The air between us was thick, heavy with a tension that was both familiar and utterly foreign. His gaze held mine, and in those depths, I saw a mix of so many emotions, a lot of which I couldn't decipher. He was here. In this room, filled with the people who knew me best, and strangers who wished me well. And he was asking for my autograph, using my full name as if we were old friends. It was surreal, disorienting.
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. My mind was a whirlwind, trying to process the implications of this unexpected encounter. He cleared his throat, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me. "Do you need a moment? I can come back."