Part 18: The Next Chapter

INTRO:

Separations aren't a challenge

for a love that is strong.

Distance may stretch between them,

but love reaches beyond it all.

"HIS 4TH YEAR"

Now in his final year,

his circle remains active—

laughter and joy still by his side.

Yet, he often finds himself staring out a window,

wondering what his senior is doing now.

Still, his schedule is packed—

projects here, coding there, coding everywhere.

"BUSY"

While Angelo is buried in schoolwork,

Kate's focus is just as tight.

A fresh graduate, she has set her sights

on the CPA Licensure Examination.

Confident in her abilities,

she is determined to give it her all—

willing to risk everything for a great future.

With a picture of her and Angelo on her phone,

she feels motivated every time she studies.

"FULL-STACK"

Angelo is now deployed at a well-known company.

When asked about his expertise,

he confidently states,

"I'm a full-stack developer."

The company puts great trust in him,

and he refuses to waste it.

He works hard, not just for himself,

but for his career, his future—

and for her.

"D-DAY OF EXAM"

Kate wakes up early.

Angelo waits at her front door.

Driving her to the exam before heading to work

is his way of showing support.

"Good luck, my love. I know you can do it.

I trust you. Give it your best, and I love you,"

he says before dropping her off.

A warm hug, a lingering gaze.

She slowly walks away,

and he stands there, waving.

"HARDWORKING"

One is taking an exam,

one is debugging and developing.

Both are busy,

but one thought stays in their minds—

the trust they have in each other.

The belief that someone is waiting for them,

cheering them on from afar.

The CPA exam is no easy feat,

but with determination and hard work,

Kate is ready to conquer it.

Developing a system isn't simple,

but for Angelo, it's as natural as breathing.

"CELEBRATIONS"

Angelo glances at his watch.

Kate must be finished by now.

The sun has long set.

As soon as work ends, he calls her,

asking how it went.

While she speaks, he drives—

his destination clear.

With cake and fried chicken in hand,

he rings the bell.

"WAITING"

Dinner is done.

They are alone in her room.

She tells him the results will be out in a week.

She's nervous.

He reassures her,

"I know you'll ace it."

A moment of warmth, of comfort.

Encouragement exchanged,

self-esteem lifted.

"THE RESULT"

The results are out.

The couple sits together,

wanting to see it at the same time.

Kate closes her eyes as Angelo scrolls.

Then, silence.

A long, heavy silence.

Her heart pounds—

did she fail?

Then suddenly—

he hugs her.

"Congratulations."

Relief washes over her as she reads the screen.

Top 7. Out of 2000 examinees.

An incredible feat.

She is happy.

But watching the man beside her—

his joy shining brighter than hers—

makes her happiness even greater.

"CPA LICENSE"

Months pass.

Kate is now working.

With her top-ranking results,

several companies reached out,

offering business cards and opportunities.

She chose the best one,

and now, her dream is reality.

A CPA license in her hands,

a new chapter begins.

"INTERNSHIP OVER"

Angelo's internship ends.

A certificate of completion,

months of wages,

and an offer he can't refuse.

The company, impressed by his talent,

asks him to join them after graduation.

Even as a student,

he has already secured his future.

"GRADUATION"

Dressed in his toga,

Angelo stands on stage.

A closing speech,

words from the heart.

He scans the crowd—

his family, his friends, and then—

Kate.

Tears well up as he speaks:

"I dedicate this to my family,

for their endless support and love.

And to the most beautiful girl I've ever seen—

my senior, my love, my everything,

Ms. Kate."

He lifts his medals.

"These are for you all.

I love you, and that will never change."

Then, to his batchmates—

"We all have someone

who stood by us through this journey.

We must cherish them,

for no one succeeds alone.

Congratulations, everyone.

We did it. We are graduates!"

"CELEBRATING"

At home, a party.

Laughter, music, celebration.

Angelo's family rejoices.

Happiness fills the house.

"MY PRESENT"

From the end of the event until dinner,

Kate has worn Angelo's largest medal.

A playful claim—this belongs to her.

Now in his room,

she takes it off,

fingering the smooth metal, smiling.

Angelo, slightly tipsy from wine,

wraps his arms around her from behind.

"Senior, I finally finished college.

Do you know how hard it was without you?"

His voice carries a childlike need for praise.

She pats his head.

"My man did a good job. I'm very proud of you."

He turns to face her.

"Really?"

"Of course I am."

A smirk plays on his lips.

"Then I want my present. I want it now."

He guides her toward the bed,

his playful teasing making her chuckle.

"It would be unfair if I gave you a graduation present

but didn't get one in return, right?"

She watches him, amused.

Drunk or not,

he's still her Angelo.

So, to silence him—

she pulls his face close,

capturing his lips in hers.

"Don't worry," she whispers against his ear.

"I never forget my promises.

You'll get your present just fine."

Her hands tangle in his hair,

his lips trace her skin.

A night of passion,

of love unspoken but deeply felt.

OUTRO:

With college life ending,

a new stage begins.

What lies ahead for them?

One thing is certain—

they will face it together,

hand in hand.