Fan Series #1; Choosing Her

51; Graduation Day

JUNHAO

As I stood in front of the mirror adjusting my collar, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Graduation day was finally here, marking the end of junior high and the beginning of a new chapter. But amidst the flurry of emotions, there was a lingering sense of longing, a yearning for someone who had become an unexpected anchor in my life.

Zhubao, Yuhan, Yukun, Hang, and Jiaxin— my friends in this journey— we are about to embark on the next phase of our lives, and me transitioning to senior high with aspirations and dreams ahead. And yet, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, there was a quiet ache within me, a longing for someone who had become an integral part of my thoughts.

My sister, Junshi, ever perceptive, teased me gently about my preoccupation. She reminded me of Zhubao's constant reminders to take care. But despite her assurances, I couldn't shake off the feeling of missing her, of wishing she were here beside me on this momentous day.

Junshi's playful banter about love and age brought a bittersweet smile to my lips. She couldn't possibly understand the complexities of my feelings, the depth of my connection with Zhubao. Yes, we were young, and yes, our relationship defied conventional norms, but it was real, it was sincere.

As I exchanged glances with my parents, their pride and love hugged me like a warm embrace. They saw me not just as their son, but as a young man on the cusp of adulthood, navigating the complexities of life and love with earnestness and determination.

"Let's go, mom," I said, a hint of laughter in my voice, masking the tinge of longing that lingered within me. I stepped out into the world, ready to embrace whatever the future held, even if it meant waiting for love to bloom in its own time.

YUHAN

"Son, where are you?" Mom's voice echoed from downstairs, breaking the silence of my room.

"Here, mom!" I called back, fingers deftly fastening the buttons of my shirt as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror.

Mom's footsteps padded up the stairs, and as she entered the room, her eyes lit up with maternal pride. "You look so handsome, darling," she beamed.

"Thanks, mom," I grinned, a hint of self-consciousness in my tone. "Where's dad?"

"He's waiting downstairs in the car. Are you all set?" Her gaze softened as she approached, handing me the graduation gown with trembling hands.

"Yeah, I'm ready," I nodded, accepting the gown and enveloping her in a brief hug. As she hugged me back, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"You're graduating," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

"Yeah, mom. It's all for you," I replied, mustering a smile to reassure her.

"I love you, son," she said, her words laden with a lifetime of love and sacrifice.

"I love you more, mom," I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"Enough with the drama, you two. Let's not keep everyone waiting," dad chuckled, wiping away a stray tear as she ushered me out of the room. Following her lead, I tucked my phone into my pocket, a picture of her smiling face as my wallpaper, a constant reminder of her unwavering support.

"Stop staring at her picture, son. You'll see her soon enough," Dad teased from the driver's seat, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

"Yeah, dad," I chuckled, feeling a twinge of longing for her presence. It had been months since our paths had crossed, our lives consumed by the demands of academics and extracurricular pursuits.