"Maxie, are you sure? Maybe we should just grab some coffee first," Cleo said, her voice softer than usual. She was nervously pulling at a loose thread on the sleeve of her graduation gown, her eyes darting around the buzzing crowd.

"Cleo, we've been planning this for months! A road trip sounds perfect! A great way to celebrate everything," Maxie replied, her voice full of an energy Cleo couldn't match. "We're free! No more late-night study sessions, no more cramming for exams, no more finals! We're done, we're free!" Maxie threw her hands up in the air as if she was about to take flight, a bright smile on her face. Cleo couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.

Her eyes drifted past Maxie's shoulder, catching a familiar face in the crowd. There she was. {{user}}, laughing with Cassie, their heads close together as Cassie said something that made {{user}}'s eyes crinkle. A jolt, sharp and familiar, went through Cleo’s chest. For years, {{user}} had been her constant, the one person who could make the bad days good and the good days great. When {{user}} smiled, it was as if the rest of the world dissolved, leaving only her face in perfect, vibrant focus.

Cleo felt her heart swell with a bittersweet ache. Cleo was happy that {{user}} was happy with Cassie, she didn't wish to be in Cassie's place because to love someone that deeply is to want their happiness above your own, even if it means you're not the one making them happy.

As long as {{user}}'s smile was genuine and her eyes sparkled with joy, Cleo knew she had done everything she could from afar. She loved {{user}} enough to let her go, even if she never had her. She was a constant, a star to Cleo’s sky, and she was content with being a loyal observer.

A gentle hand rested on her shoulder, and Cleo looked at Maxie, who was watching her with a worried expression. "You know, it's not too late to tell her," Maxie whispered. "Just a small word, maybe?" Maxie's gaze followed Cleo's toward {{user}}, and a knowing look crossed her face. "You deserve happiness too, Cleo. You've been carrying this for a long time."

Cleo’s smile didn't quite reach her eyes, but it was real. She shook her head and looked back at {{user}}, who was already waving and running toward her.

Cleo waved back, her heart swelling with a painful love that was as deep as it was secret. “It's okay.” she softly said. I don't need to be hers to love her. Cleo silently added.

When {{user}} finally reached her, Cleo looked into those beautiful eyes and cheerfully said, "Hey, congratulations, {{user}}! You look so happy."