Tell Me Lies

The Past Returns

It had been three years—three long, bittersweet years—since I'd last seen Aiyana. We'd kept in touch, of course. Texts, calls, and the occasional video chat, but life had its way of pulling us in different directions. Distance didn't change our bond, though. She was still my best friend, the one person who understood me without needing to say a word. And today, I was finally going to see her again.

I stood outside the café, a wave of nostalgia washing over me as I remembered the countless times we used to meet here after class. My heart raced with excitement and a bit of nerves. Three years was a long time. People changed, even best friends.

The door chimed as I stepped inside, the familiar smell of coffee and pastries immediately putting me at ease. I scanned the room, and then I saw her.

Aiyana.

She hadn't changed much, though her hair was longer now, cascading in loose waves over her shoulders. She spotted me instantly, her face lighting up in that bright, infectious smile that could make you feel at home no matter where you were.

"Zaire!" she squealed, rushing toward me and wrapping me in a tight hug. "I can't believe it's really you!"

I laughed, hugging her back just as tightly. "I know! It's been way too long."

We pulled apart, but her hands lingered on my arms as if she still couldn't believe I was standing in front of her. "You look amazing! You haven't aged a day."

"Neither have you," I said with a grin, though my eyes were searching her face, taking in the slight differences time had brought. "It's crazy how much time has passed."

"I know," she sighed, her eyes shining with emotion. "I missed you so much. There's so much to catch up on."

Before I could respond, Aiyana turned slightly, her gaze flicking behind her. "Oh, and there's someone I want you to meet."

That's when I noticed him.

Standing just a few steps away was a man I hadn't seen in years, yet he was etched into my memory so clearly that it felt like I'd just seen him yesterday. The curve of his jaw, the way he stood, his deep brown eyes—everything hit me all at once, like a wave I hadn't been prepared for.

Omari.

My breath caught in my throat, my heart slamming against my ribs as the world seemed to tilt around me. I blinked, trying to keep my expression neutral, but my mind was spinning.

How? Of all people...

"Zaire," Aiyana continued, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me, "this is Omari, my boyfriend."

Boyfriend. The word echoed in my mind, bouncing around as I tried to process it. This couldn't be happening. The man I had fallen for, the man I had loved and lost—standing here, now, as her boyfriend.

I managed a smile, but it felt fragile like it could shatter at any moment. "Omari," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling inside me.

Omari's eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of recognition there—something that mirrored the same shock I was feeling. He hesitated for a moment before offering a small, tight smile. "Zaire."

It was all he said, but it was enough—a simple acknowledgment that carried the weight of everything unsaid between us.

Aiyana, oblivious to the tension, beamed between us. "Isn't this crazy? I can't believe you two haven't met before now. I guess the world's finally small enough, huh?"

I forced a laugh, nodding. "Yeah, small world."

The rest of the conversation blurred as I tried to keep my composure. Aiyana was excited and animated as she talked about their relationship, how they met, and how perfect everything had been. And all I could do was smile and nod, pretending that every word wasn't driving a knife deeper into my chest.

I thought I had moved on from Omari. I thought I had left those feelings behind in the past, neatly packed away in a box I never intended to open again. But seeing him now, with her—the woman who meant the world to me—brought everything rushing back.

I stole a glance at him, catching the way his gaze lingered on me before he quickly looked away. There was something there, something unresolved. But now wasn't the time to unravel it. Not here. Not like this.

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A/N

Did the time jump make sense or should I work on it more. Let me know

Thank you for reading this

With love

A