Because I'm scared to say the truth - Landoscar

·Chapter 24·

   The last week of school was always a strange blend of excitement and bittersweet goodbyes. It was a time when the pressures of exams had lifted, and everyone was looking forward to the freedom of summer, but there was also that undeniable sadness of knowing routines were changing, that things might never quite be the same again. For Lando and Oscar, this week felt especially important. It was a reminder of just how far they'd come, not only as individuals but as a couple.

   Oscar walked into school hand in hand with Lando, a smile on his face as they navigated the crowded hallways. Some students still stared, but most had grown used to seeing them together. The initial gossip had died down, replaced by an unspoken acceptance that Lando and Oscar were simply... Lando and Oscar.

"Last week," Lando said, squeezing Oscar's hand. "How does it feel?"

"Strange," Oscar replied, looking around. "Like, I can't believe it's almost over. But I'm excited too. Summer means more time with you."

"Definitely," Lando said, grinning. "And I promise, this summer is going to be amazing."

"Better be," Oscar teased. "I've got high expectations, you know."

   They met up with their friends in the courtyard: Max, Alex, and George were lounging in the grass, their laughter echoing in the morning air. Max was animatedly recounting some exaggerated story about his family's last vacation, using his hands to describe an apparently massive jellyfish that attacked him.

"It was this big!" Max claimed, spreading his arms wide. "I swear, it could've taken me down in one bite!"

"You mean like the one you cried about when it was just a tiny little blob?" Alex teased, raising an eyebrow.

"That's not how I remember it!" Max shot back, feigning offense. "It was terrifying, alright?"

Lando chuckled, settling down on the grass with Oscar by his side. "You should've fought it off, Max. Showed it who's boss."

"Believe me, I tried," Max said, puffing out his chest. "But you know, it was a tactical retreat. Live to fight another day and all that."

"Sure, that's what we'll call it," George said, rolling her eyes playfully. "Anyway, what's everyone doing this summer?"

"Spending as much time with this guy as possible," Lando answered, nudging Oscar. "We've got a lot of plans."

Oscar nodded. "We're thinking about a road trip, right? Maybe visit some of the national parks."

"That sounds amazing!" George exclaimed. "You guys are basically a married couple at this point."

"Is that a proposal?" Lando teased, looking at Oscar with a grin. "Because I'm game."

"Shut up," Oscar mumbled, his cheeks flushing pink. But he couldn't hide his smile. "We're taking things one step at a time."

"Smart move," Alex agreed. "No rush. But seriously, if you guys don't invite us on at least one adventure, I'll be offended."

"Consider yourself invited," Oscar said. "The more, the merrier."

   As the school day went on, they found themselves drifting from one fun moment to another. There was a quick water balloon fight on the soccer field, initiated by Max and joined by anyone within throwing distance. Lando and Oscar teamed up, quickly drenching everyone in sight. They laughed until their sides hurt, hair dripping and clothes soaked through, but it didn't matter. These were the moments they'd remember—their friends' shouts of surprise, the feel of cool water on a hot day, the way Lando's hand never let go of Oscar's even when they were running for cover.