Valedictorian | Armin Arlert

epilogue

Your stomach was weak. Pressing two fingers to your carotid, you couldn't think straight enough to keep count of the vigorous thumping against your skin, nor the seconds on the clock. All you could focus on was the fact your heels were too high and you hadn't considered being Valedictorian would entail a Valedictorian speech. In front of people you've known since kindergarten.

That was a lie. Of course you knew it would entail that. The idea of doing so looked a lot better fuzzied behind the constraints of your imagination. You'd been preparing a speech since Freshman year. Only you don't have the words as a Freshman because you didn't experience any of the hard work and elbow grease. All the hours of studying and perfecting, had it really all led up to this? Oh god, it was here, and turning back the clock and reliving it for just a little longer was impossible.

Tightness gripped your throat. Why did you struggle to face the music with courage and determination like you'd always envisioned? It felt different now that it wasn't something you hoped and dreamed and fought for— it was imminent and encroaching.

The speech you'd edited for years was tossed moments before. Now you had only a crumbled notebook paper with chicken scratch of non cohesive concepts. Lessons.

Behind the stage, you and the kids you'd grown up with mingled about in their black cap and gowns, some excited, others on the verge of tears. Marco, and Jean were standing side by side, wearing golden  and burgundy cords and white honor's sashes. You looked down at your heels, making sure your cords, were even.

"(Y/N) are you doing okay? You look like you saw a ghost..."Connie approached you.

You glanced at him with wide eyes, straightening your posture. You paused upon laying eyes on him. He looked so formal you'd barely recognized him at first. It was like seeing a picture of your grandfather as an adolescent. Connie wore dress shoes and a black tie.

Plastered on your lips was a winning professional smile. "I'm doing better than okay, Connie. I've been waiting for this for... god why is it so hot in here?"

"It's June," he replied. "And, there's like five hundred...ish kids in this room."

"We're not kids anymore..." you muttered.

"Listen to me, (Y/N), you're gonna do great. It's like inedible. Seriously I can't see anyone else but you giving that speech."

"Inevitable."

"Whatever." He rolled his eyes. "Gimme a hug, loser."

You sighed, wrapping your arms around his torso, while his cover your shoulders. "Thanks, Connie. I guess I'll see you on the other side of the diploma, huh?"

"Hey, I'm just glad I got one." He laughed as he bade you farewell.

Get in order! Everyone, get in the order that we practiced yesterday! Come on, in order!" Hange waved at the sea of students.

"Where are you seated?" you asked.

"You already know. All the way in the back. I'll see you. Make me proud."

"Oh shush," you smiled at him. He laughed and turned to get in line, but you a visceral reaction to call for him. "Connie, wait!"

He turned back. "Huh?"

"Thanks for being my friend." You said hurriedly. "I know I was sarcastic sometimes and selfish, and dismissive but—"

"Hey, are you okay in the head?" He laughed lightheartedly. "You're one of my best friends. I can put up with a little sarcasm. Just do your best. I'll see you on the other side."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll see you after the ceremony."

Just when you thought you were alone, Professor Erwin found you. "You know, Miss (L/N), I attend this event every year but I don't recall the anticipation for the others matching this. I truly could not have guessed who would come out on top. It is usually more obvious."