At AA News headquarters in the conference room:
"Last night, news of Ryan Miller taking a break from boxing was unexpected after winning his third championship," the manager stated, pacing at the front of the room.
"We need to find out why. Currently, he's here in Honolulu, so we have to uncover the reason for this sudden break," he added, his tone insistent.
One of the reporters raised a hand hesitantly. "But sir… don't you think we should respect his privacy? He's taking a break for a reason, and maybe there's a good reason they didn't want to tell us why."
The manager paused, looking around the room. "I understand your concern, but this is a big story. Our job is to report the news, and right now, the public wants to know why a champion like Ryan Miller is stepping away at the height of his career. We need to dig deeper."
Another reporter chimed in, "We could reach out to his team for an official statement. Maybe they'll provide some details without us having to invade his privacy."
The manager nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good start. But we should also see if we can find out more on our own. Talk to people who know him, look into his recent activities. We need to piece together the full story."
One of the junior reporters spoke up, "I have a contact who works at the gym where Ryan used to train. Maybe they have some insight."
"Good," the manager said, "Follow up on that. Everyone else, I want you to dig into any connections you might have. Let's get the facts, but remember to be respectful. We don't want to harass him or his family."
The team nodded, understanding the delicate balance they had to strike.
....
Ella and Stacy walked out of the conference room, the bustle of the newsroom continuing around them. "Ha, thank god I'm ready to go home," Ella said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"So, what do you think about the whole Ryan Miller thing?" Stacy asked, a curious glint in her eye.
"I'm not working on it. I'm not interested at all," Ella replied quickly.
"Why not? You never miss out on any celebrity gossip," Stacy said, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, I'm missing out on this gossip," Ella remarked firmly.
Stacy gave her a sideways glance. "Why do I get the feeling there's more to this?"
Ella shrugged, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Just not my thing this time."
"Alright," Stacy said, though she didn't sound entirely convinced. "Anyways, want to grab something to eat after work?"
"Sure, but you're treating," Ella replied with a grin.
Stacy laughed. "Deal. Let's hit that new sushi place downtown."
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Later that afternoon Ryan's pov:
As I walked into the sushi place, my face covered with a mask and hat, I looked around searching for Eric.
"Can I help you, sir?" a waiter asked, her expression polite.
"Table for Eric Dobbling," I replied.
She smiled and nodded, leading me through the bustling restaurant to a table near the back, where Eric was sitting.
Eric spotted me and stood up with a grin. "Ryan! Over here!"
I made my way to the table and took a seat, pulling off my mask and hat. "Hey, Eric. Good to see you."
He reached out to give me a firm handshake. "It's great to see you too, man. You look like you're hiding from the paparazzi."
I chuckled. "You know how it is. Just trying to keep a low profile." I took off my mask but kept my hat on.
Eric laughed, and we settled into our seats. The waiter handed us menus and took our drink orders before leaving us to catch up.
"So, how have you been?" Eric asked, his tone genuine. "I mean, besides the whole championship thing. How's the arm?"
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's been a rollercoaster. The arm's a pain, but the doctor says it'll heal with time. Just gotta take it easy for a while."
Eric nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. It's gotta be tough for you, taking a break right after such a big win."
"Yeah, it is," I admitted. "But I guess it's a sign to slow down a bit and take care of myself."
The waiter returned with our drinks, and we placed our orders.
"So how do you feel being back home? I'm sure you missed the Honolulu beach," Eric asked, leaning back in his chair.
I smiled, thinking of the beach. "Yeah, I missed it a lot. There's something about the ocean that just calms me down. Being back here, it's like I can finally breathe again."
Eric nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "I get that. There's no place like home, especially when you've been away for so long."
"Exactly," I agreed. "It's been great spending time with my family too. I didn't realize how much I needed this."
"Family's important," Eric said. "They keep you grounded. And it's not just about taking a break physically. Mentally, you need it too."
