The night before Ella's flight, they met at their usual spot by the lake. It was supposed to be just another night, but they both knew—this was goodbye.
"I hate this," Ella whispered, her hands gripping Noah's hoodie like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
"I know," Noah murmured, pressing his forehead against hers. "Me too."
Silence stretched between them, filled with all the words they were too scared to say.
"We could try," she said desperately. "Long-distance, video calls, visits—"
Noah swallowed hard. "And what happens when time zones get in the way? When you're busy chasing your dream and I'm here pretending I'm okay?"
Tears welled in Ella's eyes. "So that's it? We just end this?"
Noah exhaled shakily. "Not forever. Just… for now."
It was the hardest thing either of them had ever done. But with one last, lingering kiss under the moonlight, they let each other go.
For now.