[Background music : Closer - chainsmoker, halsey ]
The sun was high and bright when Lila stepped onto the school grounds she once called her second home. The air smelled of chalk dust, old books, and a thousand echoes of laughter. She spotted Kai leaning against the familiar rusted gate, holding a small bouquet of her favorite daisies and... a worn-out, sky-blue notebook with her name scribbled in messy handwriting.
Her eyes widened.
"Kai?" she asked, pointing to the book.
He smiled sheepishly. "Your diary... from grade nine."
Lila's mouth fell open. "Where the hell did you find it?!"
Kai scratched his neck. "I... sort of found it in the field back then. I didn't know whose it was until I opened it. And then I never returned it because..." He hesitated, eyes flickering with something deeper. "Because I loved you. Since grade five."
She blinked, caught off guard, then burst out laughing. "You crazy scared big guy! You hid my diary for a crush?"
"Stop joking and teasing me," he grumbled, but a smile tugged at his lips.
She sat on the bench, patting the space beside her. "What a life we had, huh? High school was... beautiful. Fantastic. Us getting yelled at together. Committing little 'crimes.' We were a dynamic duo."
"We still are," he said softly, taking her hand. "I read your whole diary..."
"You what?" she gasped. "You rude idiot! Who reads someone's diary without permission?"
"I said I'm sorry!" he chuckled, then squinted at her. "But did you really kick me into the pond on purpose?"
She gave a sly smirk. "I might've. You were scared of ducks, and I thought it was time to face your fears."
Kai burst into a full belly laugh. "You're the worst, Lila!"
"Oh, you have no idea," she grinned. "What else did you read, you nosy jerk?"
He teased, "Hmm... crushes on 2D anime boys... gluing the teacher's chair without telling me... reading adult books behind my back?"
She groaned and laughed. "I wanted to share those books with you, but you were too busy being a nerd during exams!"
Their laughter echoed in the empty schoolyard. Time seemed to rewind as they sat shoulder to shoulder, reliving their golden years. Eventually, Lila suggested, "Come have dinner with Nico and me tonight. It'll be fun."
That evening, at a cozy restaurant near the harbor, Nico and Kai were already seated when Lila arrived with Astor.
Nico waved. "Hey, brother!"
Kai raised a brow and smirked. "What's up, best friend's husband?"
Lila facepalmed as the three of them burst into laughter.
The dinner was filled with easy conversations, memories, apologies, and laughter that bubbled from old wounds healing. Kai and Nico both raised their glasses toward Lila and Astor.
"Sorry for the past," Nico said sincerely. "Let's build the future instead."
Kai added, "You two deserve happiness. Don't let us mess it up again."
[ Background music : The Neighbourhood - Reflections]
After dinner, as the moon glimmered above them, Lila and Astor walked hand in hand along the water. The city lights sparkled across the river. Everything felt soft, beautiful, and meant to be.
"I love you, Lila Kensington," Astor whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
She smiled, tightening her grip around his fingers. "I love you more, Roman Astor."
They kissed gently under the moonlight. That night, wrapped in each other's arms, they fell asleep in peace.
The next morning came with sunlight spilling through the windows. Lila stretched and yawned.
"Back to the office," she murmured.
Astor smirked. "Boss, I'm yours. But I hope you won't call me a hundred times today for no reason."
"No promises," he grinned.
And of course, he did.
In the lunch break, Lila's phone buzzed.