The first week of spring arrived, bringing with it the scent of blooming flowers and a bittersweet feeling that lingered in the hallways. It was the final month of high school — the time every student had waited for, yet secretly dreaded.
Every day felt shorter than the one before. The classrooms, once filled with chatter and noise, now buzzed with quieter energy. Some students revised their notes, others talked about future colleges, and a few just sat staring at the familiar walls, trying to capture every memory before it slipped away.
Aria stood by the window of her classroom, watching cherry petals dance in the wind outside. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, brushing her face gently. She smiled faintly, her heart heavy with the thought that soon, all of this — the same benches, the same corridors, the laughter, the arguments — would only live in memories.
"Hey," Ethan's voice broke her thoughts. He leaned against the window beside her, holding two cups of hot chocolate. "You look like you're about to cry."
Aria chuckled softly. "I'm just thinking… it's almost over, isn't it?"
Ethan handed her a cup. "Yeah, but we're still here right now. So, no crying yet, okay?"
She took a sip, warmth spreading through her hands and chest. "You're right. I'll wait until graduation day to cry."
"Good," he said with a grin. "Because if you cry, I'll probably end up crying too."
They both laughed quietly.
Across the room, Ryan and Mia were talking to some classmates. Even though Ethan still didn't like Ryan much, things had settled into a kind of uneasy peace. Everyone seemed to have accepted that the end of school was near — and no one wanted to leave it on bad terms.
The teacher entered, smiling in that familiar way that mixed pride and sadness.
"Alright, everyone," she began, "you all know this is our last full month together before exams begin. I hope you've all started revising. But before that, let's take a moment to look back at how far you've come."
A murmur of excitement filled the class. The teacher asked students to share their favorite memories of school life.
Ryan spoke first. "For me, it's the sports day," he said. "Even though we lost in the finals, I'll never forget the fun we had."
Mia rolled her eyes. "Losing is still losing."
The class laughed.
Then Aria raised her hand. "My favorite memory…" she paused, glancing at Ethan who was watching her with a smile, "was when we did the group art project last year. Everyone stayed late to finish it, and we ended up having dinner in class. It was chaotic and fun."
The teacher nodded warmly. "That was one of the best projects this school has seen."
When it was Ethan's turn, he scratched his neck awkwardly. "My favorite memory is… every morning I spent walking to school," he said, his eyes flickering briefly toward Aria. "Because someone always made sure I didn't oversleep."
The class burst into giggles, and Aria's cheeks turned pink. She nudged him lightly, whispering, "You're impossible."
He grinned. "You like me that way."
After the laughter died down, the teacher said softly, "You've all grown so much. I've watched you from your first nervous day in high school to now — confident young adults, ready for the world. I'm proud of each one of you."
Her voice cracked slightly at the end, and for a moment, everyone fell silent.
Later that afternoon, the class gathered in the courtyard for what had become an unspoken ritual — group photos. Friends draped arms around each other, teachers smiled for the camera, and the sound of laughter echoed across the school grounds.
"Come on, Aria, stand next to Ethan!" one of their classmates teased.
Ethan smirked, stepping beside her. "Guess they can't imagine a photo without us together."
Aria rolled her eyes playfully but didn't move away. "Maybe they're right."
Click.
The camera captured a picture — a frozen moment filled with smiles, sunlight, and the quiet promise of friendship.
As the afternoon faded, the students slowly drifted apart — some to study, some to spend one last lazy day under the big tree in the yard. Aria sat there with her friends, including Ethan, laughing about everything and nothing.
"Remember when you fell asleep during science class and drooled on your notebook?" Aria teased Ethan.
"Hey, that was one time!" he protested. "And for your information, I was resting my eyes."
"Sure," she said, giggling.
Ryan joined in. "You two never change. Always bickering, always together."
Ethan gave a mock glare. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Ryan raised his hands. "Nope. Just stating facts."
The laughter continued until the sun dipped low. When the final bell rang that day, something in Aria's heart tightened. She looked up at the building — the windows glowing gold in the evening light — and whispered, "It's really ending, isn't it?"
Ethan, standing beside her, heard her. "Not yet," he said gently. "We still have exams. And then graduation. And after that… university. Together."
She looked at him, a smile forming through the sadness. "Together," she repeated softly.
That night, at home, Aria sat at her desk surrounded by textbooks and notes. The memories of the day played in her mind like a movie — her teacher's voice, her friends' laughter, Ethan's smile. She sighed, picked up her pen, and began to study.
A message popped up on her phone.
Ethan: You studying or daydreaming?
Aria: Both, maybe.
Ethan: Need help with math tomorrow?
Aria: Yes. But only if you promise not to tease me for getting questions wrong.
Ethan: No promises. But I'll bring snacks.
Aria smiled. She leaned back in her chair, looking out the window at the same stars they had once watched from the terrace. Somewhere across the street, Ethan was probably looking at the same sky.
The night before exams began, the world felt heavy with nostalgia but light with hope.