Chapter 44: Graduation and Future Plans

Months passed, and soon, it was my turn to graduate. Unlike Mahiru, I had chosen a university closer to home, but I was determined to bridge the gap between us.

At my graduation ceremony, Mahiru surprised me by showing up. The moment I saw her standing there, beaming with pride, I forgot all about the speech or the crowd around us.

"You're here," I breathed, pulling her into a hug.

"Of course," she said. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

As we celebrated together, I realized something—I was ready for the next step. I wanted a future where we wouldn't have to be apart.

That evening, as we sat on a quiet bench overlooking the city, I took a deep breath. "Mahiru… after university, let's live together."

She turned to me, eyes wide. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "I don't want to be apart anymore. I want to wake up beside you every morning, come home to you every evening."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she smiled. "Then… let's do it."

And just like that, our future became clearer.