Chapter 10: Just the Beginning (Season 1 Finale)

The school year was almost over.

Everything felt like it was moving fast—finals, yearbooks, plans for summer—but Josh didn't feel lost in the rush anymore.

Not with Aki beside him.

They still weren't "official" in the way everyone expected. There was no big announcement, no dramatic couple photo on social media. Just quiet glances, stolen moments, and the occasional hand-holding when no one was looking.

It was perfect.

During their last homeroom of the year, their teacher handed out a class activity: "Write a letter to your future self. We'll mail it to you a year from now."

Josh stared at his paper for a long time.

He thought about everything that had happened. The confusion, the distance, the feelings he'd kept buried for so long.

And how, in the end, it was worth it.

He smiled and began to write.

> "Dear Future Me,

If you're reading this and still smiling when Aki texts you, you're doing okay.

If she's still in your life, still laughing at your dumb jokes, still calling you out when you're being awkward—then you're really lucky. Don't forget how hard it was to tell her how you felt. And don't forget how amazing it felt when she felt the same.

Keep being brave. Keep being honest.

And no matter what happens, don't lose what you two have.

Because what started as friendship became something better.

Something real."

He sealed the envelope and looked over at Aki. She was still writing, tongue poking out in concentration. She looked up and caught him staring.

"What?"

Josh just smiled. "Nothing."

After the bell rang, they walked out into the sun, backpacks swinging, shoulders brushing. The world felt wide open.

"What are you doing this summer?" Aki asked.

"Anything," he said. "As long as it's with you."

She grinned. "Cheesy. But I'll allow it."

They laughed, walking off together down the same road they'd walked a hundred times before.

But this time?

It felt like the start of something brand new.