6 months later

"Next we have Ta'Kwon Booker." The coach announced as Knowledge and Tay sat at a table with contracts in front of them.

"Imma be at Bama." He smiled as took his shirt off to show the red college's logo painted on his chest.

Amber laughed as Sky rolled her eyes and took the picture.

"Shout out my baby mama too." He cheesed at her.

After everyone settled down, they focused their attention on Knowledge.

"I chose to be at the University of North Carolina for my four years of college."

Amber smiled as she took his picture with his mom, who had gotten out three months ago on good behavior, and his dad.

Amber was extremely happy for him, but she also hated the distance between them.

She had decided on taking a gap year to move to Atlanta, for better opportunities, which was six hours away from UNC.

Once the ceremony was finished, Amber stood by the cake table and got some for herself.

"Wassup." She heard behind her, before a hand landed on her waist.

"Wassup." She smiled, turning around to face Knowledge.

"That's for me?" He asked pointing at her plate.

"Mmm no," she laughed pointing at the table of cake slices.

"Damn.. how I look up there?" He asked smirking down at her.

"Fine- good." She nodded causing him to laugh.

"A nigga fine, I know." He said causing her to blush in slight embarrassment.

"My mama wanna see you." He told her, causing her to look over at Ivory who was already looking and smiling.

"Ouu I love me some Ivory." Amber smiled back at her.

"That's the problem.." he mumbled, mugging the two.

Knowledge grabbed Amber's hand and walked her over to his parents.

"Hi Mr. Ali.. hi Ivory" Amber cheesed.

"You look so prettyyy." Ivory smiled pulling her into a quick hug. "Oh you two need a picture, Knowledge wrap your arm around her."

He groaned and started to put his arm around Amber's shoulder, until Ivory slapped it down to her waist.

"Ma.."

"Boy hush, y'all two smile." She smiled, holding up her brand new iPhone pro max.

Every chance she got, she used it to take a picture.

Amber giggled once she finished and looked up at an annoyed Knowledge.

"If you don't wanna take a picture wimme just say that."

She watched as his face changed "It's not that, she just pissing me off wit all these photos."

"She's just really excited Knowledge, she's been in prison all your life.. six months ago she didn't even know if she'd be at your graduation. Now you're signed to a D1 school and she's here to see it." Amber said, kind of getting irritated with him.

Knowledge could see that so he changed the subject.

"What you doing later on?"

She shrugged "Chilling."

"Lemme take you out for dinner." He said still holding onto her waist.

"Where?" She asked, looking up at him.

"That place you sent me on Tiktok." He said, causing a smile to form on her face.

"Okay.. what time?"

"Bout 8." He said.

They stared at each other for a moment until Amber broke eye contact and gave him a quick hug.

"I'm so proud of you.. but I have to go. I wanna do a little dashing before dinner." She told him.

Amber had started a paid internship at a news channel, since journalism was something she was interested in, but on the side she also door dashed to make quick extra money.

"Ight.. I love you." He said as she pulled away from him.

"I love you too." She smiled.

The two weren't dating, in fact Amber would still consider them as just friends, but they had did somethings. And of course over the months they've spent almost everyday together, leading to them openly expressing the love that they had for each other.

Knowledge was her best friend.

And he made her happy.

But as she had explained to him, she wasn't ready for a relationship.

_________________

"Wassup pretty girl." Knowledge licked his lips as she got into his new car.

He had decided that the mustang wasn't something he wanted to drive everyday, so he sold it then bought an Infiniti for his birthday.

"Hi," Amber shyly smiled.

She watched as he placed his hand on her thigh and put the car in park.

"We a little early, you tryna go back up there and-"

"Knowledge no," She laughed. "Let's go."

He chuckled and pulled out of the parking lot.

The two made small talk until he drove to the restaurant.

"You know what you getting?" Knowledge asked as they scanned their menus.

Amber nodded and pointed at a meal in the vegan section.

"You vegan?"He asked, scrunching up his face.

"No.. I just like some vegan things sometimes." She explained.

Soon, Knowledge found what he wanted and they placed their orders.

"Soooo..." Amber started.

Knowledge looked up at her "Sooooo.."

"How you feeling?" She asked.

"About?"

She playfully rolled her eyes "About signing."

"..shit feel good. I really wanna do sum wit this basketball shit." He told her.

"I really want you to." She smiled, "I'm extra proud of you."

A smile formed on Knowledge's face, he loved how open and genuine Amber had become towards him.

"Thank you ma."

He looked her over and scrunched up his face, even though she had a smile he knew her.

"Wassup?"

"Wassup?" Amber asked, confusedly.

"How you feel about this?"

She twisted her face up in more confusion.

"I just told you I'm proud of you Knowledge.."

He shook his head "Yea but what else?"

She sighed knowing he wasn't going to let it rest until he got a real answer.

"I don't wanna be selfish.."

"You entitled to how you feel Amber, gon 'head and say it."

She nodded then spoke.

"It's like I'm really happy for you, but I'm gonna miss you."

Knowledge smirked "I knew you wanted a nigga."

She rolled her eyes "See.. bye."

"Nah for real, we gon talk everyday Amb. You could fly out, I can drive to you on weekends, or whatever you wanna do. We gon see each other."

Amber nodded, but deep down she knew that even though he had good intentions, it wouldn't pan out like he was planning.