Connor

Finally, the last of the boxes were out of the truck, thank god. All of us decided to head out to eat afterward. Y/N and I would have to prepare ourselves for the next tedious step: unboxing.

It would probably have to wait till tomorrow though since our muscles were already sore by the time we entered the diner.

With the help of Zoe, Jared, and Y/N's father, we were able to get some of it done. We would have more to deal with, but it was for later, and we couldn't ignore our growling stomachs.

After the meal, we met outside the diner and said our goodbyes, taking in the night air. Everybody left as Y/N and I found our way to our car.

She plopped down into the passenger seat and yawned as she buckled her seatbelt.

"Tired?" I asked, starting the engine. I didn't know why I even bothered asking. She got back from a flight yesterday and we went out. Then the very next day, we were more productive.

"No, I'm pumped," She said sarcastically. "Let's throw a party at our new place."

"You're fucking exhausted, that's what you are."

"What makes you say that?" She forced herself to straighten up but her head stayed on the headrest. Her eyebrow was raised.

Before I drove off, I bit my inner cheek in an attempt to hide a smile. "Never mind. Let's get home. I kinda want to save the unboxing for tomorrow anyway,"

"That's probably the best idea," Y/N yawned, now resting her head against the window.

Once we got to the complex, we were already about half-asleep. I swung the door open and we walked into our new home. We navigated our way through a combination of unpacked things and other furniture before getting to the bedroom.

Our room itself wasn't set up as much. I took some time to furnish it when I moved in with the help of my sister, Evan, and Jared. It was a considerable large room, with walls that "desperately needed to be repainted," as Zoe had commented.

Y/N was the first to get comfy into bed after changing, burying herself in the sheets. "I don't think I've felt anything more comfortable, honestly," She said as her head adorably peeked from the bundle she made for herself. I stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "What?"

"Nice cocoon," I snorted, pulling my hair into a messy bun.

"Why thank you," She smirked before adjusting the sheets normally. As I settled next to her, Y/N's fixed her eyes on the boxes near the entrance of the room. I followed her gaze.

"We'll worry about it tomorrow, Y/N," I told her softly, brushing the hair from her face as she turned to me.

"I know," She sighed as she fiddled with the soft sheets. "It's just.. I guess I'm not used to catching a damn break. Like, I can't even let myself sleep sometimes," Stopping, she let out a sharp breath. "I don't have the energy to be mad at myself right now."

Y/N let out a small chuckle before her head fell on my shoulder.

"Dude, you've done a lot in the past forty-eight hours. Give yourself a break," I wrapped an arm around her, and not even a minute later her eyes were shut tight, peacefully asleep.

Maybe I admired her for too long before turning off the lamp beside me.

•••

Dear Y/N L/N,

It's been a year and a half since Y/N returned. Before the milestone, she was able to find a job that made her wake up enthusiastically almost every morning. And that mood grew every time I kissed her.

Leaning against the doorframe before she left, Y/N scrolled through her phone with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like there's a high school reunion," She explained as she saw me walk into the living room. "What do you think?"

I just wanted to let you know...

"What do you mean- Oh..." I didn't think I'd have to see that place again. But it's not like we'd be attending the regular hell that we had to endure once upon a time. "I mean, it's not like we'll have anything better to do tonight," Biting my lip, I stared at the ground, but looked back up and met Y/N's eyes, her face the same expression as mine.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking about right now?" She pointed to me, and then herself, letting a smile take over her face. 

You're so fucking amazing.

I nodded, now excited. A mental image of the location came to mind. Y/N would be the one to thank for that.
"I definitely know what you're talking about," I pointed to her.

"The spot!" She squealed before eying her phone again. "Oh shit, I'm gonna be late."

"What time should we be going, though?" I asked before she left.

"Uh, it says around 5:30 pm, that's when it starts.." Her eyes scanned for more details. "I really gotta go-"

"Okay okay, I'll see you later tonight."

"Yup!" I felt a kiss on my cheek before the door shut.

I don't know how you manage to do the things that you do, and the things you do for me.

