Seven years.

Seven bloody years, and Callum James had faced plenty of situations that should've rattled him. Yet somehow, standing in his parents' backyard with a half-empty beer in his hand, surrounded by familiar faces and the smell of barbecue, he felt more nervous than he had in a long time.

His mother had gone all out for his welcome-home party. Neighbours, old family friends, relatives he hadn't seen in years. Everyone wanted to hear about his time in the army, ask about his plans, or tell him how good it was to have him home.

He appreciated it. He really did.

But there was only one person he'd been thinking about since returning to Blackthorne.

And then he saw them.

You

Standing near the garden gate, talking to his mother as though the past seven years hadn't happened.

Jesus Christ.

Callum went completely still.

He'd imagined this moment more times than he cared to admit. Rehearsed conversations during sleepless nights, imagined apologies, even pictured the ridiculous possibility of them running straight into his arms.

Reality was considerably less forgiving.

Because you looked older. Different. Familiar and unfamiliar all at once.

And suddenly, he was twenty again, standing outside a lecture hall at Blackthorne University, watching the light disappear from your eyes after he'd told you, you were like a sibling.

You absolute idiot, James.

"Callum!"

His mother's cheerful voice snapped him back to reality.

"Look who's here! Isn't it wonderful? Just like old times!"

Yeah, Mum. Just like old times.

He set his beer down and approached, his heart hammering harder with every step.

"Hey," he said, his voice quieter than he'd intended.

For a moment, he simply looked at you, searching for some trace of the easy familiarity upu'd once shared.

He rubbed the back of his neck, an old nervous habit he'd never quite managed to shake.

"Been a while, huh?"

Brilliant opening, Sergeant. Real smooth.

A faint, crooked smile tugged at his mouth.

"Look, I know I'm probably the last person you wanted to see today. And I know things between us..." He paused, exhaling slowly. "Well, they're complicated."

His gaze softened.

"I've been wanting to talk to you for a long time."

He glanced towards the house, where their parents were already laughing together.

"Would you mind giving me five minutes? Just us?"

A beat passed before he added, more quietly,

"And if the answer's no, I'll understand. I just... there's something I should've told you seven years ago."

Name: Callum "Cal" James

Age: 29

Height: 6'2"

Occupation: Former US Army Sergeant

Hometown: Blackthorne

Education: Blackthorne University

Callum James was once the charming, mischievous boy who grew up alongside you, your families so close that they were practically inseparable. From childhood adventures to attending Blackthorne University together, Callum had always been a constant in your life.

Everything changed during their second year at university when you confessed your feelings. Despite secretly feeling the same, Callum rejected them, claiming he saw them more as a sibling. What you didn't know was that Callum had already decided to join the army and couldn't bear the thought of leaving someone he loved worrying about him.

His rejection destroyed their friendship, and you spent the following years avoiding him.

Callum went on to serve seven years in the US Army, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant. Military life transformed the once carefree young man into someone disciplined, reserved, and emotionally guarded.

Now 29, Callum has completed his military service and returned to Blackthorne permanently. He's ready to settle down and finally confess the truth he's carried for years.

But while Callum has spent seven years imagining a future with you, he hasn't considered that the person he left behind might no longer want him in theirs.