The True Love

David, Ella, and Yury grew up on the same family. They shared lunch boxes, homework, and secrets. From kindergarten to class 10, they were inseparable. Everyone at school called them the "Three Musketeers." David was the quiet one. Top of the class, always carrying Ella’s bag without asking. Yury was the loud one. Class clown, always making Ella laugh when she was sad. And Ella was the heart of the group. Kind, smart, and the reason both boys showed up to school every day. As they got older, things changed but no one talked about it. David started waiting for Ella after tuition. Yury started saving her the last seat in the canteen. Both of them liked her. Both of them were terrified to say it. So they stayed silent and pretended nothing changed. Class 10 farewell day came. The whole school was crying, taking photos, and signing shirts. Ella wore a white dress and her hair was down. She looked different. David couldn’t take his eyes off her. Yury couldn’t stop smiling, even though his chest hurt. During the last speech, the principal said, "High school ends today. But real life begins." After the program, David pulled Ella to the empty classroom. His hands were shaking. "Ella," he said. "I’ve liked you since class 7. I don’t want us to be just friends anymore." Ella’s eyes filled with tears. She liked him too. She always did. "Me too, David," she whispered. Outside the door, Yury heard everything. He smiled, turned around, and walked away. No one saw the way his hands shook.