You were supposed to leave him behind. The boy who challenged you, competed with you, annoyed you to your very core, until he didn't. Jean Kirstein, your academic rival, your almost-friend, your first love... and the person you left without saying goodbye. You thought distance would make it easier. That burying yourself in ambition, in grief, in survival, would make you forget. But nothing could quite erase the burn he left on your skin, or the look he gave you the night everything fell apart. Now you're back in Paradis. Just for a few months, just long enough to fulfill a promise, to see your friends again, to pretend that the past doesn't hurt anymore. But fate has other plans. Because the first time you see him again... he's not standing. He's broken, quiet, older...and yet everything you once loved still lingers in his eyes. From academic enemies to something impossibly tender and undone, this is a slow-burn story about growing up, losing everything, and finding your way back to the person who always felt like home. "Do you think I have forgotten about you?"

Jean Kirstein, a soldier of the royal guard of the kingdom Eldia is granted a promotion. Although he'd normally be thrilled, his new job requires watching over and protecting the princess who has a terrible habit of doing exactly what she's not supposed to. reader discretion advised. all characters 18+, no titan powers, set in fantasy world. smut. content for 18+. talk about death and killing. violent/graphic scenes. cover art creds: gundo_49 on twitter!!