and within minutes, they were on their way, the quiet of the ride only broken by the distant sounds of the city nightlife outside. They arrived at her hotel, and Liam helped her out of the cab, walking her to her room.

As the door opened, Tanya turned to him, her smile soft and genuine. "Thank you for tonight, baby. I had so much fun with you."

Liam smiled back, his gaze lingering on her. "We've got six more days," he said, trying to keep his tone light. "We'll hang out some more later."

Tanya gave him a sleepy nod as Liam helped her to her bed, laying her down gently. "Goodnight," he whispered. "Call me tomorrow if you have time."

He turned to leave, but before he could take more than a few steps, Tanya's hand reached out and grabbed his. "Wait—"

Liam froze, turning back to her, his breath catching at the look in her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

She pouted, her lips forming a small frown as she looked up at him. "Why won't you stay with me tonight?" she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Liam felt his chest tighten, his mind racing with the weight of her words. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words, to stay in control of the flood of emotions swirling within him. "Because if I stay…" he began, his voice almost a whisper, "then I won't want to leave."

Tanya's eyes softened as she sat up slightly, her hand still holding his. "But that's the point, baby," she said, her voice barely above a whisper now. "I don't want you to leave…"

Liam stood frozen, every rational thought screaming at him to leave, to protect himself from the feelings he had buried for so long. But then he saw the look in her eyes—the same look she used to give him when they were teenagers, the one that always made him feel like he was her world. Slowly, he nodded, giving in to the moment.

He climbed into bed beside her, the weight of their shared history settling between them. The room felt impossibly quiet, the tension palpable. And then, almost without thinking, they leaned into each other, their lips meeting in a kiss that felt both familiar and electric.

Liam's hands found their way to her waist as Tanya's fingers brushed through his hair. The years between them seemed to melt away as they undressed each other slowly, their movements gentle, careful. The heat of their bodies mingled with the cool night air as they slipped beneath the sheets, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the silence that followed.

Later that night, they lay together, their bodies intertwined, the sheets barely covering them as they shared the same space for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. The moonlight streaming through the window cast a soft glow over them, and for the first time in a long time, Liam felt like he was exactly where he belonged.

He glanced over at Tanya, her breathing soft and even, her eyes closed in peaceful sleep. A part of him still wondered how long this would last—how long they could hold onto this moment before reality crept back in.

But for now, he let himself breathe, content in the warmth of her presence, knowing that tonight had been a turning point. Whatever came next, he wasn't sure. But as he held Tanya close, he couldn't help but feel like this was the beginning of something neither of them had expected.