I was already prepared to leave for work in a minute, too, so I quickly checked my phone for the time and more details related to the reunion. Then another thought emerged. Would there be something else occupying said spot at the side of the building?

Man, we probably seem so weird worrying about stuff like that. It's like we forgot about it for god knows how long.

You make me happy.

Before I left, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, there stood a man with a small brown package.

"This is for.. Mr. Connor Murphy?" He read the label.

"Yea, that's me. Thank you." I received the box from him and shut the door after signing the paper.

I didn't think it would get here soon enough.

I stopped and stared at the box, realizing how this reunion could actually work in my favor in a way. Setting it on the counter, I unboxed it and viewed the item inside.

Tonight would be a good night.

•••

You're hilarious as hell, and you can make anyone laugh until their stomach hurts.

After finding a spot in the newly changed parking lot, Y/N and I met up with Zoe, Evan, Jared, and Jeremy in the courtyard. To say I was nervous would be the understatement of the year.

I took that time to check my pocket for the millionth time when Y/N exited the car. My fingers brushed against the small, solid, velvet box.

I hopped out and stuffed my hand in my other pocket.

"You alright?" Y/N asked as we made our way over to the building.

I nodded, actually feeling a shit ton of emotions.

My sister was the first to notice us walk over to them in the familiar courtyard.
"I didn't think you guys would be here," Zoe chuckled.

The others turned around and greeted us enthusiastically. Evan and Zoe gave me looks that indicated they already knew.

"Honestly, me neither," Y/N responded. "But we were able to find our reasons."

"Well, reason," I corrected as she gave me a smirk.

I don't even know where to start when it comes to you.

"Actually, she's not wrong when it comes to multiple reasons," A voice emerged from behind the group and we turned to face Michael, Gianna, and that one girl with electric blue hair and a jean jacket. She was the one from the cafe.
The boy smiled. "Yea, there's some good ass cookies and punch in the gym."

Jeremy's eyes widened. "Babe, did you get me one?"

Michael hesitated before clicking his tongue, "Not yet. Yet." His partner began to give him a look.

Our focused shifted onto the other girl that clung to Gianna's side.
"Oh- yea. I'm Courtney," She awkwardly introduced herself as she waved. "I'm Gi's girlfriend. I didn't go here but I wanted to be with her tonight."

"Well, it's nice to meet you," Y/N nodded. "

Gianna turned to me and gave me a subtle smile. I thought back to the day at the cafe where she was anything but confident at first. She got her.

Our conversations came to an end and Y/N practically dragged me inside to find our spot. Every step taken toward the spot meant the moment was getting closer and closer.

Making it through the maze of people, Y/N and I came across the familiar door.

Y/N placed a hand on the door, ready to throw it open. "You think we're allowed?" She looked around.

"Well you haven't been caught for how many years now, so you're probably fine. You basically own this spot now." I told her in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Alrighty then," She let out a chuckle before pushing it open.

But I do know this:

We ran out together, letting the door swing shut behind us. I watched with my sweating hands in my pockets as she looked around, knowing the place by detail.

Then she spun around with nostalgic eyes. "What do you think?"

"What do I think?" I repeated with a raised eyebrow.

I think that you and everything around you is the most gorgeous fucking thing I've ever seen.

I leaned against the brick wall and shortly closed my eyes, letting out a breath. For a moment, I thought that when I opened them, the ringing of the school bell would pierce my ears. Of course, I wouldn't willingly go to class if that happened.

But I opened them again, and Y/N was still there. The corner of my lip raised. "I think that being back here with you is something I wouldn't trade for the world."

She put on a smile that would outshine the moon. "You poetic little ass."

I know that I love you.

"Hey, you asked what I think," I replied as my heart started beating faster and faster. "And... I think I also need to use the restroom." Fearing that she would hear or notice anything, I turned to toward the door.

"Wait, Connor-" Y/N stepped towards me.

I opened the door and gave her a reassuring look. God, I just wanted to cup her face and hold her right then and there. "Hold on, I'll be back, babe."

I know that I trust you.

Quickly, I stepped inside and tried to find my way around mostly from memory. I got there eventually and did nothing but pace around, and that when on for a bit before I stopped and met my reflection.

