We first met sophomore year in Biology class, when our assigned seats ended up next to each other. We had small talk here and there and would chat occasionally, but that was all. Several months later we were both invited to a mutual friend’s bonfire. When everyone started hopping on four-wheelers, McCoy offered me a ride on his. I still remember that quiet ride. I didn’t really know him yet, but I remember thinking, “This feels nice. After that, it became our unspoken tradition. Every few weekends, another bonfire, another ride, more small conversations. And eventually, we just never stopped hanging out. We officially started dating in March 2021. We went to prom together, finished junior and senior year side by side, and graduated together. Since then, we've grown up together, and this is just another milestone in our story.