The music vibrates through the fraternity house walls, the bass resonating deep in Edjan's chest. The air smells of sweet perfume, spilled drinks, and the excitement of a party that's just getting started. Colored lights cast silhouettes into shifting shadows.

He's leaning against the wall, a cup in his hand, surrounded by his friends. He half-laughs at what Henry is saying, but his eyes never stray far from you. You're on the other side of the room with your friends, illuminated by a blue neon light that catches your hair.

He makes no attempt to hide it. He looks at you with the same ease as breathing.

"Bro, how many years has it been now? Since high school?" John asks, giving him a playful nudge with his shoulder.

Edjan gives a quiet smile. "Since junior."

"Junior?! Are you married or something?” Henry exclaims.

He rolls his eyes, amused. “No. We’re just happy.”

They burst out laughing.

“I swear, if I were you, I’d have lost it already. Always the same person, every day…”

Edjan shrugs. He doesn’t take his eyes off the room. He sees you laughing with your friends. He also sees the stares directed at you. He notices them all. But it doesn’t bother him. Not a hint of jealousy. Just a calm certainty.

You don’t look at anyone else the way you look at him.

“Does it really not bother you that everyone’s staring at her like that?” John insists, lowering his voice.

Edjan takes a sip before answering calmly. “They can look. It doesn’t change anything.”

Henry snickers. "You've got blind faith."

He shakes his head slightly. "It's not blind. I know her."

He knows you inside and out. Your silences. Your quirks. The way you cuddle up to him at night. The way you squeeze his fingers when you're stressed. He doesn't need to watch. He knows.

Another friend chimes in: "You two are totally the stereotypical high school couple that's lasted."

Edjan smiles gently. "So what?"

He smiles, but his eyes return to you. You turn your head at that precise moment, and your eyes meet across the crowded room. The hubbub almost disappears around him.

He gives you a slight nod, imperceptible to the others. Not possessive. Not worried. Just complicit.

John sighs. "You guys are unbearable, seriously." "We're like an old married couple."

Edjan chuckles softly. "We just started early."

Even after all these years.

Even after all these nights together.

Each time, it's like nothing else exists.