Daehyun's POV~ 

It was the last day of our exams, which meant that tomorrow is our graduation ceremony. My friends and I were ready to take on this final exam since we studied our butts off for the past few months. 

I looked at Hanbyul and held up a fist, mouthing "Hwaiting". She smiled and returned the encouragement. Eventually, I silently cheered everyone else on. 

Mr. Chae entered the room and went through all the rules, then proceeded to hand out our exams. I scanned the questions and felt pretty confident; I wasn't going to ace it, but surely I wasn't going to fail it. 

Mr. Chae set on the timer and we started. 

Luhan's POV~

I leaned over the counter at my workplace staring up at the clock; they must have started their exams. 

I gently bit my thumb as I stared at the clock, wondering how they're doing even if it just started. 

"Excuse me," I suddenly heard a young woman's voice. I widened my eyes and looked at her, forgetting that I was at work. 

"S-sorry, what can I get you?" I said and walked up to the register. 

"Can I get an iced tea, sweetened please," she smiled and I nodded. I told her the price and she paid it. 

I turned around to make her drink and looked back up to the clock. 

"Do well guys," I whispered into a smile and resumed with my work. 

Hours went by and their exams must be near the end. I was able to get off work early, so I decided to go to a cake shop to get them something to celebrate with. 

I entered and immediately recognized one of the employees. I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Uwah~ I can't believe Zelo is working!" I laughed. His face went red; he was embarrassed. "Especially in a cake shop."

"You were the one who told me to work, hyung," Zelo pouted with crossed arms. I couldn't take him seriously with his uniform on too. He was in a pair of khakis, a light brown shirt and a pink apron. 

"I know and I shouldn't be laughing, but your image is ruined," I said, wiping off my tears from laughing too hard. "But you're still cute."

He made a face and nodded at the cakes. "Which one are you getting?"

"Is that how you ask a customer for an order?" I raised an eyebrow with a smirk. 

He deeply exhaled and forced on a smile. "Customer-nim, what would you like? Shall I recommend the strawberry short cake? It's tasty and sweet. Or you can get the green tea-"

"Not to that extent," I snickered, raising a hand up to stop him. I looked at all the cakes and they looked delicious. "What does Hanbyul like?"

"That shortie?" Zelo raised an eyebrow. "Anything that has chocolate."

I nodded and picked out the cake that had the most chocolate. On it were also various berries. 

"Are you going to Daehyun hyung's house after this?" Zelo asked as he was wrapping up my cake. 

"Yep, that's why I'm buying this cake," I said leaning against the counter. "A small congratulations on finishing exams."

He nodded and handed me my cake. "Have fun then."

"I will," I smiled and turned away walking towards the door when he called me. 

"Luhan hyung!" he shouted. "I'm glad to see you smiling again!"

I turned to look at him and gave him another smile. "Thank you, Zelo."

He nodded and waved me off. 

I walked towards Daehyun's house walking passed Hanbyul's. I stopped in my steps and turned to look at her house. It's been awhile since I've seen her family, so I decided to see them first. 

I got to the door and knocked. It wasn't long when halmeoni opened the door. 

"Luhan!" she exclaimed, giving me a hug. "It's been so long since I've last seen you!"

I chuckled and hugged her back. "It has hasn't it."

She nodded and hugged me tighter. The embrace I was in was warm...something I missed. 

"Is that Luhan?" I heard Hanbyul's mother call from the kitchen and soon enough she made her appearance. She smiled and walked up to us. 

Halmeoni released me and Hanbyul's mom hugged me next. I returned the hug. 

"It's nice to see you again, Luhan," she said in a soothing voice. "We were all worried about you."

"I'm sorry for worrying you all," I faintly smiled. "But I'm fine now."

"That's good," she said with a pat to my back and released me. She looked down to the cake in my hand. "Are you going to see them?"

I nodded. 

"You should go then. They're waiting for you," halmeoni said. I nodded and gave them one more hug. 

"I'm glad to see you happy again," Hanbyul's mom said, almost tearing up. 

"Thank you," I smiled and hugged them tighter. "Please tell Yongguk hyung and Uncle I said hi."

"Of course. I'm sure they'll be glad to hear from you," she answered and I let them go. I bowed to them and excused myself from their home, making my way towards Daehyun's. 

I reached his house and the door immediately flung open, before I could even knock. 

"You're finally here!" the girls greeted me. 

"What? Were you guys waiting for me by looking out the window?" I snickered. They giggled and nodded. "Where's Daehyun and Youngjae?"

"They're playing a soccer game," Krystal answered and they moved aside for me to enter. I took off my shoes and walked to the living room to see the two sitting on the floor intensely playing the game. I swear, the console was going to break. 

"Hyung, you're here already?" Daehyun asked without even looking at me. "Took you long enough."

