WebNovels

Chapter 23 - CH.7- WHEN THE PAST WALKED IN

The campus looked almost unrecognisable that morning. Banners fluttered from the old pillars, the air filled with laughter, chatter, and the hum of music echoing from the quad. It was Founders' Reunion Week, and students old and new mingled like past and present had never been apart.

Kylie stood near the registration tent, arms folded loosely as she watched a group of alumni walk past. Her hair was pinned up, her ID swinging from her neck. She looked calm, but her stomach twisted when she saw him Devon stepping out of one of the black university cars, sharp in a dark blazer and light trousers.

He looked different. Older, in the best way. Broader shoulders, cleaner jawline, a confidence that came from knowing exactly who he was now.

"Blimey," muttered one of the girls beside her. "Didn't know the P.E. lot came back looking like that."

Kylie smirked faintly but said nothing. She hadn't seen him since he'd left to start his new post months ago. And though time had softened the ache, seeing him again was like reopening a sealed letter you never posted.

From across the quad, Iver noticed her stare and gently nudged her. "You alright there, love?"

"Yeah, yeah, course," she replied, shaking herself out of it. "Just... didn't think he'd actually come."

"Well, he's the guest of honour, innit?" Iver chuckled. "He'd be daft not to."

He slung an arm around her shoulder casually, and she leaned in the kind of easy affection that didn't need to be announced. Still, as Devon's gaze caught theirs for a fleeting second, something unreadable flickered behind his eyes.

Inside the hall, Raya was everywhere. Camera crew behind her, headset on, clipboard in hand she'd traded her student badge for a press pass, now part of the campus media department.

"Oi, lighting's too harsh on that banner!" she shouted to one of the tech lads. "Yeah, that's better. Cheers."

When she finally saw Devon, she froze mid-step. For a heartbeat, she wasn't the confident coordinator she was the girl who used to wait by the gym doors for him to walk her home.

He turned, noticed her, and smiled polite, steady.

"Raya," he greeted. "Didn't think I'd get this kind of welcome."

She exhaled, forcing a light grin. "You wish. You're just the fancy alumni everyone's fussing over."

"Still cheeky," he said, chuckling.

"And you still think you can charm your way out of everything."

"Worked before, didn't it?"

She laughed a quiet, genuine sound that made the tension break. "Good to see you again, Dev."

"Likewise, Ray."

They left it there. No need to dig up ghosts when the present was finally peaceful.

The afternoon rolled by in a whirl of speeches, old teachers hugging returning students, and photo sessions that made everyone feel a little nostalgic. Maureen appeared halfway through, dressed in a navy dress that screamed elegance. She was helping the principal organise the alumni dinner and clearly had her life together or at least looked like it.

"Devon!" she called out, spotting him near the stage.

"Maureen." He smiled, genuinely pleased. "Didn't expect to see you."

"I could say the same. You clean up well."

"So do you."

There was no awkwardness, just a calm warmth. They'd both moved on no lingering tension, no sharp memories. Just mutual respect for what had been and what no longer needed to be.

"I heard about your new job," she said. "P.E. coach, yeah?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "First term's been a mad one, but I'm settling in. The kids are a laugh."

"Good for you." She paused, then added with a faint smirk, "Bet half of them fancy you, though."

"Oi, behave," he laughed. "Don't start rumours."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

They both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like closure in its purest form not loud or emotional, just quiet acceptance.

When the evening sun began to dip, everyone gathered in the Great Hall. Lights shimmered on the stage, the room buzzing with anticipation as the speeches began. The principal introduced the alumni committee, and soon enough, it was Maureen's turn.

She walked up to the podium, poised, confident.

"Good evening, everyone. When we left this place years ago, we thought we were walking away from it. But looking around tonight, I realise we never really did.

This school wasn't perfect we argued, protested, even burned a few cafeteria tables along the way." Laughter rippled through the room.

"But every moment we spent here built something in us resilience, friendship, the courage to stand for what we believed in. And that's why tonight isn't just a reunion. It's a reminder that growth doesn't mean forgetting where you came from."

The crowd applauded warmly. When she stepped down, she passed Devon the mic with a knowing smile.

"Alright then, big man. Don't freeze up."

Devon grinned, took a breath, and faced the crowd.

"Evening, everyone. First off, Maureen's speech makes me wish I'd gone before her." Laughter again.

"You know, being back here's strange. It feels smaller somehow maybe because we've all grown.

I used to think school was about lessons, books, and deadlines. Turns out, it was about people. The ones who challenged you, stood by you, and sometimes… broke your heart a little."

He glanced briefly at Kylie and Iver, then at Raya across the room, before continuing.

"But those moments every argument, every mistake they shaped who we are now. We learnt to forgive, to move on, to build again.

So here's to all of us the ones still finding our way, and the ones who've already taken it. We built something here once. A community. A home. A bit mad at times, but ours nonetheless."

When he finished, the hall erupted in applause. Maureen gave him a nod the kind that said well done, you've grown.

Kylie clapped too, smiling faintly. There was no sting this time, no ache just pride.

Raya lowered her camera, eyes soft. Iver leaned toward Kylie, whispering, "He smashed it, didn't he?"

"Yeah," she murmured, eyes still on Devon. "He really did."

And as the noise faded, the lights dimmed, and laughter filled the room again, a quiet peace settled over them all.

More Chapters