Kyle started at Cairn University in late August planning to work towards a degree that would help him work with children and families in need. At the same time, Ashley had decided to hold off on going to Cairn University for one more year and had enrolled in a gap year program called OneLife. Both Kyle and Ash were making friends, adapting to life away from home, and learning more about themselves and God.

During sophomore year, after Ashley transferred to Cairn, the two found themselves in the same friend group. Ashley found herself falling in love with Kyle, though she tried to hide those feelings the best she could. Meanwhile, Kyle was very focused on making up credits after changing his major. He was assuming that he wouldn't have a girlfriend anytime soon and was just trying to get through college and enjoy time with his friends. Some of his friends tried to tell him that Ash had a crush on him. He wasn't sure whether to believe it or not and wasn't sure how he felt about her.

Throughout junior year and the summer following it, Kyle and Ash's friendship grew stronger. Ash had gone on a mission's trip to South Dakota that summer and often texted and called Kyle to ask him how he was doing or to try and spark up conversations about different topics. Much to her frustration, he was not picking up on the hints she was dropping about her feelings nor was he getting super invested in her conversations about string cheese, sunburn, college classes, coworkers, hypothetical ethical dilemmas, and snap peas. On her flight back to Pennsylvania, she prayed and told God that she was ready for whatever the next big step in her life was. Kyle, meanwhile, was also praying. He was nervous about senior year and graduation. He was praying for peace and comfort and also for a special close relationship with someone his age whom he could share all his feelings with and talk to in depth about spiritual matters.

One night in September of 2022, after an exhausting day at work, Ash was sitting by herself in the common area of the college dorm building waiting for some friends to talk to. Kyle came across her and, not wanting her to feel lonely, sat down next to her. She rested her head on his shoulder. A bit unsure of what to do next, he slowly put his arm around her and held her for a while. This small gesture led to confused romantic feelings in both of them. Ash had this romanticized idea of him stepping up and talking to her about it, but he was a bit too embarrassed to discuss it properly. That is, until the 21st night of September, when Ash finally addressed the elephant in the room. After a long walk and talk, the two agreed to try dating. Kyle had a lot of nervous feelings but felt soothed by the calmness in Ash's face and gestures. Within days he began to ask her tough questions and discuss serious topics with her. She was always open to conversation and she was always kind and honest with her answers. Once he understood that they shared many of the same values, his love and appreciation for her was sealed.

Ash and Kyle then continued their relationship as a long distance couple once senior year ended. Despite the challenges, their values and commitment to one another have not wavered and their love has grown stronger. Many date nights later (and ten times as many video calls), Kyle and Ash are now engaged.