Under Pressure

Date

The next day, after navigating through his finance and marketing classes, Y/n found himself yearning for a moment of respite.

Exhausted, he made his way back to his dorm room, the weight of academia lingering in his mind.

As he entered the room, the familiar surroundings offered a temporary sanctuary from the rigors of the academic day.

However, the sight that greeted him was unexpected—Rachel, already present, with a demeanor that hinted at a serious conversation.

"Hey," she greeted, a hint of tension in her voice.

Y/n, dropping his bag onto the desk chair, responded, "Hey. Everything okay?"

She took a deep breath before speaking, "Y/n, I need to talk to you. I'm going to be busy in Philadelphia for a while. Work-related stuff, you know?"

Y/n nodded, trying to process the news. "Philadelphia? That's...unexpected. How long will you be gone?"

Her eyes conveyed a hint of sadness. "It's a big project, and they need me there in person. I don't know exactly, but it could be a while."

As Y/n absorbed the information, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. "That's a long way, Rachel. We've never been apart for this long."

She nodded, acknowledging the strain the situation put on them. "I know, and I'm sorry. But, Y/n, you also know the agreement we have."

The unspoken understanding hung in the air—a delicate agreement that allowed Y/n to be with other girls as long as it remained non-serious and unknown, while Rachel refrained from any entanglements. It had been a mutual agreement, a pragmatic approach to their demanding careers.

Rachel continued, "I'll be busy, and you know how our careers are. But I want you to know, despite the distance, I love you too much to be with anyone else."

Y/n, caught between understanding and the unexpected reality, managed a nod. "I appreciate your honesty, Rachel. It's just...a lot to take in."

She reached for his hand, her gaze sincere. "Y/n, I believe in us. We'll make this work. It's just a temporary thing."

As Rachel reassured him, Y/n couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that settled in.

"Y/n," Rachel began, her eyes sincere and earnest, "I need you to understand something. In this time apart, I want you to know that I would never do anything with anyone else. I love you too much for that."

Her words hung in the air, a pledge of commitment that transcended the boundaries of their agreed-upon terms. Y/n, looking into her eyes, felt a mixture of gratitude and reassurance.

"I know the agreement may make you uncomfortable with me wanting the same freedoms, but for me, it's not just about the physical aspect," Rachel continued. "I made a promise to you, and I intend to keep it. No matter how far I am, my heart belongs to you."

Y/n, absorbing the weight of her words, nodded. "Rachel, I appreciate your honesty. It means a lot to hear that, especially in a situation like this."

She reached for his hand, a silent affirmation of their connection. "This isn't easy for me either, Y/n. But I want you to have the freedom you need, as long as we remain true to each other."

Feeling the weight of Rachel's impending departure, Y/n decided to seize the day and spend every possible moment with her.

He got up from his bed and looked at her, a small smile played on her lips.

"Hey," Y/n started, "how about we make the most of the time we have left? What do you say we spend the day together?"

Rachel's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "I'd love that, Y/n. Where do you want to go?"

"I was thinking we could start with a walk in the park, then maybe get some ice cream, and finally, how about dinner at Texas Roadhouse?" Y/n suggested.

Rachel grinned, "That sounds perfect. Let's make it a day to remember."

As they strolled through the park, the vibrant colors of autumn surrounded them. Y/n reached for Rachel's hand, their fingers intertwining.

The silence between them spoke volumes, a shared understanding of the fleeting nature of the moment.

Rachel broke the quiet, "Remember the first time we walked together like this?"

Y/n nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, it feels like a week ago. But some things never change, like how much I enjoy spending time with you."

They continued their walk, basking in the simple joy of each other's company.

Their next stop was an ice cream parlor, where they indulged in their favorite flavors. Sitting at a small table by the window, they shared laughs and relished the sweetness of the moment.

Rachel, savoring a spoonful of mint chocolate chip, looked at Y/n. "I know we'll be apart for a while, but I want you to promise me something."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, "What's that?"

"Promise me you'll make the most of every opportunity, both in football and in life. Chase your dreams, Y/n. I'll be cheering you on from Philly," Rachel said, her eyes reflecting both love and encouragement.

"I promise, Rachel. And I'll be counting the days until you're back," Y/n replied.

The sun dipped below the horizon as Y/n and Rachel entered Texas Roadhouse. The lively atmosphere and the aroma of grilled steaks filled the air. They found a cozy booth, the dim lighting casting a warm glow.

Over dinner, they reminisced about shared memories, laughter punctuating their conversation.

Y/n, savoring the last bites of his steak, looked at Rachel. "Even though you'll be miles away, you'll always have a piece of my heart."

Rachel smiled, "And you'll always have mine. This is just a temporary goodbye."

As the evening unfolded, Y/n and Rachel decided to cherish one final memory. They headed to the bowling alley where they had shared their first date. The sound of crashing pins and the laughter of fellow bowlers filled the space.

They took their time, playing a couple of rounds. As Y/n aimed for a strike, he turned to Rachel, "Remember the first time we bowled together?"

Rachel nodded, her eyes gleaming with affection. "How could I forget? It was the start of something amazing."

After the game, as they prepared to leave for the airport, Rachel reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "I wanted you to have something to remember me by," she said.

Y/n opened the box to find a platinum pendant shaped in a circle. Attached to it was a chain, and on the pendant was a tiny picture of them at the bowling alley on their first date.

"It's beautiful, Rachel," Y/n said, touched by the thoughtful gift.

She smiled, fastening the pendant around his neck. "Now, no matter where you go or what you do, I'll always be with you."

At the airport, Y/n and Rachel stood facing each other. The moment was heavy with unspoken emotions. Y/n pulled her into a tight embrace, savoring the warmth and familiarity of her presence.

"I'll miss you, Rachel," Y/n whispered.

"I'll miss you too, Y/n. But we'll see each other soon," Rachel replied, her voice filled with optimism.

As she prepared to board, Y/n held her hand and looked into her eyes. "Until next time, then."

Rachel nodded, "Until next time."

And with that, Rachel disappeared beyond the gates, leaving Y/n with the pendant around his neck and a heart full of memories. The echoes of their day together lingered, a testament to the enduring strength of their love.