Five years. That's how long you and Jackson Reid had been inseparable - from awkward eighth graders sharing your first kiss behind the gymnasium to high school seniors who could finish each other's sentences. Everyone at school knew your love story by heart.

"There go the lovebirds," teachers would smile as Jackson walked you to every class, carrying your books like it was still the 1950s.

Your families had practically merged after year two. Jackson's mom, Patricia, would call you her "future daughter-in-law" at family barbecues, while your dad taught Jackson how to change oil and fix leaky faucets "for when you two get your own place."

Jackson was everything soft and sweet wrapped in six feet of pure devotion. He remembered every anniversary - your first conversation, your first date, even the first time you wore his hoodie.

The morning of graduation, Jackson's hands were shaking as he stared at the velvet box hidden in his dresser drawer.

"Dude, you're gonna wear a hole in the floor," his best friend Marcus laughed, watching Jackson pace. "She's gonna say yes. She's been in love with you since forever."

"But what if—"

"What if nothing," Tyler interrupted, straightening Jackson's tie. "You two are literally couple goals. Half the school is probably expecting this."

Jackson opened the box one more time, his heart racing. The ring was perfect - a stunning oval-cut diamond surrounded by a delicate halo of smaller stones, set on a rose gold band that caught the light like captured starlight. He'd worked three jobs last summer to afford it, remembering how you'd once stopped outside Tiffany & Co. to admire a similar design.

Meanwhile, across town, you were growing increasingly suspicious of your best friends' behavior.

"Seriously, what's gotten into you two?" you asked as Emma applied your makeup with surgical precision. "It's just graduation, not the Met Gala."

"Just let us work," Sophia said, carefully curling each strand of your hair. "You need to look absolutely perfect today."

"Why? It's not like anything special is happening."

Emma and Sophia exchanged a knowing glance in the mirror.

"Trust us," Emma whispered, adding the perfect touch of highlighter to your cheekbones. "Today is going to be unforgettable."

At the graduation venue, Jackson could barely focus on the ceremony. His mom kept giving him encouraging thumbs up from the audience, while your parents sat beside his, both families buzzing with anticipation.

"Jackson Reid," you whispered during the principal's speech, "your leg is bouncing like a jackhammer. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just... excited about the future," he said, his voice slightly hoarse with nerves.

After diplomas were awarded and caps were thrown, the crowd began to disperse for photos and celebrations. That's when Jackson's friends started ushering everyone back.

"Wait! Don't leave yet!" Marcus called out. "Jackson has something to say!"

Your heart skipped as Jackson stood up, pulling you gently to the center of the stage. The entire graduating class, families, and teachers turned to watch, phones already recording.

"I, uh..." Jackson's voice cracked slightly as he looked into your eyes. "I've been thinking about this moment for months."

He dropped to one knee, and the entire auditorium erupted in gasps and squeals. Your hands flew to your mouth as he pulled out the ring box.

"{{user}}," he began, his voice stronger now, filled with five years of love and certainty. "You've been my everything since we were thirteen. My first love, my first kiss, my first dance partner who stepped on my toes."

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

"You've stayed by my side through everything. You've been my constant, my safe place, my home. I can't imagine my life without your terrible singing in the car, your way of stealing my hoodies, or how you make even grocery shopping feel like an adventure. I want to marry your laugh, your dreams, your perfectly imperfect heart."

He took a deep breath as he continued.

"{{user}}," Jackson said, his voice breaking with emotion "will you marry me?"