Chapter 3 AFTER GRADUATION

The summer after graduation felt like a blur to Olivia.

The excitement of finally finishing high school had worn off faster than she anticipated, and now, she found herself in the quiet monotony of life after the big day.

Her family had celebrated her graduation with a small dinner, but it was not the same as the parties she had imagined in her head. There were no big get-togethers or grand gestures. Just her, her parents, and her little brother. A simple night of laughter and good food.

But still, there was an underlying sadness she couldn't shake. High school was over. And the future was uncertain. Most of her classmates had already started preparing for college, moving to new cities, or stepping into new adventures. But Olivia was not sure where she belonged.

She had no grand plans, no dream university waiting for her. Just a lingering sense of confusion about what came next. Some days, she told herself she had time to figure it all out. Other days, the uncertainty pressed down on her like a weight she couldn't shake.

And then there was Ethan. The boy who had made that party unforgettable.

She had spent that night talking to him, laughing at his jokes, and sharing pieces of herself she had never expected to reveal. For the first time in a long time, she had felt seen. But after graduation, things had changed.

She had not heard from Ethan much. At first, she told herself it didn't matter. But the longer the silence stretched, the more she started to wonder.

Did I just imagine the connection we had that night? Was she foolish to think that moment meant something? Weeks passed. Then, one evening, as Olivia sat scrolling through her phone, a notification popped up. Her heart skipped a beat.

Ethan Cole: Hey, Olivia. It's been a while. How is everything?

For a second, she just stared at the screen. A rush of emotions hit her all at once-excitement, nervousness, curiosity.

Did he really think of me? Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before she finally typed out a response.

Olivia Hart: Hey, Ethan! I am doing well, just adjusting to life after graduation. How about you? She hit send.

Then, she waited.

A minute passed.

Then another.

Her stomach twisted as she wondered if he would changed his mind about reaching out. Then her phone buzzed.

Ethan Cole: Same here. Graduation was a big deal, but it's kind of hit me that we are all moving on to the next chapter.

Anyway, I was thinking, maybe we could catch up sometime? It would be good to see you again.

Olivia's breath caught. Catch up? She had not expected that. But the idea of seeing him again sent a thrill through her chest.

Olivia Hart: I would like that. When are you free? The conversation flowed easily after that.

Ethan suggested they meet up for coffee that weekend, and Olivia agreed without hesitation. She told herself it was just two friends reconnecting. But deep down, she knew it felt like more.

The day of their meet-up arrived faster than Olivia expected. Standing outside the small cafe downtown, she nervously adjusted her clothes. She had picked out a casual yet cute outfit-nothing too fancy, but still something that made her feel good about herself. She had even taken extra care with her hair, worried she might look too plain compared to the effortlessly cool Ethan.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. And there he was. Ethan sat at a corner table, a coffee cup in front of him, his eyes scanning the room as if he was waiting for someone. When he saw Olivia, a smile spread across his face. That same smile that had made her heart race all those weeks ago. Olivia, he greeted, standing up.

Before she could react, he pulled her into a brief but warm hug. She wasnt sure why, but it calmed her nerves.

"It's good to see you," he said, his voice genuine.

Good to see you too, Ethan, Olivia replied, taking a seat across from him. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to say.

But then, the conversation flowed, just like it always had. They talked about life after high school, their families, and their uncertain plans for the future.

Olivia admitted she was taking things one step at a time. Ethan confessed he was doing the same, starting at a local community college before figuring out his next move. It was refreshing, knowing neither of them had it all figured out.

Then, as they laughed about old high school memories, Olivia noticed something. Ethan's gaze lingered on her in a way that made her stomach flutter. It was the same look he had given her at the party.

Something soft. Something tender. Like he was seeing her in a new light. "So," she said, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened,

what's it like now that we are out of high school?

Ethan hesitated before answering. "Honestly? It's a little strange.

I thought everything would change, but now I realize that life doesn't suddenly get easier. We still have to figure out what we want." Then, he paused. "And... I guess I have been thinking about some things." Olivia tilted her head. "What kind of things?" He let out a small breath, then met her gaze. I have been thinking about you."

Olivia's breath hitched. Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking less like the confident guy she was used to and more like someone laying his heart bare. I have been thinking about the party, about how it felt like something changed that night. And I guess I just wanted to know... if you felt it too. For a moment, Olivia didn't know what to say. Did she feel it too? Yes.

But admitting it out loud felt terrifying. She had spent so long believing that guys like Ethan didn't see girls like her. But here he was, proving her wrong. "I think I do," she said finally, her voice quiet but sure.

Ethan smiled, relief flickering across his face. "We don't have to figure it all out today," he said. "I just wanted to know if there was a chance.

But deep down Ethan don't know how to tell olival the truth, yes he is in love with her but it was never so from the start.

Ethan had have some bet with his friends, if he could go out with the unclassic bookworm in the school, and had her to fall in love with him and also had make out with her, they were going to pay for anything he bought through out that year.

But this bet has turn into true love, what if she founds out?