The app notifications pinged as usual, but something felt different today. Arjun opened the chat and saw her message waiting.
MoonInk:Arjun… I need to tell you something.
His heart skipped.
IronQuill:What is it?
MoonInk:I'm getting married. My fiancé is from another city… soon. I wanted you to hear it from me first.
Arjun's chest tightened. He had suspected she might move on someday, but hearing it made it real. Words felt inadequate.
IronQuill:I… I see. I'm happy for you, truly. I hope you're happy.
MoonInk:Thank you. I didn't want this to come between us. Our chats, our stories… they'll always stay special to me.
Arjun smiled faintly, fighting back the sting. "They'll always stay special to me too."
MoonInk:Promise me something?
IronQuill:Anything.
MoonInk:No matter what happens, we'll never reveal our real identities to each other's world. Some connections are just… ours.
Arjun nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Promise. Some stories are meant to exist only between pages… or screens."
They shared one last long chat that night, full of jokes, arguments, and memories. Their usual banter felt heavier this time, tinged with nostalgia.
Finally, she typed:
MoonInk:Goodbye, Arjun. Take care of yourself.
IronQuill:Goodbye… MoonInk.
Arjun closed the app, staring at the ceiling. A part of him ached, but another part felt gratitude. For months, they had shared stories, laughter, and arguments that made them feel alive. And though they couldn't be together in the real world, their connection—private, cherished, and untouchable—would always remain.
Sometimes, the most meaningful stories were the ones that didn't have an ending.