"I went to buy a cake and decided to see Hanbyul's family on the way here," I said holding up the cake. Hanbyul and Sulli took the cake from me and opened it. They widened their eyes and began to drool. 

"That looks delicious!" the exclaimed. Krystal took a seat on the couch and patted the seat next to her. 

"Have a seat oppa," she said and I did so. "Daehyun was bragging that he's better at this game than you."

I raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "Really?"

"He said he'd always beat you and you'd always cry," she continued. I looked at Daehyun, who was smirking to himself. 

"Hyung, never won a game with me," Daehyun started to brag now. I crossed my arms. 

"If I remember correctly, I won all the rounds and you started to get mad, so I went easy on you and lost the rest," I stated. Immediately his ears got red and I laughed. I watched the two play and saw that Youngjae was winning. "Even still, you can't beat Youngjae."

"Shut up, I'm trying," Daehyun said through clenched teeth.  

"It's my first time playing this game too," Youngjae innocently said, which made me laugh even more. 

For the past few minutes, I talked to the girls about their exams. They believed they did well on it. Krystal complained about the History portion of it; Sulli didn't like the English part and Hanbyul didn't like Science. But all in all, they knew they did great and I know they did considering that they studied so hard and long for this exam. 

Daehyun and Youngjae had finished their game with Youngjae winning. I decided to go against Daehyun and he gladly accepted my challenge. 

"Lets make a bet," Daehyun said with a serious tone, which took me by surprise. I agreed. "If I win, you move in and live with us."

The girls stopped talking and looked at us along with Youngjae. I swallowed hard and let out a sigh. "I already told you that I'll think about it. Think of something else."

It was silent for a while. Daehyun sighed and looked at me. "Go see your dad."

I felt my chest squeeze and I forced out a snicker. "Come on, lets have a bet that's more fun."

"Luhan," he desperately said my name. "I met him not too long ago with umma; he misses you. He thinks about you everyday."

I stayed quiet and looked down at the floor. "If I win...you have to come with me to see him then."

Daehyun smiled and I noticed that the others gave a faint smile too. "Deal."

I clenched my jaw and grabbed the controller. "Lets do this."

He scoffed and began the game. "I won't go easy on you, hyung."

I chuckled and our minds were focused on the game within seconds. 

Hanbyul's POV~

I watched the two play and seeing them together made me warm and happy inside. I couldn't have been more happier about seeing the two than finishing my exams. 

"Hyung! That's a foul!" Daehyun whined like a child. I giggled as Daehyun and Luhan continued to argue. 

"Look at you, all full of smiles," Krystal grinned while nudging my arm.

"Who wouldn't be full of smiles?" I asked with a short giggle. "I made awesome friends; I have an amazing boyfriend; I'll be graduating and moving on with my life. I couldn't be any happier than this. Not to mention, those two...they're finally able to open up to each other now and move on from the past."

Krystal looked from them to me and gave the most gentle smile I've ever seen from her.

"It's all thanks to you, isn't it?" she asked with that smile, but I shook my head. 

"I can't take all the credit," I said. 

"She's right," we heard Luhan. He was still playing the game, winning it, but he glanced over his shoulder to us. "Each and every one of you helped us."

"I guess you're right," Krystal softly said and she hugged me and Sulli, then let out a sigh. "I'm so glad you guys are my friends! Lets continue to be friends to the day we die!"

We laughed and the day continued on as we enjoyed each others' presence. 

-----

Daehyun's POV~

Today, we finally graduated as high schoolers to young adults. 

Luhan had already started his classes so that he would be able to graduate some time in the summer. Youngjae had already registered for classes at KAIST; Krystal too. Sulli decided to go study overseas, but only for a year and Hanbyul decided to go into nursing. 

And me? I decided to follow in on my dad's footsteps as a doctor, not necessarily a plastic surgeon, but I'll figure out what field I'll take part in. That's why I decided to go to Japan with appa for a year to shadow him in his work as well as others, then I'll join Hanbyul at her university once I return. 

Everything was going great and I knew from here on things were just gonna get better. 

After celebrating one big party for our graduation with our families, I kept my promise and went with Luhan to see his father; in other words, I lost the soccer game. 

My mother drove us to the prison and I could sense that Luhan was nervous. He bit his bottom lip continuously and fiddled his fingers. 

"Don't be nervous," I whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked at me with a faint smile and nodded. 

We arrived and stepped out. My mother decided to wait in the car while he and I entered the facility. We gave our name to the officer at the front desk and he led us to a room. 

I, myself, felt nervous just thinking about seeing Luhan's father. 

Just then, we heard a door click open and walked in his father in handcuffs and in uniform. He was skinnier than the last time I saw him; more wrinkles had form and his beard was growing. 

I glanced at Luhan and saw his eyes widened and moist. I knew he was having mixed emotions. I knew he was feeling sadness, pity, regret and a hint of happiness and relief all at the same time. 

