🎓 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎: 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝒟𝒶𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒮𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓁

Lucas walked through the school halls, clutching the straps of his backpack. The energy in the air was buzzing—students laughing, teachers barely enforcing rules, and the occasional sound of lockers slamming as everyone rushed to turn in last-minute assignments. It was the last day of school.

For most students, it was just the beginning of summer, but for Amari? It was the end of high school.

Lucas chewed on his lip as he made his way to Amari's locker. He found his boyfriend standing with his football teammates, looking relaxed but focused. Graduation was right around the corner, and Amari had been practicing for the big day.

Lucas tiptoed up behind him, tugging gently at Amari's hoodie. "Daddy..." he mumbled, his voice soft under the noise of the hallway.

Amari turned instantly, his serious face melting into a smile. "Hey, baby," he said, wrapping an arm around Lucas' shoulders. "You good?"

Lucas nodded, resting against Amari's chest. "Mhm... Jus' can't believe you're graduating..."

Amari chuckled, squeezing him gently. "Me either, baby. Feels kinda unreal."

One of Amari's teammates clapped him on the back. "Dude, we're really about to be done with this place."

Amari smirked. "Hell yeah, man. Y'all ready for graduation practice?"

Lucas pouted as he held onto Amari's sleeve. "I don't want today to end..."

Amari kissed the top of his head. "Don't worry, baby boy. I'm not goin' anywhere."

🎭 Senior Graduation Practice

The seniors were dismissed early to head to the gym for graduation practice. Lucas watched from the bleachers, kicking his feet as he held onto his teddy keychain Amari had won for him at the arcade.

Mrs. Min sat beside him, smiling warmly. "You're so proud of him, aren't you?"

Lucas nodded. "Mhm. He worked hard... an' now he's gonna walk 'cross the stage and everything."

Down on the floor, Amari was practicing walking across the stage, shaking hands with the principal, and receiving a fake diploma for now. He looked so grown up in his cap and gown.

Lucas felt a pang in his chest. What happens after this?

Amari had college offers. Football scholarships. A future.

And Lucas... he still didn't know what he wanted.

He wanted to be Amari's baby. His little boy. His safe space. But was that enough?

Mrs. Min seemed to notice his shift in mood and gently rubbed his back. "Sweetheart, whatever happens next, Amari loves you. You two will figure things out together."

Lucas sniffled, nodding. "Yeah..."

When practice ended, Amari walked up to the bleachers, grinning. "How'd I do?"

Lucas jumped up and hugged him. "You looked perfect, Daddy."

Amari chuckled, kissing his cheek. "Good. 'Cause tomorrow's the real deal."

Lucas held onto him a little tighter, not ready for tomorrow to come just yet.