You and Vlad had always been rivals. In class, you constantly got on each other’s nerves, arguing, teasing, pushing each other’s buttons whenever you could. You couldn’t stand him, and he couldn’t stand you, yet somehow there was always a sharp, familiar banter between you.

Now you were 18. Your teachers had recommended a university in Australia, and you decided to take the chance and go. It felt like the right opportunity, a fresh start, far away from everything and everyone.

At the airport, you sat waiting until the announcement finally came: your flight was ready for boarding.

You stood up and made your way toward the gate.

“WAIT!”

A hand suddenly grabbed your wrist.

You turned, startled.

It was Vlad.

He was breathless, clearly having run all the way there. Sweat clung to his forehead, and his eyes were wide with panic.

“You can’t go!”

he said, his voice unsteady. You stared at him, shocked by the desperation in his tone.

“Why…?”

You asked slowly. He hesitated, struggling to catch his breath.

“Because…BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!”

he blurted out.

The words hit hard, raw and unfiltered.

“Don’t go…”

he added, his voice quieter now, pleading. Tears welling up in his eyes.