Their friends were all here today—after all, there was something worth celebrating.
"Kelly, are you really okay now?" Cielo asked gently.
She looked up from the book she had borrowed from him and gave a small nod. Though quiet, she seemed calmer.
Kevin was there too, silently observing. He hadn't said much since they arrived. Suddenly, Julie walked up and lightly tapped his shoulder.
Kevin sighed, shaking his head at her playful antics.
"Julie, you shouldn't do that," he said.
She only smiled in response.
Kelly stifled a soft laugh at his reaction.
Just then, his phone buzzed again—another message from Dawn.
"She really doesn't know how to stop," Kenneth muttered, glancing at him.
"Yeah," he replied simply. He sent a short reply, then decided to ignore her from now on—even if she called.
Everyone they had invited had finally arrived. Julia was chatting animatedly with Nicole and Melissa, clearly more comfortable now.
"Let's eat," Cielo said warmly. "Thank you all for coming."
"You're always welcome," Gabriel replied with a smile. "And thank you as well—for taking care of my cousin."
Cielo nodded.
They began eating together. Julie leaned against him, her fingers tightly laced with his. Their friends didn't tease them—they simply smiled, happy to see Julie so relaxed and lively.
Cielo felt relieved seeing Kelly calmer now, even after what nearly happened the night before.
"Dawn didn't bother you again, did she?" Julie asked quietly.
"I don't really care anymore," he said honestly. "I just want to spend today with you."
He brushed her cheek gently.
"Me too," she murmured. "I missed you—even if we're always together."
"Yeah. I missed you too."
He lifted her hand and kissed her palm.
Julie smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
He looked at her for a moment, hesitating—then leaned in and kissed her lips properly this time.
Gasps echoed around them.
"Ahem," Kelly said quickly. "We didn't see anything. Right, everyone?"
"Y—Yeah. Nothing. Absolutely nothing," Nicole stammered.
"Goodness, Cielo," his brother muttered, shaking his head.
Julie's face turned crimson as she buried herself in Cielo's chest. He laughed softly, ruffling her hair and kissing her forehead.
She's so cute when she reacts like this, he thought.
"Ah, Caden is calling," Gabriel suddenly announced.
"Go on, answer it," Dave said casually.
"Oh, Caden, why are you calling?" Gabriel asked.
"I just want to check on Julia—and confirm something," Caden's voice came through.
"Eh? Didn't Julia update you?" Gabriel teased. "And I already explained what happened. Are you mad about that quick kiss?"
"Idiot. I'm not jealous," Caden snapped. "Julia hasn't gone home yet, but I know where she is."
"Then why call?" Gabriel sighed.
"…Where's Julie?" Caden asked.
"Uh-oh," Gabriel smirked. "Julie, he's looking for you."
"Eh?" Julie took the phone. "What is it now, Caden?"
"You don't have anything to tell me?" he asked.
"Huh? Tell you what?" she scratched her head.
"I'll take over," Cielo said, reaching for the phone.
"Eh? Cielo, I'm not done!" Julie protested, trying to grab it back.
"Oh," Caden said when he realized. "Cielo."
"It's good to talk to you again," Cielo greeted.
"Yeah."
"I need to apologize for involving Julia earlier—and for Julie teasing you," Cielo continued sincerely. "But don't worry. Julia's safe with us."
Caden sighed. "I was expecting Julie to say that, not you. You didn't need to apologize. I allowed Julia to go—and I trust her."
******
"You called just so I could apologize?" Julie frowned afterward.
"And because you never told me Cielo is your boyfriend," Caden added.
"Oh. Right," Julie laughed. "Yep. He's my boyfriend."
"You really are proud of him," Caden said.
"Cielo," he added, "if she ever gets too stubborn, just break up with her. Just don't make her cry. I know her well—we were classmates in elementary."
Julie's friends burst out laughing.
"It's okay," Gabriel teased. "He can handle her craziness."
"Really?" Caden asked skeptically.
"Yep," Cielo chuckled. "We grew up together. I used to be the only one who could make her cry back then—so yes, I can handle her."
"Brother!" Julie pouted at Chris. "They're ganging up on me again."
Chris only shrugged. "They're not wrong."
"Well, I love her craziness," Cielo said simply, pulling her into a hug.
Julie looked at him. "Cielo… I really love you."
"You're very comfortable with him," Caden remarked. "You never said things like that to your ex."
"They're different," Julie replied flatly. "And I don't care about that guy anymore."
"Alright, alright," Caden laughed. "I'll stop teasing."
Julie eagerly introduced her friends one by one.
"You've changed," Caden said softly. "You're happier. Before, you were always quiet—walking alone, only with Julia. Now, you've found your people."
She smiled.
"Well," he added, "Vincent will definitely be shocked if he sees you again. I heard he wants you back."
Julie's eyebrow arched.
"He has nothing to come back to. I'm happy now."
"That's the spirit!" Nicole said. "Want us to kick him for you?"
Julie laughed.
"Or drag him across the floor!" Kelly added. "He cheated on you!"
"What?!" Angie gasped.
"You really found your circle," Caden said warmly. "Just make sure you always take care of Julia—or I'll knock you on the head."
Julie laughed. "Yes, sir."
"Cielo," Caden added, "it was nice talking to you again."
"Same here. Thanks, Caden."
"Anytime."
The call ended.
"He really looks after you," Kenneth commented.
Julie nodded. "He was my first close guy friend. That's why I keep in touch."
"You really were a loner back then," Cielo teased, wrapping an arm around her. "If only you had studied here earlier…"
She smiled softly. "I'm just happy I met everyone now. And you're here too. That's enough."
He kissed her forehead. "Still… I wish I had met you sooner."
She laughed and hugged him.
"Maybe it was meant to be," Melissa said gently. "Everything happened at the right time."
"You're right," Nicole added. "Seven months ago, we never imagined this friendship."
Julie smiled.
"Brother," she said quietly, "I'm glad I transferred to your school. I never thought I'd find people like this."
"Then tell Dad at his grave," Chris replied softly. "He'll be happy knowing you're happy now."
Julie nodded.
I'm happy. I can face everything now—because I'm not alone.