The whole campus buzzed with excitement.
Spring had finally bloomed — pink blossoms decorated the trees, sunlight lingered late into the evening, and students walked through the courtyards in lighter clothes and lighter moods. There was laughter everywhere, warmth in the air, and something magical about the way people smiled more easily.
The Spring Dance was the biggest event of the semester.
It wasn't a fancy prom, but the university transformed the central hall with string lights, soft lanterns, and fresh flowers. Students helped decorate all afternoon, pinning up banners, setting tables, and arranging music playlists that blended slow love songs with danceable beats.
Michelle wore a soft, pale lavender dress that matched the glow of her skin under the moonlight. Her hair was curled just enough to bounce around her shoulders. Lila helped her with her makeup — a touch of shimmer, a little pink lip.
"You look like a romantic movie come to life," Lila whispered, standing behind her in the mirror. "He's gonna fall for you all over again."
Michelle smiled. "He already has."
Steve was waiting at the campus courtyard, leaning against a tree in a navy button-up shirt and fitted slacks. When he saw her, his breath visibly caught in his chest.
"You're... wow."
Michelle laughed softly. "You're not so bad yourself."
He offered his arm. "Shall we?"
They walked into the decorated hall as if it were their own private world. Music echoed gently through the speakers. Friends were already dancing, swaying, laughing. The floor glimmered under the lights.
Lila met them inside with Jordan, who looked surprisingly dashing in a grey blazer and white sneakers. He and Lila were holding hands — shyly, but proudly.
"I can't believe we're all here together," Lila beamed. "We made it through hell."
Michelle nodded. "And look at us now."
Steve and Michelle danced to the first few songs, arms wrapped around each other, lost in their own rhythm.
"This feels unreal," Michelle whispered as her head rested on his shoulder.
Steve gently spun her and pulled her back. "You deserve every second of it."
When a slow song began to play, he leaned in, his lips barely brushing her ear. "I've been wanting to tell you something…"
Michelle's heart raced. She tilted her head up to meet his eyes, the light catching the golden flecks in his gaze.
"Yes?"
But before he could say a word—
A voice cut through the music.Unfamiliar. Male.Low, sarcastic."You've changed, Michelle."
She froze.
Turning slowly, she saw him — tall, dark blond hair, smug smile.
It was Liam.
Her ex. From her old high school. The one she thought she'd never see again.
Steve instinctively stepped forward, his hand still on her waist.
"Who's this?" he asked calmly, but there was a new edge to his voice.
Michelle swallowed. "Liam… what are you doing here?"
Liam smirked. "Transferred. Didn't know you were here. Imagine my surprise seeing you all over campus flyers."
"I don't think this is the time," Michelle said, her voice tight.
But Liam didn't back off. "So this is your new guy, huh?" He looked Steve up and down. "Different taste. I guess heartbreak does that to a girl."
Steve clenched his jaw.
Michelle took a deep breath, steadying herself. "What happened between us is over, Liam. I'm not that girl anymore. And I owe you nothing."
Liam raised a brow, impressed by her strength but still cocky. "We'll see if that's true."
And with that, he walked away, leaving a tension so thick it seemed to darken the dance floor around them.
Outside, the night air was cooler. Michelle sat on a bench beneath the lantern-lit trees, her hands shaking slightly.
"I didn't expect to see him again," she said quietly.
Steve sat beside her, silent for a moment. Then: "Did he hurt you?"
Michelle nodded, just once. "Not physically. But emotionally? Yeah. He made me feel small. Like I was never enough. I left that all behind when I came here. And now it's like he's pulling it back."
Steve took her hand, held it between both of his. "You're not small. And he doesn't get to take anything from you ever again."
She looked at him. "Are you mad?"
"At him? Yeah. But not at you. Never at you."
She leaned into him, their foreheads touching gently.
"You're the only person I feel safe with," she whispered.
"And I'll never let anyone change that," he said.
Later that night, Lila found Michelle as the dance slowed down.
"Hey... you okay?" Lila asked, concern in her eyes.
Michelle nodded slowly. "Yeah. I think so."
Lila smiled softly. "You're a storm and a sunrise at the same time, you know that?"
Michelle laughed tearfully. "And you're the moon I always needed."
The night ended with Steve walking her back to her dorm. The stars above them were bright and endless.
At the door, he kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips.
"I was going to say it earlier," he whispered. "Before… everything."
She looked at him.
"I love you, Michelle."
Tears welled in her eyes. Not from fear. But from everything she had waited so long to feel.
"I love you too, Steve. So much."
They held each other there, wrapped in something stronger than the past, brighter than the present.
Something called forever.