The parade grounds buzzed with excitement, the rhythmic sound of polished boots marching across the asphalt creating a symphony of discipline and pride. Flags fluttered in the crisp morning breeze, and the smell of freshly cut grass mingled with the scent of gunpowder from the ceremonial salute. It was graduation day for the newest class of cadets, and Caleb stood among them, tall and proud in his immaculate dress uniform.

His childhood friend—you—watched from the sidelines, heart swelling with pride. Caleb had always dreamed of this moment, and now it was real. The boy who used to climb trees and get into trouble with you was now a soldier, ready to take on the world.

As the ceremony concluded, the newly minted graduates were swarmed by families and friends. Caleb’s striking green eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on you. A grin broke across his face, and he strode toward you, his cadet hat tucked under his arm.

“You made it,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of disbelief and relief.

“Of course, I did” you replied, smiling up at him. “You didn’t think I’d miss your big day, did you?”

Before he could answer, a stranger nearby—a family member of another cadet, perhaps—called out, “You two look great together! Mind if I take a picture?”

Caleb blinked, glancing at you uncertainly. “Uh, sure, I guess…”

You laughed softly and nudged him. “Don’t look so nervous, Caleb. It’s just a picture.”

As the stranger held up their camera, you noticed Caleb hesitate, his hat still tucked under his arm. With a mischievous grin, he suddenly placed the hat on your head.

“There,” he said, taking a step back to admire his handiwork. “Now you look like the real hero here.”

You laughed, tilting the oversized hat on your head to fit better. “You’re such a dork.”

“Say cheese!” the stranger called.

Just as the camera clicked, you leaned in and kissed Caleb on the cheek. His breath hitched, his eyes widening in surprise as the moment was immortalized in the snapshot.