In the hallways of New Berlin High School, amidst the lively chatter and bustling students, a love story quietly began to unfold in the year 2015. Josh, a charming senior, and Calyssa, a captivating sophomore, shared passing glances at school events, but their connection truly sparked during the second semester of Earth Science. Fate intervened when their science teacher rearranged the seating plan, placing just them, side by side in the back row.
In the cozy corner of the classroom, a friendship blossomed. There was an immediate and magnetic connection between Josh and Calyssa. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, their laughter infectious, and their personalities naturally flirtatious. Josh's charm earned him the title of class flirt, but amidst the banter, they remained just friends.

As the semester progressed, their bond deepened. Calyssa, bold and spontaneous, took the first step by exchanging numbers with Josh and saved her contact under the playful name "wifey". Their connection expanded beyond text messages, evolving into a daily ritual of Snapchat streaks and in-person hangouts. They found themselves inseparable, often accompanied by their friends as they all embarked on adventures together. Summer arrived, and with it came a whirlwind of shared experiences.

Every day brought new opportunities for laughter and growth, strengthening the foundation of their friendship. Their favorite experience was traveling to Panama City Beach together for an annual trip to a Christian Conference called Bigstuf. There, their relationship grew even stronger and they grew their faith together. Although the desire for something more lingered beneath the surface, both Josh and Calyssa hesitated, unsure of whether to take their relationship to the next level.

Despite their shared history and undeniable chemistry, the timing never seemed right. Josh carried his feelings for Calyssa. Calyssa, too, contemplated a future with Josh. Yet, nervousness kept them from crossing the friend zone into romance. Calyssa decided she did not want to date Josh since he was going away to college, but they remained friends. A few months later, Calyssa visited Monmouth to see everyone and hang out. The two still stayed in touch. They would hang out when Josh came home from school, Calyssa went to watch Josh play baseball at Monmouth in the spring, but still, they were both just good friends who had slight crushes on each other.

As time passed, life carried them in different directions; their conversations grew sporadic as Calyssa navigated her health issues and college life. Their thoughts always lingered about what might have been. It wasn't until December 2020, thanks to the new love interest of Josh's twin brother Jake and Calyssa's best friend Molly, that they found themselves reconnecting.

In the midst of a world in lockdown, their friendship rekindled. Evenings in Calyssa’s family Maple Lawn Barn became a a space where sparks flew and bonds strengthened. It was there, amidst laughter and music, that four years after their first meeting in Earth Science, Josh and Calyssa shared their first kiss. Besides that night, Calyssa’s favorite memory in the barn is when Josh started playing Calyssa songs like “Marry me” by Jason Deruelo and Thomas Rhett, and “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Little did they know that that time in the barn would mark the beginning of a new chapter, one that would lead to a future they had only dreamed of, and in just 3 years, they would be celebrating their engagement together in the barn with all of their closest friends and family.

As summer was ending, Calyssa's feelings for Josh became undeniable. Despite having friendzoned him twice before, she summoned the courage to confess her emotions atop a grain bin after a family gathering. She said, Josh, I am ready to commit to you, still too scared to use the word girlfriend. Josh, initially taking her words lightly, soon realized the depth of her sincerity. With that confession, their relationship soared to new heights. They became more than just friends; they became each other's forever partner.

Since that momentous day on June 28th, 2020, Josh and Calyssa's love story has flourished. Every day brought them closer, enriching their lives in ways they hadn't imagined. Calyssa, once hesitant, now embraces her role as Josh's wifey with open arms, ready to embark on a lifetime of happiness and love by his side. Together, they've discovered that the best love stories are the ones that unfold naturally, blossoming from genuine friendship into a lifelong partnership.