Time moved in ways Noah couldn't quite understand. One moment they were five, chasing fireflies and eating ice cream on the hill, and the next, they were eighteen, standing side by side with caps and gowns and a thousand endings swirling around them. Somewhere in all those years, everything shifted. Not like thunder, but slow and secret, sneaking under Noah's skin until every joke and every late text felt heavier, brighter.
Today was supposed to be pure happiness. Maybe it was for some of the crowd. Not for Noah. He twisted his tassel and watched familiar faces, laughter, and tears float beneath the blue summer sky. Deep in his chest, something tight refused to let go.
Thomas found him. Of course he did. Somehow, Thomas always knew where Noah was, even in a sea of people. He stepped over, his cap a little crooked, a white shirt undone at the collar. His smile was wider than the horizon. "You're going to break that tassel," Thomas teased.
"I'll break the whole cap," Noah sighed, letting Thomas bump his shoulder so casually it almost hurt.
"Come on. We made it. No more algebra. No more cafeteria mac and cheese." Thomas grinned, his eyes shining like they belonged in a painting.
Noah tried for a joke, but his voice cracked. "You'll miss the mac and cheese."
"I'll miss you," Thomas replied before he could stop himself, then laughed it off while Noah swallowed a hurricane of feelings.
The ceremony buzzed around them. Names called, pictures snapped, parents cheering and hugging. When Thomas crossed the stage, Noah whooped so loudly that teachers turned to look. When Noah walked, Thomas shouted louder. For a minute, Noah let himself believe this day could last forever.
Then Ryan appeared, all charm and bright teeth, slapping Thomas on the back. "Afterparty tonight?" he said, voice booming.
Thomas lit up, but Noah's heart sank. He watched them talk, the ease and laughter that used to be just for him. Suddenly, all the noise faded.
"Can we talk?" Noah asked, voice barely above the crowd.
Thomas nodded and followed, letting Noah lead him under the shade of the old oak. The weight finally dropped. "I'm moving. Next week," Noah said. There was no easy way to say it.
Thomas's smile faltered. The words hung between them, heavy and unfair. "Greenville?" he asked.
Noah nodded, twisting the tassel more. "We'll still see each other sometimes. I hope."
Thomas crossed his arms, jaw tight. "You should have told me sooner."
"I know, I just… I wanted today to be happy," Noah replied.
For a moment, neither spoke. Thomas sighed and looked up at the sky, blinking hard to keep the tears away. "Promise me we'll keep trying. Even from far away."
Noah reached out and gripped Thomas's pinky like they did when they were kids. "Always."
The sun dipped lower. The ceremony ended. Together, they set out for the next chapter, bravely holding on to their promise and each other.