It wasn't too obvious that I was sweating like a pig but I sure felt like it. My shaking hand felt for the box in my pocket and I took it out. Carefully opening it, I did nothing but stare. And if it didn't hit me then when I ordered it or got it, it definitely hit me now.
Holy shit.

I know that I want you every day.

"Holy shit," Someone said behind me. When I shot my head up, Jared's eyes were wider than a baseball, shock taking over his whole being.

"How- how long have you been standing there?" I quickly asked, shutting the box and shoving it in my pocket.

"Connor, are you-"

"SHH! Not so fucking loud!" I said, clearly panicking as I glanced around.

Jared did too before straightening up a little, furrowing his eyebrows. "At a high school reunion? How often does that happen?"

"I- I have a plan, alright?"

"Whatever you say, man," He patted my shoulder before I took out the box again. "So you're actually doing it. You're gonna ask her."

"Nervous as hell about it."

"I can tell. You're hiding in a bathroom and everything."

Running my fingers through my hair, I sighed. So many thoughts raced through my head, nearly blocking out the outside world before Jared spoke again.

"Connor, dude, you guys are made for each other. Like, it's some soulmate shit or whatever people call it." He exclaimed. "It's the most obvious thing in the world. Everyone sees the way you guys look at each other. You guys are stuck like glue. Hell, I even remember when you kept on saying you guys were just 'best friends.'"

"She is my best friend," I stared down at the ground and leaned against the stall. "And girlfriend. And everything to me. And.. maybe after this, something more..."

I know that you know what to say, even when you feel like you don't.

"Then go get her."

I know that you've been through so much.

My hands weren't as sweaty but my heart continued to beat like a drum against my chest. I glanced back at Jared, who wore a small but genuine smile. "Go ask Y/N, Connor."

I touched the box again before nodding. "Okay.. I'm gonna ask her. That's one of the multiple reasons why we're here."

"Might wanna get there soon before she gets suspicious that you're cheating on her with me."

I rolled my eyes. Just when I thought more words of wisdom could come out of his mouth.

"Thanks Jared," I sighed before exiting the bathroom.

I found the door and pushed it open.
Y/N's attention focused from the sky to me as the door clicked. "Hey,"

I know that you accept me, and you helped me to accept myself.

"Hey," I greeted, standing next to her. I followed her gaze towards the sky. I could watch both forever.
More stars were visible now compared to before, and it had gotten a bit darker.
"It's nice out. Peaceful."

"Yea," She nodded, crossing her arms and grinning. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss this, even if it was just a little bit."

I know that you matter.

"I had a feeling you didn't forget." I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close, planting a kiss on her head.

"How could I? This place was pretty nice to us."

Us.

I shifted to face her completely. Every second with her, especially now, it just felt right. "Can I tell you something?"

I know you make others feel like they matter.

"Anything," Y/N's fingers laced with mine. "What's up?"

And I want to say thank you. For everything.

Instead of words, I chuckled slightly out of I don't know what. "What is it?" Her smile grew.

You didn't have to stop in that hallway.

"Nothing, I just fucking love you," I breathed out. "So much. I'm so damn lucky and thankful- and I could honestly go on forever. I'm thankful that you even wanted to take me to this place at the side of the school."

"Connor..."

Y/N...

I didn't even blink and I could feel a tear already streaming down my face. "I love that we can talk to each other about almost everything, even if it's a stupid question like if there was a milkshake in one yard and a cold one in the other-"

"-where would the boys go...?" She broke into soft laughter.

I took back my hand and reached into my pocket. "You're just... You're you. And in my opinion, that's the best thing in the world. Flaws and all, you're amazing. I love you, Y/N. So so much."

Might as well ask, right...?

"And I love you for you, even more, Con." She tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. What did I do to deserve this, I thought.

As the wind howled, I slowly got down on one knee as Y/N let out a gasp, tears falling from her starlike eyes. The world went still once again. I wasn't shaking or worried or anxious as much.

Her hands raced to cover her mouth. "Oh my god Connor..."

With the box opened, I held it out and lovingly looked at her. I didn't let myself look down anymore, not for this.

"Will you marry me?"