"Luhan," his father said in a hoarse voice and immediately, Luhan starting crying silently. 

"Appa...," he whispered. No matter how much they wanted to embrace each other, the glass had separated the two. 

Luhan walked up to the glass and placed a hand on it as if to touch his father's face. His father sobbed and soon enough, the two began speaking to each other.

We were only allowed 30 minutes and it flew right by us. Luhan and his father didn't want to end their conversation at all; they didn't want to leave each other but the officer in charge forced us out. 

Before we were fully out of the room, we heard him say, "Be strong and courageous, Luhan. I promise that by the time I get out of here, I will be a better father and man. I love you."

Luhan turned around and gave a sincere smile. 

"I love you too, appa," he said and soon enough they took his father away and we left the room. 

Once we were out in the open, Luhan inhaled deeply with eyes closed and slowly exhaled. 

"You would've done great without me there," I smiled and he gave a soft chuckle. 

"Maybe...but thanks for coming with me," he said and I wrapped my arm around his shoulder. 

"Well, I did lose the bet so I had no choice," I sarcastically said, but honestly, I was glad to have been there.

"We should head back. You're leaving for Japan tomorrow, aren't you?" he asked looking at me and I nodded with a sigh. "Let's go then, I'm sure you haven't packed yet."

"You know me too well," I chuckled and we met up with my mom at the parking lot, heading home. 

Once we got home, I headed straight up to my room with Luhan when I noticed that the lights in my room were on. I looked at Luhan, confused, as he returned the look. 

I grabbed the doorknob and twisted it to see my room decorated and Hanbyul taping up lights on my ceiling. She noticed us and widened her eyes in surprise. 

"I thought you'd be back later?!" she raised her voice and jumped down from the chair she was using. I gave her a wide grin and questioned what she was doing. "I'm hosting a goodbye party since you'll be gone for a year."

I chuckled and walked towards her when Luhan spoke, "I guess I'll leave. I'm sure you'd want to be alone."

I turned back to look at him and gave him a 'thanks' smile. He nodded and shut the door behind him, leaving the two of us alone. I immediately hugged Hanbyul tight in my arms once he had left. 

"O-oppa!" she laughed. 

"Shh, not too loud. My parents are home," I whispered against her ear with a smirk and planted a kiss on her bare neck. She gave a soft gasp and gently pushed me away; she was blushing like crazy. I brought I up and she widened her eyes. 

"It's all your fault," she pouted and turned around. I snickered and gave her a back hug, resting my chin on her shoulder. 

"Awwh, don't be upset," I softly said as we swayed back and forth. "I just couldn't resist, I love you too much."

The tip of her ear were so red that I softly laughed against her ear. 

"You're too cute, Hanbyul," I said and snuggled against her neck. 

"Seriously," she finally spoke. "My heart is racing so much, I can't control it."

I let out a sigh and tighten my grip around her. 

"Glad to know we feel the same," I said and turned her to look at me. I gently placed my forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. "So, what's the plan for tonight?"

"Nothing much," she blushed. "I thought I'd help you finish packing then watch a short film or something. Lastly, I'd be with you until morning comes."

My pulse raced, but I knew she had no intention of fully giving herself up to me. I smiled and kissed her forehead, showing my appreciation for her having to do all of this. 

"Don't get angry though," I said as she furrowed her brows. "I haven't even started packing."

"What?!" he shouted and I covered . 

"I told you my parents are home. They might think I'm hurting you or something," I whispered loudly. She huffed out a sigh and crossed her arms. 

"You should've pack earlier, then you wouldn't have to stay up all night stressing over it," she said; she sounded just like my mom.

"That's why you're here," I stated and headed over to my closet. "You said yourself that you'd help me pack."

"I did, but-"

"Then it's settled," I grinned and pulled out my suitcase. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner we get to sleep."

She walked over to my side and asked, "What about the film?"

"Forget about it," I said and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'd rather sleep with you than stay up just to watch a film. Besides, if we were to do that you'd be the first to fall asleep midway."

She pursed her lips as if to think about it then nodded in agreement. I snickered and ruffled her hair before going through my clothes. 

We took 2 hours to finally pack everything I needed for my stay in Japan. Hanbyul went through the checklist one last time then joined me in my bed. 

"Thanks for helping," I said as we faced each other. 

"There's no need to thank me, this is the least I can do as your girlfriend," she giggled lightly. I scooted closer to her and hugged her waist. 

"I'm lucky to have a girl like you," I whispered with a tired, husky voice and kissed the tip of her nose. "Have a good sleep."

"You too," she said and returned the kiss, but on my lips. My eyes widened slightly, then relaxed as we stared at each other a few seconds longer before we dozed off into a peaceful sleep. 

The next morning....

