Part 16: Stronger Than Ever

INTRO:

Love is a two-player game, where trust and assurance are key.

Both must make efforts to keep their bond strong,

For love flourishes when nurtured by both hearts.

"HAPPINESS"

Monday morning.

Angelo and Kate walk through campus, their hands intertwined.

The embarrassment of last Friday still lingers in the air,

But like a passing breeze, it slowly fades away.

Angelo pays no mind to the lingering rumors.

With his head held high, his heart feels light.

His grip on Kate's hand is firm, his steps full of energy.

Anyone can tell—something good happened to him.

"RELIEF"

Their friends, who had been worried since Friday,

Finally breathe easy upon seeing them together.

Angelo's friends pull him aside in the classroom.

Kate's friends question her in the cafeteria.

"We made up," they both say,

Their cheeks turning pink at the thought.

They don't go into details,

But their smiles say more than words ever could.

Their friends exchange knowing glances,

Relieved to see them happy again.

"MOVING FORWARD"

"I took my chance, but did I ever really have one?"

Jonathan stares out the window, lost in thought.

"Maybe I never belonged in this story."

Though his heart aches, he accepts the truth.

Kate was never his to hold.

Her happiness is what matters most—

Even if it's not with him.

With a deep breath, he looks at his plane ticket.

It's time to go home.

"SENDING HIM OFF"

Tuesday. Lunchtime.

Kate's phone lights up with a message from Jonathan.

"I'll be flying in an hour. Thanks for everything during my stay."

She pauses, conflicted.

Though their paths are different,

She can't let him leave without saying goodbye.

Dragging Angelo with her, they rush to the airport.

Angelo doesn't protest.

No matter what, Jonathan was still her childhood friend.

An apology was overdue.

"THE AIRPORT"

They arrive breathless,

Scanning the crowd until Kate spots him walking toward the gates.

"Jonathan!" she calls out.

He stops in his tracks, turning to face her.

For a moment, neither speak.

"I'll miss you," she finally says.

Jonathan hesitates,

His arms twitching as if he wants to hug her,

But he holds himself back.

Instead, he pats her head gently.

"I'll miss you too. I'll catch up with you someday."

Then he turns to Angelo.

His expression hardens slightly,

But there's no hostility—just a protective instinct.

"Take care of my little sister," he says, offering his hand.

"If I ever hear you made her cry,

I'll fly back and personally deal with you."

Angelo grips his hand firmly.

"Don't worry. I'll never make her cry."

His voice is steady, full of conviction.

"I love her, and I'll love her right."

Then, quieter, he adds—

"And… I'm sorry for punching you."

Jonathan lets out a laugh.

"The first punch was fair.

But if you try it again, I'll be ready next time."

The announcement for boarding echoes through the terminal.

Jonathan looks back one last time.

"Take care, you two."

And with that, he's gone.

"GROWING STRONGER"

A month passes since Jonathan's departure.

Life returns to normal.

Dates become more frequent.

Laughter comes easier.

Their love becomes more expressive,

Their trust deeper than ever.

Through whispered words and lingering touches,

They learn to love each other in new ways,

Growing together—stronger than before.

"UNDER THE WEATHER"

Kate buries herself under thick blankets, shivering.

A stubborn cold lingers in her body.

Yesterday's ice-skating date had been too fun to resist.

Three hours of twirling and teasing,

Followed by a motorcycle ride in the chilly night air.

Even with Angelo's jacket wrapped around her,

The cold found its way in.

Now, she pays the price.

"HIS CARE"

The moment Angelo hears she's sick,

He rushes to her house.

Her parents welcome him warmly.

He checks her forehead, worry filling his eyes.

She stirs awake,

Finding him by her side.

"Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

His voice is soft, full of concern.

He feeds her porridge—one he made himself.

The taste is slightly off, but Kate doesn't mind.

She smiles, touched by his effort.

By evening, her fever breaks.

Angelo kisses her forehead.

"Rest well, my love," he whispers before heading home.

Kate falls asleep feeling cherished.

"ACADEMIC PARTNERS"

Despite their endless dates,

Their grades never falter.

They remain at the top of their class,

Proving love and ambition can coexist.

They push each other to be better,

Supporting and uplifting—

A perfect balance of romance and responsibility.

"FINAL EXAMS"

With exams approaching,

Their dates shift to libraries and cafés.

Textbooks replace menus,

Highlighters replace candlelight.

Yet, even in the midst of studying,

Their fingers remain intertwined.

Love isn't just about grand gestures,

It's in the quiet moments—

The shared glances between pages,

The gentle squeeze of a hand,

The silent promise that they're in this together.

OUTRO:

College love is about balance—

A time for dates, a time for studies.

A perfect mix of passion and dedication,

Where love and ambition grow hand in hand.

Because when two hearts beat as one,

Even the toughest challenges become easy to overcome.