We met just before we were about to start 7th grade. Back then, it was all about finding our way through the chaos of middle school, making new friends, and trying to survive those awkward years. We weren't always part of the same crowd, but over time we became good friends. We laughed at the same jokes, complained about homework, and spent years navigating the ups and downs of school life. Through high school we remained close, but always friends. We both figured that was all it would ever be. But after we graduated, something began to shift. Suddenly our conversations became a little more meaningful, more important. We began to realize that what had started as a simple friendship was becoming something much more. There was no single moment when it happened. It was gradual-like we were both discovering something that had been there all along. Over time our bond deepened, and before we knew it, friendship had turned into love. And now looking back, it feels like we were always meant to find each other this way.