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Chapter 12 — Friendship Becomes Love
Clouds drift slowly, kingdoms in the sky,
Whispers of laughter from days gone by.
A hand held softly, a heart set free,
Destiny's dance brings you back to me.
Clara: "Can we… sit?"
Johnson: "Sure."
She pointed at the sky, voice trembling.
Clara: "Look… the clouds. They really do look like kingdoms."
Johnson's eyes softened. No proof was needed now. He knew. She was the one.
Johnson: "And see that one on the left… moving to join the other? It's like… a fight is about to happen between them."
Clara's emotions spilled over. She threw herself into his arms, crying uncontrollably.
Johnson (soothingly): "It's okay, Clara… don't cry. I can't bear to see you like this. Your happiness… it's everything to me. Please, don't cry."
She hiccuped and wiped her tears, leaning into him.
Johnson: "Last night… I was talking to the moon. I made a wish. I told it I would wait for you. And here you are."
Clara (smiling through tears): "Really? I did the same. I told the moon I'd tell you everything today."
They hugged again, the world around them fading into golden sunlight and gentle winds.
The Others Arrive
Sonia pretended to cough loudly.
Sonia: "Ughhh, thank God… at last, you found each other!"
Everyone laughed.
Liona: "Guys, I'm really happy for you. We thank God."
Peter: "Bro… remember Abi?"
Johnson and Nelson smiled knowingly.
Nelson stepped forward, sincere.
Nelson: "Clara… I'm really sorry. I didn't know all you went through. Truly, I'm sorry."
Clara: "I'm also sorry for the slap. You didn't deserve it. I only realized my mistakes now… If I had told my surname sooner, none of this would've happened. I'm really sorry."
Sonia: "Okay, guys, enough of the emotions. Everything happens for a reason. Let's chill and throw a party tonight!"
Liona: "Yeah… to celebrate our reunion!"
New Beginnings
Johnson took Clara's hand, his eyes shining.
Johnson: "Clara… will you be my girlfriend?"
Nelson smiled at Liona.
Nelson: "And you… will you be my girlfriend?"
Peter did the same for Sonia.
The bonds of friendship had blossomed into love.
Friendship × Support × Secrets ÷ Distance = Unbreakable Bond
The sun set, painting the sky in gold and pink—just like the kingdoms they had imagined as children.