The last bell of their high school life echoed through the hallways — a sound both familiar and strange. It wasn't just the end of a school day anymore; it was the end of years filled with laughter, fights, secrets, and countless memories. The corridors that once echoed with chatter now buzzed with a bittersweet silence.
Aria stood by her locker, her fingers lightly tracing the small doodles she and Ethan had drawn years ago — tiny hearts and inside jokes scribbled in ink that had long faded but memories that never would. She smiled faintly, brushing away a small tear before anyone could notice.
Ethan walked up beside her, carrying his usual crooked smile. "Nostalgic already?" he teased softly.
Aria turned to him with a half-smile. "Maybe a little. It feels strange… knowing we won't walk these halls again."
He leaned casually against the locker next to hers. "Yeah, no more late homework panic, no more hiding from Mr. Carter when we're late to class."
Aria chuckled, remembering those times. "You mean you hiding while I tried to cover for you?"
Ethan shrugged playfully. "Teamwork, remember?"
Their laughter faded into a gentle silence as they both realized how much they'd miss this place — their friends, their teachers, even the mundane moments.
Soon, the school hall was filled with students hugging, exchanging notes, and taking endless pictures. Teachers stood at the doors, giving heartfelt advice and wishes for the future. Aria's best friend, Lily, came running to her, pulling her into a tight hug.
"I can't believe it's over," Lily said, tears in her eyes.
Aria hugged her back tightly. "I know… it feels like just yesterday we were complaining about assignments."
They clicked a few pictures together — funny poses, peace signs, and one where Ethan stood behind Aria, making bunny ears above her head. When she noticed the photo, she turned to scold him, but he only grinned. "You'll thank me later when you're missing me."
"Who said I'll miss you?" she asked, pretending to sound annoyed.
"Your face did," he said with that smirk she couldn't resist smiling back at.
As the farewell ceremony began, everyone gathered in the decorated auditorium. The teachers gave speeches about growth, hard work, and how proud they were of all the students. But when Ethan's name was called for his achievements in sports, Aria clapped the loudest. Her heart swelled with pride watching him walk to the stage, his confident stride making her realize once again how much he had grown.
Later, Aria was called up too — for her academic excellence. Ethan whistled loudly, making her blush in front of everyone. "That's my girlfriend!" he whispered as she returned to her seat, and she nudged him, embarrassed but secretly overjoyed.
After the ceremony, their friends gathered in the school garden — a place where they had spent countless breaks. The sun was setting, painting the sky in orange and pink hues. Everyone talked about their future plans — which colleges they were going to, what they wanted to become, who they'd stay in touch with. Some cried, some laughed through tears.
Ethan sat beside Aria on the bench under their favorite tree. "So… university life next, huh?"
"Yeah," she said softly. "It feels exciting, but also a bit scary. Everything will be new again."
He looked at her, his expression turning serious. "Hey, no matter where we go or how busy life gets… I'll still be there. I promised, didn't I?"
Aria turned her head toward him, eyes glistening. "You did. And I'll hold you to that promise."
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Good. Because I plan to keep it — for a lifetime."
They sat there quietly, watching their friends joke and click selfies, the cool evening breeze dancing around them. It felt like the world had slowed down — like this moment was meant just for them.
"Do you remember our first day here?" Aria asked suddenly.
"How could I forget? You were the new girl who wouldn't talk to anyone."
"And you were the boy who wouldn't stop talking to me," she shot back, smiling.
Ethan laughed. "Looks like my persistence paid off."
Aria leaned her head lightly on his shoulder. "It did."
The sky grew darker, and the farewell slowly came to an end. One by one, their friends began leaving, their laughter fading into the distance. Aria and Ethan stayed a little longer, not ready to say goodbye just yet.
Finally, Ethan stood up and offered her his hand. "Come on, let's go home before your parents start worrying."
She took his hand, standing up. "You'll still walk me home every day in college?"
He chuckled. "If you'll still wait for me every morning."
They walked together, hand in hand, through the empty streets glowing under soft streetlights. The night felt peaceful — like a gentle pause between endings and beginnings.
When they reached Aria's gate, she turned to face him. "Thank you… for everything. For being there, for making high school so special."
Ethan smiled, stepping closer. "Thank you for being my reason to smile every single day."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world seemed to fade away. Ethan leaned in slightly, and she looked up at him, heart pounding. Then, instead of a kiss, he gently brushed his thumb against her cheek and whispered, "See you tomorrow, my forever."
Aria smiled, blinking away tears. "See you tomorrow, my always."
As she walked inside, she turned back to see him still standing there, watching her with a soft smile. The next chapter of their lives was waiting — but tonight, they let themselves live this beautiful ending fully, hand in hand, heart to heart.