Chapter 14: The Final Move

The graduation hall buzzed with excitement—laughter, camera clicks, and friends hugging in celebration of the end of an era. Students were in their gowns, throwing their caps in the air, crying, laughing, and capturing every moment. But Rose sat quietly near the back row, her smile faint and her mind far away.

Henry hadn't shown up yet.

She sighed, trying to focus on the ceremony, but her heart was racing. She hadn't stopped thinking about what her mum told her. About the nights he came to see her. And about how much she missed him.

Until the call from her mum.

That call had shaken her more than she'd expected. Her mum had seen Henry—he'd come to explain himself. And she told Rose how much the boy loved her. How broken he'd looked. How sincere his words had been.

Still, Rose hadn't known what to do.

Until now.

The doors to the graduation hall swung open.

A collective murmur swept across the room as Henry strode in, dressed in his graduation gown, searching the crowd. When his eyes found Rose, he didn't hesitate. He walked through rows of surprised classmates—some cheering, others whispering—until he was standing right in front of her.

Rose stood up slowly, unsure of what to expect.

"Henry—what are you doing?"

"I can't let today end without fixing this," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I've spent weeks trying to talk to you. I messed up, Rose. I should've told you the truth earlier. I should've made it clearer that Sophie meant nothing to me. I only ever wanted you."

He stepped closer. His voice softened.

"I love you. And if you'll have me—if there's still a chance—I'm right here."

Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her.

Soft at first, then deeper, fuller—a kiss that said everything he couldn't put into words. A kiss full of longing, regret, love, and hope.

Gasps and cheers filled the hall. Phones came out. Some students clapped. Others whispered, "Wait… weren't they just best friends?"

When they finally pulled apart, Rose was breathless.

"I love you too," she whispered. "Always have."

He smiled, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Later that afternoon, while graduates mingled and took photos, Sophie approached quietly. Her steps were slow, her expression unsure.

"Rose…"

Rose turned, instantly feeling the tension rise between them.

"I just want to say I'm sorry," Sophie said quietly. "I didn't plan to fall for Henry. I really didn't. But… I thought since you two were just best friends, I had a chance."

Rose listened, saying nothing.

"I know I crossed a line. And I don't expect things to go back to the way they were, but… I just want you to know I regret how everything happened. Truly."

Rose sighed. "I forgive you, Sophie. But…" She paused. "I need space. I can't forget what happened overnight."

Sophie nodded, understanding. "I get it."

As Sophie turned and walked away, Rose felt a strange sense of peace. Closure.

Later that evening, as she stood with Henry under the setting sun, he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"So… what's next?" he asked.

"I'm going to visit my mum in Greece next month," she said with a smile.

Henry raised a brow. "That sounds like a romantic escape."

She nudged him playfully. "It's not a vacation."

"Well," he said, pulling her closer, "mind if I come along?"

Rose laughed. "I was hoping you'd ask."

And just like that, as laughter and confetti filled the air behind them, they walked off hand in hand—leaving the past behind, and stepping into the beginning of their forever.

THE END.