The gymnasium was packed. Almost every student was busy in line, smiling, adjusting their togas. Freya, nervous, carefully straightened her cap.
As she entered, it felt like time slowed for a moment. Liam froze, staring at her. He couldn't take his eyes off Freya—she looked different in her toga, her simple smile lighting up the room as she chatted with classmates.
"Hey, Liam. Careful, she might melt from your staring," Leiyah whispered with a laugh.
Liam scratched his head but couldn't hide the small smile that appeared on his lips.
---
After the graduation rites, Freya's and Liam's parents met.
"Oh, how have you been? It's been so long since we last saw each other!" Freya's mom said warmly.
"Yes, it feels like just yesterday they were little, playing outside," Liam's dad replied.
They laughed together, sharing old memories. Freya smiled shyly, while Liam remained quiet, but there was a warmth in his chest—as if all their childhood memories had come rushing back.
---
After the ceremony, Liam approached Freya, holding a bouquet of pink roses.
"Congrats, Freya," he said, handing her the flowers.
Freya froze, unable to believe it.
"L-Liam… this is for me?"
"Of course," he said, smiling simply but with obvious sincerity.
Freya held the bouquet tightly, her face lighting up with pure happiness. But before she could fully react, Leiyah barged in.
"Ah! Wait for me!" she exclaimed, pulling out her phone.
"H-huh?!" Freya stammered.
"Picture time! Quick! You two are too sweet, don't let this moment go to waste!"
Freya and Liam had no choice but to pose. Liam, calm and smiling. Freya, nearly melting with embarrassment as she clutched the flowers.
After the shot, Leiyah laughed.
"Wow, perfect! Perfect for you two!"
"Leiyah!" Freya hissed, her face red as a tomato.
"Okay, okay! But I'm printing this and making it a bookmark. So you have a forever—even if it's just in my book," Leiyah teased.
---
The three of them left and went to Jollibee. Laughter, stories, nothing like the weight of the past weeks. Afterward, they went straight to the mall.
"I'm looking for a gift for Freya," Leiyah said excitedly. "You two, no peeking!" she added, pointing toward a shop.
Leiyah went inside, leaving Freya and Liam standing near another boutique.
As they strolled, Freya glanced at a shop display—hairpins, most with flowers, many pink. She picked one up and clipped it into her hair while looking at the mirror.
"Looks good," Liam murmured softly.
Freya jumped and quickly removed the hairpin.
"N-no… I'm not buying it. Trying to save money right now," she said with a small smile.
They continued walking, but Liam couldn't stop looking at the hairpin Freya had left behind. Once they'd walked a little farther, he turned back and bought it quickly.
He held the small paper bag, smiling quietly.
"I know you still love hairpins, Freya… just like before. I'll give this to you on your birthday."
And in his mind, he planned: this wouldn't be the only one. He would find more designs—maybe even five—just for her.