Chapter 36: The Angel’s Wings, Ready to Fly

The closer we got to graduation, the more I noticed the subtle changes in Mahiru's demeanor. She was still the same radiant person I had fallen for, but there was a quiet hesitance in her steps, a flicker of uncertainty that she tried to hide behind her usual graceful smile.

One evening, after finishing dinner at my place, I found her staring out of the window, watching the lights of the city below. I walked over and leaned against the frame beside her.

"What's on your mind?" I asked softly.

She hesitated before responding. "I received my university acceptance letters today."

I smiled. "That's great news. I never doubted you would get in."

She nodded, but her fingers clutched the hem of her sweater. "But… the best program is far from here."

A silence stretched between us, the weight of reality settling in. We both knew this moment would come eventually, but neither of us had truly prepared for it.

I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers. "You should go."

She turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "But I don't want to leave you."

I exhaled deeply. "Mahiru, this is your dream. You've worked so hard for it. I'd never forgive myself if I held you back."

Her hands trembled slightly. "But… what if it takes us in different directions?"

I squeezed her hand tighter. "Then we'll find our way back to each other. No matter what."

A tear slid down her cheek, and I wiped it away gently. "You were meant to fly, Mahiru. And I'll always be here, waiting for you to come back."

She clung to me, burying her face in my shoulder. "Promise me we'll make it work."

I kissed the top of her head. "I promise."

And in that moment, even with the uncertainty of the future ahead, I knew—we were strong enough to face whatever came next.