I nodded, appreciating his understanding. Suddenly, Eric jumped up in his chair, leaning in close with excitement in his eyes. "There's a class reunion next week Wednesday. You should come."
I smiled and shook my head. "I don't know, man. Reunions aren't really my thing."
"Why not? Everyone will be excited to see you there. Plus, you'll get to meet the other guys," Eric insisted, his enthusiasm infectious.
I laughed, trying to brush it off. "I guess I just don't want to be the center of attention. You know how it is."
Eric sat back, crossing his arms. "Come on, Ryan. It's not just about you. It's about all of us catching up and reliving old times. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to get out and have some fun."
I sighed, considering his words. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go. As long as you promise to keep the spotlight off me."
Eric grinned. "Deal. I'll make sure you're not the main attraction. But seriously, it'll be great to see everyone again."
As we continued talking, the waiter brought us our food, and Eric continued chatting about our old friends.
Thirty minutes into the dinner, we were finished and it was time to pay and head out.
As we were walking out the door, we suddenly bumped into two women. "Oh, sorry about that," Eric apologized.
"Oh, Ella, what a nice surprise," he smiled.
I looked over at the two women, and it suddenly hit me. Here she was, standing right next to me—Ella. My Ella. She wasn't the same girl I knew growing up; she was now a woman, and still beautiful as ever.
"Let's go, Eric. We're blocking the entrance," I said quickly, putting on my mask and pushing him out the door.
"See you soon, Ella," he said, waving back at her.
Once outside, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Eric gave me a knowing look. "You okay, man?"
"Yeah, just... wasn't expecting to see her like that," I admitted.
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Ella pov:
"Is that Ryan?" Stacy asked as they walked away, I shrugged my shoulders and headed inside the restaurant.
"Wait, your friend knows Ryan Miller?!" She asked as she followed behind, "Yeah." I replied.
"So you also know him personally, right?" She questioned, "I'm not associated with Ryan miller." I replied.
"Come on, I'm sure you must be close to Ryan since you're friend is." She assumed.
"No I'm not." I replied.
"Table for two please." I said to the waiter.
As he lead us to the table Stacy kept asking questions form left and right but I couldn't get my mind off the fact the Ryan was actually back.
After 5 years, he was finally back and all I can do is act like I never knew him.
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"I'm back Nana!" I announced as I entered the house taking off my shoes.
"Welcome back Nunu, I made your favorite dish." She said from the kitchen.
"I told I was eating out today Nana." I said as I entered the kitchen, "It's not good to always eat out, home made food is the best. Sit and eat." She said as she put fish soup in a bowl.
"What can I do without out you." I smiled taking a seat, "I don't know either." She chuckled setting the food infront of me.
"Thank you for the food." "Anything for my Nunu." She smiled as she brushed my hair out my face.
As I ate we talked, and made little jokes.
"Did you hear that Ryan is back, you should go see him tomorrow I'm sure he will be happy to see you." She suddenly mentioned.
"After what happened 5 years ago I don't think he has forgiven me, plus there's no need to rekindle with him our friendship ended a long time ago." I replied.
"You know Ryan is not like that, I think you both should let the past go." She stated.
I shook my head stand firm in my decision, there's no way I was going to put myself in a awkward situation. It's also obvious that he doesn't want to rekindle with me.
"Let by gones be by gones Nana, things are great like this." I said.
Nana sighed, giving me a knowing look. "Nunu, sometimes holding onto the past does more harm than good. You've both grown and changed. Maybe it's time to see if things can be different now."
"I appreciate your advice, Nana, but I'm not ready for that. Seeing him today was already more than I expected," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
She nodded, understanding. "Just promise me you won't close the door completely. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, it's worth giving people a second chance."
"I promise I'll think about it," I said, not wanting to disappoint her.
After dinner, I helped Nana clean up and then headed to my room. As I lay on my bed, I couldn't help but replay the moment I saw Ryan in my mind. He looked different, more mature, but his presence still had the same effect on me. I sighed, knowing that the past was still too fresh in my mind to easily let go.
TBC