Unrequited love at school age

made her way through the large iron gates of Westridge High, the enormity of the place and the sea of unfamiliar faces

bench beneath a cherry blossom tree. The pale pink petals created a carpet around the bench

looked up and found herself staring into the most curious pair of hazel eyes she had ever seen. The

ding, but this spot has the best light

as her secret, but here was someone else who cherished it too. "

curiosity got the better of her. She stole glances at his sketchbook, amaz

es were filled with conversations. His name was Leo, an aspiring artist who loved nature and the quiet b

k towards her, "I want to sketch

e felt a strange connection, as if he was capturing a part of her soul in his drawing. I

ts and mutual dreams. Clara learned about Leo's passion for art and his dream to study i

ere felt different. The air was thick with unsaid words and unexpressed fe

ring the question, "I'm

nt, then said, "Because

l. Clara felt her heart race. She had dreamt of thi

elt a connection. It was as if the universe was pushing us tow

but had been too afraid to admit it, even to herself. Tak

e cherry blossoms fluttered around them, they leaned in, their lips me

sed their growing affection. Through the ups and downs of high school – exa

Paris, while Clara secured a place in a prestigious literature program in New York. The decision was agonizing, but

g of being together. As they parted, Leo handed Clara a sketchbook. Inside, she found sketches of their

mory worth capturing," Leo whi

. It was a testament to their love, a promise that no matter where

rote letters, made long-distance calls, and cherished the limited time they got to spend together. T

er. Leo returned from Paris, and Clara completed her literature program.

vering devotion, became a testament to the power of true love.