My family, Hanbyul and Luhan had joined me at the airport to see me and my father off. Krystal and the other two weren't able to make it, but they did text me and wish me luck. We stood at the gates making sure we weren't in anyone else's way. 

My parents talked and bid farewell to each other in their own little space while I was with 2 of the most important people in my life. 

"I'm going to miss you guys," I said as I stood in front of Hanbyul and Luhan.  

"Same here," Luhan said, speaking for the both of them. "Call us often."

"Of course I will," I lightly laughed. 

"Promise me you won't fall in love with another girl," Hanbyul pouted. I looked at her with a sincere gaze and hugged her. 

"There's no one else, but you," I assured her. "Do you want me to prove it to you?"

I teasingly lowered my lips to her collarbone, but she pushed me away. 

"No! I understand!" she said, extremely embarrassed. "I promise I won't fall in love with anyone else."

"I know you won't," I smiled and pecked her cheek. I heard Luhan clear his throat and I separated myself from her. "Hey, sorry I won't be able to see you graduate when you finish this summer."

He smiled. "It's fine. I understand...a phone call is good enough."

I smiled and suddenly I heard a man's voice announcing for our boarding. My parents joined us and my mother gave me a huge hug. 

"I'm going to miss my boy so much!" she said with a tight squeeze. 

"I'll miss you too umma," I said and hugged her back. "I'll call you often."

She nodded and let me go. My father tapped my shoulder and gestured for us to start heading to the plane. I looked at them one last time, giving them one last hug; I gave Hanbyul the longest hug before my dad pulled us apart. 

I began walking away from then waving as I did. They looked so sad that it was heartbreaking, but I knew I was going to return to them after a year. But with only a few steps away from Hanbyul, I felt lonely and empty, so I slowed down my pace to a stop. I turned around and noticed that they had already started walking away when I shouted her name. 

They turned around and I ran up to her. 

"Yah, I only called her name. Turn around," I scolded Luhan and umma, so they did. But in reality, I was too embarrassed to have them see what I was going to do. 

I reached her and without warning, kissed her lips. It was a sweet and passionate kiss that lasted only for a few seconds, but a memory that would last for eternity. 

"Wait for me...I promise I'll come back to you and make you all mine," I grinned happily. 

"Is that a proposal?" she giggled and I couldn't help but snicker with her. 

"You can so, but I'll make a proper proposal another day, just wait," I said and gave her one last affectionate kiss before running to my father's side. I gave one last big wave and entered the gates, disappearing from their sight. 

Luhan's POV~

Hanbyul could not stop blushing and smiling on the ride back to her house. Seeing her like that made me happy and warm inside. 

Once we reached her house, she and I got out as Daehyun's mother drove home. I walked her to the front door and stopped her from knocking. She looked at me confused. 

"Before we part ways, I want to thank you for everything," I said. She blinked her eyes then gave me a soft smile. 

"You've thanked me enough already-"

"I know, but it never feels like enough," I interrupted her, wanting to let her know how thankful I truly am. "Because of you, I was finally able to see the old Daehyun I once knew. I was able to overcome my own fears with your persistence. I was able to experience a first love and a first reject."

I laughed a bit at that last sentence, then softened my gaze at her. 

"Thank you for being my friend," I said and her eyes started to get moist. "Back then I've always thought what would hurt me most, friendship or love? But then I realized that what would hurt me the most would be to lose the friends that I love."

And with that a tear slipped down her cheeks. I gently smiled and wiped away her tear. 

"Geez, you're so sensitive at these sort of things," I snickered to lighten up the mood. She smiled in embarrassment and looked me straight in the eye. 

"Then I should thank you too," she softly said. "Thank you for loving me as your friend."

I felt my chest tighten, but it wasn't a painful feeling. It felt good.

"You're welcome, Hanbyul," I said and patted her head. "Well, I guess this is where we say our goodbyes too."

She widened her eyes, confused and worried. 

"Don't worry, I'm not running away anymore," I assured her. "From now on, I'll be studying my off like the rest of you and graduate this summer!"

She laughed a bit and wiped her tears. 

"That scared me a bit," she said. "Then I'll be cheering for you! Hwaiting!"

I nodded and started walking away from her. I gave her a fist pump that assured her I'll do my best and she gave me two thumbs up. I turned around and walked off with a light heart and calm mind when I saw a plane fly past. 

I looked up and smiled. "Good luck to you too, friend."

-----

[A/N]: And with that, we've reached the end of this story! I want to thank you all who have had the patience to read and wait for the updates! Thank you for loving and supporting this story as well! It means a lot to me when I read such awesome comments too, so don't worry if you think I don't read them, cause I do!! 

Although this is the ending, there will be a bonus ending/side story to follow so please do wait for that as it will be updated REALLY SOON!!!

Once again, thank you!!!