CHAPTER 29

Chapter 29: A New Beginning

The semester had come to an end, and with it, the excitement and anxiety of final exams. JM and I had spent weeks preparing, supporting each other through the late nights of studying, the endless cups of coffee, and the quiet moments of reassurance when the pressure seemed unbearable. As we sat in the university library one last time before exams, the air between us felt charged with anticipation.

“I can’t believe it’s almost over,” I said, closing my textbook with a sigh. “A whole semester gone by just like that.”

JM smiled at me from across the table, his eyes filled with that familiar warmth. “Yeah, time really flies when you’re having fun.”

I grinned, leaning back in my chair. “I’m glad I got to spend it with you, JM.”

He reached across the table, taking my hand in his and squeezing it gently. “Same here, Junno. It feels like everything’s falling into place, doesn’t it?”

I nodded, my heart swelling with affection. "It does. I used to be so unsure about everything, but now, with you, it all feels right."

The quiet hum of the library seemed to fade away as I looked into his eyes, and in that moment, I felt incredibly lucky. I had found someone who understood me, who shared my dreams and fears, and who made me feel seen, loved, and supported.

“We’ll get through this,” JM said, his voice filled with confidence. “And then, we can finally take a break. Maybe go on another trip, or just spend time together.”

I smiled, feeling the weight of his words. The idea of taking a break, of escaping the pressures of school and just being with him, was something I had been longing for. “That sounds perfect.”

Our conversation drifted back to the upcoming exams, but the underlying current of hope and certainty remained. I knew that no matter what happened in the future—whether we stayed in La Trinidad, moved somewhere else, or took time to figure out what we wanted—I would face it with JM. Together.

The days leading up to our exams passed in a blur of nervous energy and determination. We studied side by side, offering encouragement, breaking up the monotony with jokes and small moments of affection. And when the last exam finally came and went, we could both breathe a sigh of relief.

“Well, that’s it,” I said as we walked out of the exam hall, the weight of the semester lifting off my shoulders. “It’s over.”

JM chuckled, stretching his arms above his head. “And now, we can finally relax. No more exams, no more stress—just us.”

I turned to face him, my heart fluttering with excitement. “I think it’s time to celebrate.”

---

That evening, we found ourselves at a small café near the university, indulging in some much-needed comfort food. The mood was light, and we laughed easily, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together without the looming pressure of schoolwork.

“I’m really glad we made it through, Junno,” JM said, his voice softer now, a touch of seriousness underlying his words.

“Me too,” I replied, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

JM smiled, his gaze intense as he held my hand. “We’re a team, Junno. Always.”

There was a quiet moment between us, an unspoken understanding passing in the air. And in that moment, I knew—no matter what the future held, we would face it together. Our love had grown so much in such a short time, and it felt like we were just getting started.

---

The following weeks were a whirlwind of relaxation, family visits, and catching up with old friends. Yet, despite the break, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what was to come. JM and I continued to talk about the future, about our dreams and what we wanted to achieve, both together and individually.

One afternoon, as we sat together on my apartment balcony, enjoying the quiet peace of the city below, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Life felt fuller now, richer, because of the love we shared.

“I’ve been thinking,” I began, breaking the silence, “about what we talked about the other day—about the future. And I think we need to make a plan. For both of us. Together.”

JM turned toward me, his expression serious but filled with the same warmth that always seemed to radiate from him. “What do you have in mind?”

I paused, gathering my thoughts. “Well, we’ve both got big goals, right? You with your career, me with my studies. But I think we need to start thinking about how we’re going to make it all work. How we’re going to balance everything and still have time for us.”

JM nodded thoughtfully, his fingers gently tracing the edge of my hand. “I agree. We can’t just live in the moment forever, no matter how much I love being with you. We need to think about what comes next.”

His words made me feel both nervous and excited. I had always been someone who lived in the moment, taking life as it came. But now, with JM, I could see a future that stretched beyond the present, beyond the confines of college life. A future where we worked together, grew together, and shared everything life had to offer.

“I want us to be partners in everything, Junno,” JM said, his voice steady and firm. “Whatever happens, whatever comes our way—I want us to face it together.”

I smiled, my heart swelling with love for him. “I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”

---

And so, we began to make plans—tentative steps toward a future that was uncertain but full of promise. The journey ahead was still unknown, but I knew one thing for sure: as long as JM and I were together, we could face anything. We were more than just two people in love; we were a team, and together, we would navigate whatever life had in store for us.

As the sun set on that quiet afternoon, I leaned my head on JM’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence next to me. And for the first time, I felt truly at peace, knowing that no matter what came next, we would always have each other.

-End of Love in the time of Grades book one.

I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Stay tuned for book two.

Yours truly, ArteyosWrites

Please check out love in the time of grades second semester.