Where do we go now?

Chapter 1 - Three Years Ago

Three years ago.

June was twenty years old and had lived in Manchester her entire life. The city was in her blood—the constant noise, the cold evenings, the lights reflecting on wet streets after rain. She loved nights like this: dressed up, music vibrating through her body, laughter echoing between her and her friends as they stepped into a crowded club in the city center.

The air inside was warm and heavy, filled with perfume, sweat, and bass that made the floor tremble. June pushed through the crowd with her friends, ordering drinks and finding a spot near the bar. She wasn't looking for anything special that night. Just fun. Just distraction.

That was when Ferran saw her.

He was standing with a small group of friends, casually leaning against a high table, when his eyes landed on her. For a moment, everything else faded—the noise, the lights, the people around him. June was laughing, her head thrown back slightly, her hair catching the flashing lights above. There was something about her that pulled him in instantly. Effortless. Natural. Beautiful.

He couldn't look away.

Ferran wasn't the type to hesitate for long. After exchanging a quick look with his friends, he straightened up and made his way through the crowd toward her. June noticed him approaching and felt her heart skip slightly. He was confident, tall, with warm eyes and an easy smile.

"Hi," he said, leaning in so she could hear him over the music. "I'm Ferran."

June smiled. "June."

They started talking, shouting over the music at first, laughing when they had to repeat themselves. It felt surprisingly easy. Ferran was charming without trying too hard, asking questions and actually listening to her answers. June found herself relaxing, drawn in by his accent and the way he looked at her like she was the only person in the room.

As the night went on, they moved closer together, eventually stepping outside where the music was muffled and the cool night air wrapped around them. The street was quieter, lit by orange streetlights, the sounds of the city humming softly in the background.

Out here, everything felt more intense.

Their conversation slowed, turning into lingering looks and subtle touches. Ferran leaned against the wall, June standing close in front of him. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers barely grazing her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.

They looked at each other for a long moment, the tension thick between them.

"Can I kiss you?" Ferran asked softly.

June nodded.

Their lips met, gently at first, then deeper. The kiss grew more intense, full of emotion and curiosity, like neither of them wanted to be the first to pull away. Ferran's hand rested on her waist, steady and warm. June melted into the kiss, her heart racing.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing a little heavier.

Ferran smiled, his forehead resting briefly against hers. "Come home with me," he said quietly.

The words hit June like a sudden shock. Something inside her snapped her back to reality. She took a small step back, shaking her head.

"No," she said quickly.

Ferran blinked, clearly surprised. "Why not? We're having a good time."

June swallowed. "I don't want that, Ferran."

For the first time that night, his confidence faltered. He wasn't used to hearing no—not after a night like this. Most girls would have said yes without thinking twice. He studied her face, realizing she was serious.

"Oh," he said, nodding slowly. "Okay. I won't force you."

June offered him a small, apologetic smile. "Thank you."

She turned and walked away, heading back toward the club where her friends were waiting. After a few steps, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. Ferran was still standing there, watching her leave, disappointment written clearly across his face.

Then she was gone.

Ferran stayed outside for a moment longer, the night suddenly feeling colder than before. He let out a quiet breath and ran a hand through his hair. He hadn't even asked for her number. The realization hit him hard. Chances were, he would never see her again.

With a heavy feeling in his chest, he turned and began the walk home, the image of June's smile lingering in his mind long after the night had ended.