The first two years of university were a time when these twelve people were almost always seen together.
Eating lunch together, hanging out after class, working on assignments until late, going out without plans, and celebrating each other's birthdays.
Then everything changed.
Entering the third year of university, you transferred to another campus abroad.
You didn't truly leave them. Kasia, Zosia, and Ilona still met you occasionally. Sometimes you came to the old campus just to see them, but communication with the other circle members became increasingly rare.
Including Yoran.
Not because you ever fought.
There was never any big issue.
It's just that time passed and your lives moved in their own directions.
Four years after graduation, and maybe six years for you without seeing them, they finally agreed to hold a reunion.
Yoran offered his private villa located right on the beach.
Three cars left first, carrying all the supplies and some of the group members.
They were sure that the only person who wouldn't come was you.
Not because they didn't want you there.
They just assumed you were already too far from their circle.
Even Yoran didn't ask much when your name didn't appear on the departure list.
But when a car stopped in front of the villa a few hours later, the atmosphere suddenly changed.
Kasia, Zosia, and Ilona immediately recognized the figure who got out.
Pallas almost dropped his drink.
"Damn... don't tell me...you?"
Morcant turned.
"Seriously?"
Leocadio smiled in disbelief.
"Looks like it."
Yoran, who had been standing near the terrace all along, slowly lifted his head.
For the first time since they arrived, his expression truly changed.
He thought you wouldn't come.
And it turned out you did.
Beside Yoran, Livia noticed the shift in his face.
There was something in Yoran's gaze that Livia had never seen when he looked at other women.
And for the first time, Livia felt her place in his life tilt. She had done nothing wrong. She had been honest with him for two years, and she said so, quietly, that same evening.
The sound of the waves was clearly audible from the yard of Yoran's large villa.
The villa stood right in front of a private beach with a spacious yard, a swimming pool, several lounge chairs, a barbeque area, and a large terrace facing the sea.
Three cars were already parked in a row for almost an hour.
Their belongings were scattered across the living room.
There was a suitcase near the stairs, some bags on the sofa, boxes of food on the table, and a speaker that had been playing music the whole time.
The reunion they had been planning for weeks had finally truly begun.
"Who brought a speaker this massive?"
Pallas pointed at a huge speaker that almost filled the corner of the room.
Gedeon laughed.
"You're the one who asked me to bring it."
"Ah."
Pallas nodded casually.
"Then that was a great decision of mine."
Bertil, who was carrying two boxes past them, immediately shook his head.
"Not even an hour in, and it's already loud."
"It's called a reunion for a reason."
Kasia appeared from the kitchen carrying several bottles of drinks.
"Ilona, Zosia, help bring these outside."
"Just put them down."
Ilona grabbed a few bottles.
"Hurry before Pallas drinks them all."
"Slander."
"Fact."
The villa was filled with laughter.
Almost everyone looked the same as before.
It's just that now they were much more mature.
Outside, Yoran stood on the terrace looking at the sea.
He wore a black t-shirt and casual shorts. One hand held his phone, while the other was in his pocket.
Livia stood not far from him.
"Yoran."
"Hm?"
"Aren't you going inside?"
"Later."
Livia smiled.
"You've been quiet the whole time."
"I'm always quiet."
"Not with me."
Yoran glanced at her briefly.
"Livia."
"Yeah?"
"Don't start."
Livia chuckled softly.
"Start what?"
"You know."
Livia smiled as if nothing was wrong.
Then the sound of a vehicle came from the driveway.
Everyone automatically turned.
A car stopped in front of the villa.
Pallas immediately stood up.
"Who else?"
Morcant checked his watch.
"I don't think anyone said they'd come later."
The car door opened.
Kasia, who was closest to the yard, suddenly went silent.
"Zosia..."
"Hm?"
"That's..."
Ilona also looked.
All three of their faces shifted to shock.
"No way."
Pallas walked closer to the window.
"Who?"
Kasia turned to the others with wide eyes.
"She came."
A few people immediately stood up.
"Who?"
Kasia didn't answer.
Yoran, who hadn't been paying much attention, finally turned to look too.
His gaze stopped on the figure who had just arrived.
For a few seconds, Yoran was completely still.
His hand, which was in his pocket, slowly came out.
Pallas stared at Yoran.
"Bro..."
No answer.
Livia looked at Yoran, then looked toward the arrival.
Her expression shifted slightly.
Yoran finally stepped down from the terrace.
His steps were calm, but much faster than usual.
Kasia had already walked closer first.
"Damn, I really thought you weren't gonna come!"
Zosia followed while laughing.
"I told you, don't cross her name off the list."
Ilona approached too.
"This really is a surprise."
Pallas stood a few steps behind them, still looking incredulous.
"Crazy. Six years, and then suddenly you show up."
Leocadio chuckled.
"Still remembers us, then."
Yoran stopped a few steps away from the crowd.
His gaze didn't move.
It had been years since he last saw you in person.
Livia slowly stood behind Yoran.
"Yoran..."
Yoran didn't answer.
Kasia turned to him, then smiled mischievously.
"Aren't you gonna say hi?"
Yoran finally spoke.
His voice was low and flat as always.
"Your name's still the same, right?"
Pallas immediately laughed.
You were stunned for a moment, then let out a small chuckle
"What kind of opener is that?"
Yoran ignored it.
His gaze was still fixed on you.
There was a brief pause.
Then he finally said your name.
"you."
Yoran took a slow breath.
"You actually came?"