Tethered by Rivalry | Eunwoo

13

When graduation day finally arrived, excitement buzzed in the air. Both of you had worked tirelessly, and the culmination of your efforts was about to pay off. The auditorium was packed with students, families, and faculty, all gathered to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work. As you walked across the stage, the feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming. You stood side by side, adorned in your caps and gowns, ready to celebrate the end of this chapter in your lives.

The ceremony was a blur of proud smiles and applause. As the names were called, you couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride when it was announced that both you and Eunwoo had achieved Summa Cum Laude honors.

Then, the moment arrived. Eunwoo, the batch valedictorian, stepped up to the podium to give his inspiring speech, the spotlight shining down on him. He looked out at the audience, but it was you he seemed to focus on, his gaze steady and determined.

He cleared his throat and began, his voice steady yet reflective.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We’ve spent the last few years grinding away—sleepless nights, countless exams, internships, and projects that felt like they would never end. And yet, here we are, standing at the finish line, having survived it all.”

The crowd chuckled lightly, recognizing the truth in his words. He smiled, but there was a sincerity behind his expression that silenced the room again.

“There’s something unique about a journey like this. It’s not just about the lessons we learn in the classroom. It’s about the people we meet along the way. Some of those people challenge us, push us to our limits, and make us want to be better. They might even drive us crazy at times,” he added with a slight chuckle, “but they’re also the ones who leave the biggest impact on us.”

You felt your heart race, knowing he was subtly alluding to the rivalry the two of you had shared throughout college. His eyes briefly flickered to yours before continuing.

“There’s someone I’ve competed with, fought with, and yes, sometimes clashed with. We’ve pushed each other to be our best, not just as students but as people. She’s the reason I’ve worked harder, stayed up later, and aimed higher.”

You felt a lump form in your throat as he spoke, his words starting to feel more personal, more intimate.

“And in the process of all that competition, something unexpected happened,” Eunwoo continued, his voice softening. “Somewhere along the way, rivalry turned into respect. And respect turned into something… deeper.”

The room seemed to hold its breath. The students, professors, and families were all fixated on him, sensing that this speech was moving beyond the typical fare of graduation speeches.

He paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, and then he said, “I’ve learned a lot from this person, more than I ever thought I would. Not just about academics or competition, but about life, about patience, and about love.”

Your breath caught in your throat. He was really going there.

“I want to take this moment, in front of all of you—my friends, my family, and my peers—to say something I should’ve said a long time ago. To my wife, my greatest rival, and the person who’s challenged me more than anyone else—I love you.”

The crowd let out a collective gasp, followed by soft murmurs of surprise and admiration. Your heart pounded in your chest as you felt every eye turn toward you. But in that moment, none of it mattered. The world faded away, and all you could focus on was Eunwoo standing at the podium, his eyes locked on yours.

“I love you,” he repeated, this time just for you. “And I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you by my side—challenging me, frustrating me, and inspiring me every single day.”

Tears welled up in your eyes, and before you could stop yourself, you stood from your seat. Without caring about decorum, you rushed toward him, throwing your arms around him in a tight hug. The audience erupted into cheers and applause, but you hardly heard it over the pounding of your heart.

“I love you too,” you whispered in his ear, holding him tightly.

He smiled, pulling back just enough to look at you. “I think we’ve just stolen the show, Salutatorian.”

You laughed, wiping away a tear. “Maybe, but it was worth it, Valedictorian.”

Still conscious of the event, you both kept the moment brief, nodding to the faculty as you returned to your seat. The rest of the program continued, but it felt like the spotlight remained on you both, the newly confessed lovers who had not only survived college but had found something even more profound along the way.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the two of you hurried backstage, the thrill of the moment propelling you forward. Behind the curtain, you finally had a moment to breathe.

Eunwoo’s smile was radiant as he pulled you close, his hands cupping your face. “I can’t believe I just confessed in front of everyone.”

“I can,” you replied with a grin, your heart racing. “You’ve always been brave when it comes to speaking your mind.”

“Yeah, but this is different.” He leaned in, and before you knew it, his lips were on yours, sealing the promises you had made.

The kiss was sweet, filled with the anticipation of a future together, a future you both had longed for since the beginning. You pulled back, breathless, grinning from ear to ear as the reality of the day settled in.

“We did it,” you said softly, your heart swelling with pride and love.

“Together,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

With graduation behind you and a world of possibilities ahead, you knew this was just the beginning. Together, you would navigate whatever challenges lay ahead, united by a bond that had blossomed from rivalry into something far more profound.