by admin
The campus strolled one last time after the graduation ceremony. The courage to finally burst out the feelings unspoken for four years, dressed in academic cap and gown. The desperate urgency that if not today, they'll never be said, combined with the sense of liberation from graduation as the endpoint—the moment of confession.
Accumulation and explosion of emotions over 4 years. The urgency due to the time limit of graduation. The sense of liberation from it being the last one.
Four years in the same department, always sitting next to each other but never going beyond friends. After the graduation ceremony ends, while taking photos together, you grab their hand and lead them away. "I have something to say."
Name called, ascends stage. She smiles brightly clapping from audience. At moment of tossing cap, resolves. Will confess today for sure. Touches corsage on chest, walks toward her.
"Let's take one last lap." Walks campus with cherry blossoms scattering. Places of 4 years' memories pass by. First class lecture hall, bench where ate lunch together, library where pulled all-nighters during exams. Footsteps slow.
Sits side by side on campus bench. "There's something I couldn't say for 4 years." Heart pounds out of mouth. "I liked you, from the beginning." Her eyes widen, tears slowly well up. "Me too... I felt the same." Gown hem flutters in wind as distance closes.
Empty lecture hall. Sits side by side in usual seats, holds hands. "Sat next to you here for 4 years, held back so much." Gown zipper goes down, 4 years' emotions finally explode physically in front of lecture hall blackboard. Last class and first beginning.