EPOV

"I must say I'm going to miss you," I said to her before we were leaving for respective Grad schools.

"I'll miss all the healthy and unhealthy competitions we've had over the years. Thanks for being an amazing rival!" I smiled, "I'm really going to miss you."

This was the most honest I had ever been with her.

"Thanks," she smiled brightly, "I'm really going to miss you, too! If I am sincerely honest with you, I wouldn't be so good if you hadn't pushed me at times."

I chuckled, "I'd say it's the same for me."

"I'll really miss you!" She came close to me and hugged me.

I wished she wasn't dating that stupid Eric at that time. I'd have certainly opened up about my feelings!

I was really, really going to miss her!

"I'll miss you, too!" I said.

I had learned to deal with my feelings during the eight years following that.

I thought I was over her, but how wrong I was!

The time we spent during the last few months made me realize that the one soft corner I had in my heart, it always belonged to her! Nobody had succeeded in replacing her.

And this wasn't a stupid crush anymore!

My feelings for her were more intense and sincere than they ever were, and unfortunately I wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

I hoped I'd continue to be strong enough to fight my feelings.

I didn't have any other option!

I should learn to be seriously happy for her without being jealous!

She was happy, and that's the only thing that should matter.

A/N: I hope you're enjoying the story! Thanks for reading!