Percy’s heart beats in anticipation.

Percy was quietly fidgeting his left hoove as a man who Percy has barely seen up until this point was delivering a long speech. 

All the heartache, stress, and confusion of college had built up this supposedly climatic moment in Percy’s life. Percy was far from excited about this, not in the way he was about his high school graduation. 

As soon as the man declared that the students were now graduates, Percy quickly grabbed his cap and tossed it up in the air.

Percy turned to his right revealing that once again Sophia was sitting next to him and looking into his eyes. Despite Percy’s mixed feelings, he couldn’t help but feel excitement for Sophia. 

Suddenly a cap landed on Sophia’s face, shocking Percy. Percy started laughing as Sophia took off the cap and embraced Percy as they laughed together. 

… 

“So what are you doing after this?” Percy asked.

“I don’t know.” Sophia shrugged. “My fiance and I were going to go to this bistro but he can’t seem to make up his mind.”

Percy looked through the large clusters of groups that were sprawled across the football field. One person, in particular, stuck out.

“Philly!” Percy was able to catch his attention.

Philly walked over to Percy and Sophia.

“Do you want to get some smoothies with us?” Percy asked,  

“You can bring, Felica if you want.” Sophia added.

“We broke up” Philly casually remarked.

“What?” Sophia and Percy both shouted.

“Yeah, like two days ago,” Philly said. 

“And you tell us now, why?” Sophia asked.

“I don’t know” Philly looked up. “I didn’t think it was that important.”

Sophia looked over towards the left before looking to her right at Percy.

“I’m gonna go talk to Kaleb.” Sophia looked at Philly. “I’ll be back”

Sophia subtly winked at Percy before prancing off.

“Ugh” Percy rolled his eyes before looking at Philly. “Anyways, I… I know we kind of left things off on a weird note…”

“You're going to ask if we try again,” Philly crossed his arms “Aren’t you?”

“Maybe…” Percy said. “As friends…”

“We’re already friends,” Philly said. “So I think we’re already doing that whole ‘trying again’ thing.”

“Yeah…” Percy looked down awkwardly.

Philly put his hands to the side looking downward as well. Percy was once again unable to speak once again having two conflicting thoughts and struggling for control. Percy looked up and smiled. 

Philly locked his eye on Percy’s eyes. They both looked at each other. Uncertain of the future but embracing every moment they had together. 

They didn’t know where they were heading, whether they’d split or not, whether they’d commit to each other or not, whether they would hate each other or not, all they know was the seconds they preoccupied and the feelings they had for each other. 

And that’s what gave Percy the courage to say…

“I love you, Philadelphia.”