Afterlight (Fanfiction) - EDITING ✓

chapter sixty (epilogue)

— Chloe Romano

I sat at the back of the lecture hall, tapping my pen absentmindedly on the edge of my notebook as the professor wrapped up the class. Criminal law. It was ironic, considering everything I'd been through, that I was now the one studying to be a lawyer. But after everything—after Brad, after Justin, after Damien—I knew this was where I was meant to be. I wanted to make an impact, to help the justice system be what it was supposed to be, not the broken, corrupt thing I had witnessed firsthand.

The professor gave us a few last-minute reminders about our upcoming exams, and I quickly jotted them down before gathering my books. I was focused, driven—college had given me a new sense of purpose. It had been three years since everything happened, and I was finally in a place where I felt like I was healing, both physically and emotionally. My leg was fully healed, and I could walk without even thinking about it anymore. The physical scars had faded, but the emotional ones... well, I was working on those. Therapy had been a lifeline, and though some days were still hard, I was making progress.

"Chloe! Wait up!" Andy's voice called out from behind me as I slung my bag over my shoulder. I turned to see him jogging down the steps with Yuko following close behind.

"Hey, slowpoke," Yuko teased, brushing her short hair behind her ears. "You're always the last one out."

I smiled at them both. "I was taking notes. You guys should try it sometime."

Andy rolled his eyes dramatically. "Notes, schmotes. I'd rather wing it."

"Which is why you're barely passing," Yuko shot back, laughing. "Maybe you should listen to Chloe."

We all laughed, falling into step as we left the lecture hall and walked out into the crisp autumn air. College life had become my new normal, and I loved it. For the first time in years, I wasn't looking over my shoulder. I wasn't afraid. I was just... living.

"So, how do you guys feel about Professor Melik's class?" Andy asked, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "I'm pretty sure I bombed that last quiz."

Yuko shook her head. "You definitely bombed it. I saw your face when he handed it back."

"Hey, no need to rub it in," Andy groaned. "I'm going to get my act together for finals, though. Mark my words."

I chuckled, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. "You've got plenty of time. Just don't leave it all for the night before."

"Like you ever would," Yuko added. "Chloe's already got her study schedule mapped out for the next month. Don't deny it."

I smiled, knowing they were probably right. "Hey, what can I say? Old habits die hard."

We continued walking, talking about classes, finals, and our plans for the weekend. I was feeling good, like everything was falling into place. But then, just as we rounded the corner toward the quad, I saw him.

At first, it was just a glimpse. A tall figure with familiar broad shoulders, dark hair that caught the sunlight just the right way. My heart skipped a beat, and I stopped in my tracks, staring as the man walked ahead of us.

It couldn't be. Could it?

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I stood frozen, my mind racing as I clutched my necklace; the ring Justin gave me years ago. Our promise. From behind, he looked exactly like Justin. The way he moved, the way his hands rested in his pockets—it was all so painfully familiar.

I hadn't seen him in three years. We hadn't spoken since we decided to take time apart, to focus on ourselves. I knew he was doing well. Brad's old crew kept me in the loop from time to time, letting me know he was rebuilding his life, staying out of trouble. He was changing, just like I was. But still... seeing him, or thinking I was seeing him, brought back a flood of emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to face.