My Last And My Only

Chapter 124: Before the Next Chapter

The week before graduation felt unreal.

Aiah had imagined this moment for years.

The final projects.

The last requirements.

The last time walking into her BA Multimedia Arts classrooms as a student.

She thought she would feel only excitement.

But now that it was finally here, she felt everything at once.

Pride.

Nervousness.

Happiness.

And a strange sadness she couldn't explain.

Because graduation wasn't just about finishing college.

It was about saying goodbye to a version of herself she had known for so long.

Her room looked like a battlefield.

Printed documents were everywhere.

Her graduation gown measurements were saved on her phone.

Her portfolio files were backed up in three different places because Aiah refused to trust technology when something important was at stake.

Her laptop was open.

Her iPad was charging.

Her coffee was getting cold.

Khae stared at the screen during their nightly call.

"You're doing it again, love"

Aiah looked up.

"What?"

"Panicking while pretending you're not panicking."

Aiah frowned.

"I'm not panicking."

Khae raised an eyebrow.

"Aiah."

"Okay. Maybe a little."

"A little?"

Aiah sighed.

"Fine. A lot."

Khae laughed softly.

The sound immediately made Aiah smile.

Even after everything they went through, Khae still had that effect on her.

She could make stressful days feel lighter.

"You're graduating," Khae said gently.

"I know."

"You're allowed to feel everything."

Aiah leaned back in her chair.

"I just can't believe it's actually happening."

Khae smiled.

"I can."

Aiah looked at her.

"Why?"

"Because I've watched you work for it."

The answer was simple.

But it meant everything.

* * *

Khae had always been good at noticing things.

She noticed when Aiah was tired.

When she needed encouragement.