It was just another boring day of classes.

  “Well… I’ll head over to Yulian’s place and play video games for the rest of the afternoon,” Damien thought.

  “Oh, a rose on the ground.”

  He stopped and picked it up.

  “Someone must’ve dropped it… I’ll give it to Mom. Although… now that I think about it, she doesn't really like flowers.”

  Suddenly, a strange dimensional rift appeared and, with violent force, tore him off the ground and pulled him inside.

  Within the distortion, he found what appeared to be a version of himself —about two or three years younger— also floating helplessly in the void.

  —Hey, dude! How did we end up here?! —the younger version shouted. He looked terrified and, strangely, he didn’t seem to recognize his older self.

  —I don’t know. I was on my way to see Yul—… someone. And then I was here —Damien replied.

  —Yeah, same! I was going to see my girlfriend —the younger one said nervously, shifting in midair—. And you’re holding a rose. So I’m guessing you were heading to a girlfriend too, huh?

  Damien froze at the mention of a girlfriend. He already knew who that was. It could only be Sarah.

  —Tell me —the older Damien said gently—, what is she like? We don’t know how long we’ll be stuck here.

  —Oh man… she’s the most beautiful girl in the world. Golden hair, eyes like the sea, a smile that brightens even the darkest day…

  His eyes shimmered with pure affection as he spoke about her. Damien remembered every one of those moments. Nostalgia —and something heavier— settled in his chest. He knew how that story would end.

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  But maybe… just maybe… this version of him could do better.

  —Hey… you okay? You look kinda sad —the younger Damien asked.

  —Oh. Yeah. I’m fine. Just remembered an old romance. I think I was just like you once.

  —What happened to her?

  Damien paused.

  —I loved her —he finally said softly—. But I don't want to bring you down with my story.

  The younger version didn’t fully understand, but he listened.

  —Listen —continued the older Damien, his tone firmer now—. That girl with golden hair… cherish her. Respect her. And above all — protect her. That’s what a man does. He protects his loved ones.

  —Whoa, big mood shift there —the younger one laughed awkwardly—. But yeah. I will. Don’t worry.

  The space around them flickered violently.

  —No matter where we move, we’re not going anywhere —the older Damien observed. He then noticed something in his younger self’s hand: a small box—. Are those chocolates?

  —Yeah. They’re her favorites.

  —I think your gift is missing something.

  He extended the rose.

  —Take this.

  —Wait — then what are you bringing to your date?

  —I’m sure this will mean more to you than it ever would to me.

  He smiled warmly. The younger Damien hesitated — then accepted it.

  —I don’t know you… but you feel familiar. Thanks.

  The distortion trembled again. They began drifting in opposite directions.

  —Hey! Thanks again for the rose! I hope this thing sends us back! By the way… what’s your name?!

  Damien’s form was already fading.

  —That doesn’t matter —he said gently—. Take care, Damien. And take care of Sarah.

  Darkness swallowed him.

  “How did he know my name… and Sarah’s?” —He thought for a second; something told him he would never see that person again.

  The younger Damien found himself back in his own timeline — standing right in front of Sarah’s house. Though it had felt like a week inside the distortion, barely five minutes had passed.

  —Hi, love! —Sarah called out, running toward him from the doorway.

  —I brought your favorite chocolates and… this rose. A friend suggested it.

  —For me too? I love it! Thank you!

  She hugged him, and they spent the afternoon together.

  In the other timeline, the older Damien arrived at Yulian’s house as planned.

  —Wow, I thought you weren’t coming. You’re never even five minutes late when it comes to gaming —Yulian joked.

  —Yeah… sorry about that. Had a small detour. But I hope I managed to brighten a young couple’s day.

  Yulian gave him a strange look.

  —You say that like you're some old man.

  Damien chuckled softly.

  —Ah, my friend… isn’t young love the most beautiful thing of all? Now come on — let’s play.