Damon pulled into the familiar parking lot just as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The engine went quiet, but the world around him didn't. Somewhere nearby, laughter rang out, loud, careless, unmistakably familiar.
He sat in the car for a moment, taking it in.
This place hadn't changed. Same cracked pavement. Same chipped railings. Same noise that never seemed to sleep. It felt strange how quickly it welcomed him back, as if he had never left at all.
Damon stepped out of the car and stretched his arms when a voice cut through the air just then two girls who passed by looked sternly at him
"Look who finally decided to come back to the real world!"
He turned to see Lewis leaning against the railing above the parking lot, coffee cup in hand, grin wide and unapologetic. Trevor stood beside him, shaking his head in mock disbelief, while Rodney watched with a knowing smirk.
"I was starting to think you'd retired," Trevor called out. "Living the rich-boy life full-time."
Rodney laughed. "Yeah, man. Should've stayed home. Breakfast with Mom every morning? No rent? No stress?"
Damon shut the car door and shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "You guys never miss an opportunity, do you?"
"That's literally our job," Lewis said, pushing off the railing as he headed down. "To keep you grounded."
They met him halfway, quick handshakes turning into rough pats on the back. The familiarity settled over Damon easily—natural, effortless—like slipping into something that had always been his.
For the first time since the drive back, he felt himself relax.
Trevor's gaze drifted toward the car. "Hold on… that's yours now?"
Damon hesitated for half a second, then nodded. "Yeah."
A chorus of low whistles followed immediately.
"Wow," Rodney muttered. "Must be nice."
Lewis chuckled. "Guess we know who's driving this semester."
"Don't push it," Damon replied, amused.
They laughed, the sound bouncing around the parking lot, drawing glances from passing students. Damon didn't mind. He had missed this—missed them—even if he hadn't admitted it out loud.
"So," Trevor said as they started walking toward the apartment building, "you staying long?"
"Whole semester," Damon answered.
Rodney grinned. "Good. Place hasn't been the same without you."
Damon glanced around as they climbed the stairs. The walls were familiar. The air smelled the same. Every corner held echoes of old arguments, late nights, careless laughter. For a moment, it all felt easy—too easy.
Lewis slung an arm over his shoulder. "Come on. Drop your stuff. You've got stories to tell."
Inside the apartment, the noise followed them in, filling the space instantly. Damon set his bag down, looking around like he was seeing it for the first time again. Nothing had changed—but somehow, he had.
He leaned against the wall, listening to the familiar chaos, letting it wash over him.
Coming back felt good.
That was the problem.
Homecomings had a way of making you forget the promises you made to yourself while you were away.
To be continued...