Bella and I’s story dates back to freshman year of college. Covid kept us home our first semester, but January, 2021, we finally arrived on campus in Memphis, TN. With many restrictions, our nights were simple, hanging out in the third-floor hallway of Townsend, taking for hours. A a month in, Bella’s roommate started joining us. Two weeks later, she suggested bringing her own roommate. So sure enough, on February 13, 2021, me and my roommate, Rush, along with Bella, and her roommate, Madison, sat in Rush’s room and got milkshakes at cookout and played Jenga- completely unaware of how that night would change everything. From that moment on, the four of us did just about everything together, becoming best friends. At the end of April, just 2 weeks before leaving for summer, Bella let a secret slip with Rush, that she had a crush on me. That night felt off, and after pressing for answers, Bella finally asked, “We’re just friends, right?” It took me a moment to process, but when I realized what she meant, I ran to Rush, who confirmed it with a smirk. I found Bella again. I told her I had always assumed I was too deep in the friendzone that I never thought to have a chance with her. A week later, we went on a date to Memphis Pizza Cafe and spent just about every moment together until it was time to go home for summer. Uncertain what the future held, we went our separate ways. When we returned for Sophomore year, the spark picked up where it left off and after another first date at Babalu, I asked her to be my girlfriend on October 1, 2021. From the start, our relationship felt natural, built on the foundation of being best friends. And now, I get to spend forever with my best friend.