Stephen's POV

As we embarked on our journey in Eric's car, a tingling sensation of shyness washed over me. It was an entirely new experience, riding in someone else's vehicle, and the fact that he was driving me to the entrance of our village made my heart flutter. As we ventured down the familiar road, it felt as though I had traversed this path countless times before, as if it held a special place in my memories.

"By the way, which village do you reside in?" Eric inquired, ...