Side Story (1) - Chapter 6
Milo leaned back in his chair, the hum of his computer filling the small, quiet apartment. His latest coaching session had just ended, but his mind was elsewhere—drifting to the upcoming visit from Fayne. He glanced at the clock on his desk. A few hours to go before he needed to head to the station and meet her train. A part of him still hoped she might cancel, sparing him the nerves that had been building all week. But another part of him, a quieter, hopeful part, was relieved that she hadn't.
He got up and surveyed the room, taking in the freshly cleared countertops and vacuumed floors. Yesterday, he had spent hours cleaning, picking up every stray cup and crumpled note that had accumulated over the months. The effort had left his muscles sore, but the apartment now felt almost unfamiliar—neat and tidy, a far cry from his usual mess.
Milo rubbed the back of his neck, trying to shake off the unease. He had never been the type to let people into his space easily, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd invited someone over, especially not Fayne. It had been years since she'd been to his home—back when their families would visit each other, and sleepovers had been filled with whispered conversations and shared dreams. Now, everything felt different, more complicated.
He glanced at the cluttered corner near his desk, where old game guides and notebooks sat in a haphazard pile. For a moment, he considered shoving them in the closet, but then he left them as they were. Letting her see a piece of his real life, even just a little bit, felt right. It was strange—how much he wanted to make things work, despite the doubts that still lingered.
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As the time ticked closer, Milo threw on a hoodie that he hoped made him look casual rather than anxious. He ran a hand through his chestnut hair, attempting to tame the unruly strands that always seemed to fall into his hazel eyes. He looked at himself in the mirror—a mix of nervous energy and anticipation reflected back at him. It was unsettling to see himself like this, caring so much about a visit.
With a deep breath, he grabbed his keys and headed out. The walk to the train station felt longer than usual, the cold air biting at his face as he buried his hands deep into his pockets. His thoughts drifted back to the messages he and Fayne had exchanged over the past few weeks—short, hesitant at first, but slowly becoming more genuine. The thought of seeing her in person again filled him with a mix of dread and hope. This could be a chance, he thought, if only he didn't mess it up.
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Meanwhile, Fayne sat by the window of the train, watching the city blur past. She had tucked her hands inside her coat, trying to stave off the chill that seemed to seep into everything. Her breath fogged up the glass, and she absentmindedly traced patterns in the condensation, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach.
The train ride felt like it lasted forever, each station bringing her closer to Milo's city and the uncertain reunion waiting for her there. She remembered when visiting Milo had been a regular part of her childhood—running through his family's backyard, sharing secrets in the attic. Now, she wondered what his place would look like, what parts of the Milo she used to know she might find there.
When the train finally pulled into the station, Fayne took a deep breath, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck as she stepped onto the platform. She spotted Milo almost immediately—standing off to the side, his hands jammed into the pockets of his hoodie, shoulders hunched against the cold. He lifted a hand in a small, almost shy wave when he caught sight of her.
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"Hey, Milo," Fayne greeted as she approached, offering a warm smile that she hoped masked her own nerves. The cold air stung her cheeks, but seeing him there, waiting, made her feel a bit more at ease.
"Hey," Milo replied, his voice quieter than usual, but there was a softness in his expression that made Fayne's chest tighten. She could see the effort he had put in just by showing up, and it made her appreciate the moment all the more.
They walked side by side through the streets toward Milo's apartment. The city around them was bustling with the usual weekend activity, but Fayne's focus remained on the conversation they were trying to maintain. It was strange, seeing Milo outside the context of their screens and chat windows—vulnerable in a way that felt oddly nostalgic.
As they neared his building, Milo paused, glancing over at Fayne with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "It's... not much," he said, as if trying to set expectations. "But I cleaned up a bit, so... yeah."
Fayne's heart softened, and she reached out to gently nudge his arm. "I'm sure it'll be fine, Milo. It's just nice to see you in person again."
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Milo unlocked the door, pushing it open with a creak that seemed to match the awkwardness of the moment. As Fayne stepped inside, she took in the apartment—small, but cozy. It wasn't exactly tidy, but she could tell he had put in an effort. A blanket was neatly folded over the back of the couch, and the countertops were surprisingly clear of clutter. The faint scent of cleaning products lingered in the air, mixing with the familiar warmth of a lived-in space.
She turned to Milo, offering him a genuine smile. "It's nice, really. Thanks for inviting me over."
Milo's expression softened, and for a moment, the tension seemed to lift. "Yeah... thanks for coming."
They settled into the living room, and Milo offered Fayne a cup of tea—something he had picked up specifically for her visit. As they sat down on the couch, the initial awkwardness began to fade, replaced by the quieter, more tentative connection they had started to rebuild.
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Fayne cradled the warm cup in her hands, glancing around the room before her gaze settled back on Milo. "You know, you've told me so much about your coaching, but I don't think I've ever really seen this side of your life before. It's... different, seeing you like this."
Milo shrugged, his cheeks turning slightly pink, though whether from the warmth or her words, Fayne couldn't tell. "Yeah, well... I guess I got used to keeping things private. It's easier that way, you know?"
Fayne nodded, sipping her tea thoughtfully. "I get it. But I'm glad you let me in, even if it's just a little bit. It means a lot."
Milo glanced over at her, meeting her eyes for a moment longer than he usually dared. "It's been... nice, talking to you again. Even if it's different now. I missed this—us."
The admission hung between them, and Fayne felt a small, warm glow spread through her chest. It wasn't a grand gesture, but it felt honest, like a piece of the Milo she used to know. "I missed it too, Milo," she replied, her voice soft but sincere.
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the kind that came with familiarity. As the afternoon light filtered through the window, casting a golden glow across the room, they both realized that while things might never be the same as they once were, there was a new potential here—one that they were willing to explore, together.