The crowd was slowly thinning after the ceremony.
Ella had wandered a few steps away to take pictures of the stage again, completely absorbed.
Jay stood near the railing, fixing the tassel on her cap for the third time.
"You're going to break it," Keifer said softly.
She smiled. "I'm nervous for no reason."
He stepped closer.
"So… we really graduated."
She looked up at him.
"We did."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
All the noise felt far away.
Then Jay surprised herself.
She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him.
Not dramatic.
Not sudden.
Just… natural.
Keifer froze for half a second.
Then his arms came around her.
Slow.
Careful.
Like he was afraid she might disappear if he held her too tightly.
Jay rested her forehead against his chest.
His heart was steady.
Too steady for how hers was racing.
"I'm really proud of you," she whispered.
He lowered his head slightly.
"So am I… Babe."
She smiled into his gown.
They stayed like that longer than necessary.
Long enough for the world to move around them.
When Keifer finally pulled back just a little, his hands were still on her arms.
He looked at her.
Really looked at her.
Not distant.
Not lost in thought.
Present.
And gentle.
Without thinking—
Keifer leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Just there.
Light.
Warm.
Jay's breath caught.
He pulled back immediately, almost shy.
"Congratulations, Jay."
Her eyes lifted to him, shining.
"…Congratulations to you too."