“Good thing you made it back in time–you didn’t have to miss graduation ior /iLessie’s birthday.”

“Honestly, your health matters more than anything. Don’t scare us like that again, okay?”

“Exactly!” Ste chimed in. “But at least you two get to be at the same school now.i” /i

“You’re not that far, Ste–just two blocks away,” Queenie ipointed /iout.

Ste grinned. “Still, it’s not the same school! Now if I want ito /isee iyou/i, I have to trek those two blocks every time.”

At that, Queenie and Alessia exchanged a helpless nce.

The three girls chatted about everything and nothing,ughter weaving between them, while ssmates stopped by to congratte Alessia. She greeted each one graciously, never losing her smile.

As the sun dipped lower and the sky slowly faded into night, the celebration began to wind down.

“We’re heading out. Save your presents forter, okay?i” /iSte waved as she gathered with the rest of their ssmates, ready to go.

Cole and Alessia remained, standing side by side, watching friends drift away in groups until the courtyard was nearly empty.

“So…” Alessia turned to Cole, her eyes curious. “What should we do now?”

Cole looked away, clearly nervous. He fidgeted with his fingers, unable to meet her gaze. “Um… do you want to… watch the fireworks?”

Before Alessia could answer, the first brilliant burst exploded in the sky, scattering color and light above them.

Her eyes sparkled, reflecting every sh, and the smile on her lips only grew wider.

Cole hesitated, words rehearsed a hundred times suddenly slipping away. “Would you… would you be interested in being… something more? Like, my girlfriend?”

Alessia’s smile deepened. “Cole, look at me.”

He obediently lowered his head, and before he realized what was happening, Alessia brushed a gentle kiss against the corner of his mouth.

Cole froze, struggling not to break into a grin.

“Is that a yes?” he asked, breathless.

“Yes.” She didn’t whisper or hedge. She made it clear, her answer strong and sure.

When had their feelings changed? Maybe it was that afternoon walking home together in the sunset. Maybe it was sharing a milkshake during the holidays, or the way they always seemed to be the first face each other saw when they were sick. Whatever the reason, on their eighteenth birthday, they stepped into something new–together.

“So… do you want to go on a date tomorrow? My girlfriend?”

Cole took her hand. At some point, the fireworks had faded, leaving them in a gentle, peaceful hush.

“But, boyfriend…” Alessia tried not tough, but Cole’s face fell, suddenly looking like a kicked puppy.

“Ste and Queenie areing over to my ce in the morning.”

Cole’s eyes brightened. “Then can I have the afternoon and evening, dearest girlfriend?” He grinned, daring to lean in and nt a kiss at the corner of her

mouth.

Alessia’s cheeks flushed pink before she could reply.

Even though it would be their first official date, Cole didn’t try to change her ns or ask her friends to reschedule. He just smiled and let it go.

Alessia pinched his cheek, her heart full. “Of course you can, my boyfriend.”