Chapter 64: Graduation & Goodbyes

[JASMINE – POV]

Caps in the air. Cameras flashing. Parents crying.

Graduation.

I should've felt free. Triumphant. But instead, I felt this strange ache—like I was saying goodbye to a part of myself I hadn't realized I loved.

"Class of Kingston High, congratulations!"

The cheers were deafening. I clapped, smiled, even posed for photos. But my eyes kept drifting… searching for him.

Lucas stood by the bleachers, cap in hand, waiting—just like he promised.

When our eyes met, everything else disappeared.

"You did it," he said as I reached him.

"We did," I corrected, slipping my fingers into his.

Behind us, our friends hugged, cried, promised to keep in touch. But for me, it wasn't just about leaving high school.

It was about what came next.

"I got accepted," I said quietly. "Out of state."

He nodded, not surprised. "I figured. So… what now?"

I swallowed. "I don't want to say goodbye."

Lucas brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Then don't."

"I can't ask you to wait—"

"You're not asking," he interrupted gently. "I'm choosing."

Tears stung my eyes, but I smiled. "Promise?"

He leaned down, kissed my forehead. "Promise."

[LUCAS – POV]

Love wasn't about holding tight.

It was about choosing each other—again and again—even when everything around you changed.

And as Jasmine clutched her diploma and leaned into me, I knew something for sure.

No matter where she went…

My heart was going with her.