Chapter 38: Graduation Day, A New Chapter

The day had finally arrived. The school auditorium buzzed with excitement as students in their neatly pressed uniforms lined up to receive their diplomas. I stood in the crowd, barely registering the ceremony, my thoughts solely on Mahiru.

When it was her turn to walk across the stage, I felt my breath hitch. She carried herself with the same elegance as always, but there was something different today—an undeniable glow of confidence and strength.

As the final speech concluded, students threw their caps into the air, cheering as confetti rained down. I searched the crowd frantically until I found her, standing near the exit, waiting for me.

Without hesitation, I ran toward her and pulled her into a tight embrace. "We did it."

She nodded against my chest. "Yes, we did."

We held onto each other, letting the moment sink in. This was it—the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

And I was ready to face it, as long as she was by my side.