Gyu Ri’s POV

6 months later

I stood nervously, waiting for my name to be called up on stage to collect my certificate.

Time passed by so quickly and now I have already graduated from Seoul University.

“Park Gyu Ri.”

At the mention of my name, I took a deep breath and walked confidently towards the stage. I smiled and bowed slightly at the audience. I could see my parents beaming proudly at me.

Yes, I did it. I’ve officially passed this obstacle despite the rough period I had to go through.

Upon reaching the last step, my parents rushed forward to give me a big hug.

“See. Didn’t we tell you that you’d be able to do this?” appa asked.

“Nay,” I laughed. “Appa and umma are always right.”

“We’re proud of you sweetheart,” umma still hadn’t let go of me. “We’ll wait for you in the car okay? You might want to spend a bit more time with your friends.”

“Um, you can go ahead without me first. I might take some time here.”

“Are you sure? We can wait for you,” appa frowned.

“Anyo. It’s okay. I’ll go home by myself later. Don’t worry.”

“Well, okay then. If you say so. Be careful.”

I waited until they were safely out of sight before I made my way out of the hall.

My parents were right. They did tell me this day would come.

But I couldn’t have possibly done it without the encouragement of someone.

And there he was, standing by the door with his back facing me.

Quietly, I tiptoed behind him and covered his eyes.

“Been waiting long?”

He reached up and took off my hands from his eyes. Slowly, he turned around to face me with a huge grin on his face.

“Congratulations. I saw you up there.”

“Why didn’t you come in then?”

“Nah. Standing out here is perfectly fine. See, you fought through your way for this day right? It’s worth it isn’t it?”

“Yes. And I owe it all to you.”

“Anyo. You did this by yourself. You found the courage to get back on your two feet.”

“If I hadn’t met you that night, I don’t think I’d be standing here now.”

He gave me his cute lopsided grin, my favourite one of all.

“So are you going to give me a treat or anything?”

“Ah. Lee Hong Ki, you’re the most thick skinned guy I’ve ever met,” I joked.

“Wae? I deserve something for all my hard work right?”

I laughed along with him.

“Yes. Come on. Let’s get something to eat. I’m hungry.”

Hong Ki’s POV

“Eat more okay? You really shouldn’t diet or anything.”

Gyu Ri narrowed her eyes at me.

“I think I might finish up all the food here since it’s my money on the table.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction.

“Okay okay. You win. I was just being concerned.”

She smiled sweetly at me.

“I know. And I appreciate that. And I know I don’t need to diet so much right? I’m already looking good enough.”

I scoffed at her statement which earned me a gentle kick under the table.

“Gyu Ri?”

Both of us looked up at the same time, at the sound of a guy’s voice.

But the moment she saw who it was, her smile froze on her face.

“It’s really you. I haven’t seen you in a long time,” the guy said.

“Um yeah. It’s been awhile hasn’t it?” she asked uncomfortably.

Something was wrong. She was avoiding my gaze.

Only then, did he realise my presence and he appeared to be surprised.

“Oh I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?”

“Not really. Well, are both of you friends or something?” I asked in a friendly tone.

He took a moment to answer my question. Gyu Ri was still keeping mute.

“Yeah. I guess we are friends. Well, perhaps I can catch up with you another time?” he turned back his attention towards her.

“I’m sorry. I have to go now,” she stood up abruptly and brushed past him to hurry out.

“I should probably go too. Um, it was nice meeting you...?”

“I’m Jong Hyun,” he smiled.

Suddenly, everything started to make sense.

“So you’re Jong Hyun.”

He looked at me confusingly.

“Yes, I am. Why? Is there a problem?”

“Oh, no. No problem at all,” I shook my head. “Goodbye.”

I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as I ran to catch up with Gyu Ri.

Things are not going to be as smooth now as they were before.