Years Later...
The graduation ceremony was held in the school auditorium, filled with flowers, proud parents, and students wearing their togas.
On the stage, two names were called out one last time.
"With highest honors... Rina and Luna!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. The two best friends, rivals, and lovers walked up the stage together.
This time, they shared the top spot. They were both Valedictorians.
During their speech, Rina stood in front of the microphone, looking elegant and beautiful. She looked out into the crowd and saw her parents smiling proudly. And beside them... was Luna's family, cheering loudly.
"Before I end this speech," Rina said softly, her eyes finding Luna standing beside her. "I want to thank the person who changed my life. The person who taught me that winning isn't everything... but being happy with the person you love is."
She turned to Luna and smiled. "Thank you for being my rival, my protector, and my greatest love."
Luna's eyes were shiny with tears. She took the microphone next, looking confident and handsome as always.
"I used to think I was the smartest person in the room," Luna said, her voice full of love. "But I was wrong. The smartest thing I ever did... was falling in love with her. And the best decision I ever made... was giving up first place just to see her smile."
She looked deeply at Rina.
"Rina, you will always be my Number 1. In exams, and in my heart."
૮ ⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝ ა
After Graduation
They went to the same university, studied hard, and built their careers. But no matter how busy life got, they never left each other's side.
They moved into a small but cozy apartment together. Every morning, Rina would wake up to see Luna sleeping peacefully beside her, and every night, they would fall asleep holding hands.
The rivalry never really ended though.
"Hey! I got higher score on this report!" Rina would point proudly.
"Haha, only because I let you!" Luna would tease, tickling her until Rina couldn't breathe.
But deep down, they both knew they were equals in everything.
𐔌՞⁔•͈ ·̫ •͈⁔՞𐦯
The Promise
One evening, they went back to their old school. They sat on the same bench under the tree where they used to study.
The sun was setting, painting the sky orange and pink.
"Do you remember?" Luna asked softly, holding Rina's hand. "When you were so serious and scary, and I was just stalking you secretly?"
Rina laughed and hit her arm playfully. "Stop bringing that up! And remember when I got jealous and made you mad?"
"I remember everything," Luna said, turning serious. She took a deep breath and looked into Rina's eyes.
"Rina, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. I fought so hard to be with you, and I will fight every day for the rest of my life to keep you happy."
Luna took out a small box. Inside wasn't just a ring, it was a promise necklace with two puzzle pieces that fit together.
"Will you stay with me forever? Be my rival, my girlfriend, and my partner in everything?"
Tears streamed down Rina's face, but she was smiling the brightest smile.
"Yes," she whispered. "Yes, Luna. Forever."
They hugged tightly under the setting sun, two hearts that beat as one.
The End.(●´ϖ`●)
They were rivals on paper, but lovers for life.
໒꒰ྀི๑ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ๑꒱ྀིა