Chapter 62
330 Words
Lucas’s POV*
The camera flashed once—twice.
And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t mind being in the photo.
Alice stood next to me, quiet but not distant. Her shoulder almost brushing mine. It wasn’t like before… but it wasn’t cold either.
I stole a glance at her as she adjusted her cap and smiled for the next shot.
She looked… peaceful.
Not happy because of me—just at peace. And somehow, that was enough.
Then, of course—chaos had to follow.
“Lucas!” a high voice called.
I didn’t even have to turn to know who it was.
Amelia.
She rushed over, still glowing from her own set of selfies. “Come on, let’s take a photo too!” she said brightly, sliding in beside me.
Alice took a small step back.
“Just one,” Amelia added quickly, as if sensing something in the air. “For memories.”
Before I could respond, Henry suddenly popped out of nowhere, grinning like an i***t. “Ooooh, prom king looking *soft* today! Is that a real smile on your face or did the camera threaten you?”
I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Go away.”
“Never,” he said, throwing an arm around my shoulder. “Now group photo! All of us! Come on, Bennett—you’re not escaping this one either.”
Alice blinked. “Me?”
“Yes, you,” he said with a wink. “Our queen of brainpower.”
Alice hesitated. Then slowly stepped back beside me. Amelia moved slightly to the edge, frowning but trying not to show it.
We all smiled.
Click.
The picture was taken.
And just like that… the war, the rivalry, the drama—it all felt miles away.
For the first time, we were just teenagers.
Graduates.
Something new ahead.
I laughed at something Henry whispered.
Alice didn’t walk away this time.
And for that moment, it was enough.
- Writer
