With their relationship stronger than ever, Ella and Noah found themselves in a strange new phase—one where they weren't fighting their feelings or running from their problems. But that didn't mean everything was easy.
Balancing school, college applications, and their personal lives became a challenge.
One afternoon, Noah sprawled out on Ella's bed, staring at the ceiling. "Do we have to grow up?"
Ella snorted, tossing a pillow at him. "Unfortunately, yes."
Noah groaned. "So unfair."
"What's really bothering you?" she asked, sitting beside him.
He hesitated before admitting, "What if we don't end up in the same place for college?"
Ella went quiet. It was something they hadn't talked about yet.
"I mean," Noah continued, "what if you go to some fancy university and I stay here? What if long-distance—"
"Noah."
He looked at her.
She reached for his hand. "We'll figure it out. Together."
And for now, that was enough.
As the school year progressed, the pressure mounted.
Ella felt it from her parents, who expected nothing less than perfection. Noah felt it from himself—because after everything that had happened, he didn't want to be the guy who just got by.
One night, after an especially rough day, they met up at their usual spot by the lake.
Ella sighed. "I swear, if my mom tells me one more time that I need to aim higher—"
"Then you'll do exactly what you want to do," Noah finished.
She looked at him. "Easy for you to say."
"Not really." He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm scared too, you know."
Ella leaned her head on his shoulder. "We're a mess, huh?"
Noah chuckled. "The best kind."
They didn't have all the answers. But as long as they had each other, they'd figure things out.