Months had passed and life with Jongin was still unlike any other.

The initial responses from the rest of the student population were a little overwhelming (I didn't even expect them to notice actually but unfortunately gossips were like a forest fire in my school). But Jongin had always been there every step of the way, reassuring me that everything was not a dream, that everything was real.

Throughout the past few months, Jongin and I were trying to understand each other better. Although we could be different in so many ways, I liked it that we always complimented each other. It always amazed me how even until now Jongin still took my breath away.

"Are you thinking about me?" A familiar deep voice whispered softly against my ear, taking me out of my daydream.

I turned to face him and feigned an annoyed look.

"You wish." I stuck out my tongue and was about to go elsewhere but Jongin slung his arm over my shoulder blade and pulled my body back into his embrace. My back was touching his firm chest.

"So were you actually thinking of other man?" He asked as he planted his chin on my shoulder. His breath was tickling the side of my neck.

"N-no. I didn't mean it like that." I stuttered.

Jongin's presence would always make me speechless. Like no words could actually convey my feelings.

He then kissed the side of my forehead and I knew he was smiling.

"I know." He reassured me and ruffled my hair.

"But remember, you're only allowed to think of me." He said as he tilted my face to face him and rubbed his nose against me.

I closed my eyes for a second, enjoying his affectionate gestures. I couldn't help but to smile.

"You, too. You're only allowed to think of me." I said back as I cupped his face with my palms.

And we just stood like that for the next few moments before I tiptoed and kissed his nose.

Now it was his turn to burst out into a soft smile. He then took my hand into his and started leading me to the Hall.

I liked holding hands with Jongin. It was never too forceful. But it was firm enough to reassure me that he wouldn't let go. And that was what I needed the most from him — to never let me go.

"I'll see you later." Jongin spoke first and kissed my forehead.

You see, we were having our Graduation ceremony today. We were leaving high school, moving on to our next chapter of life.

More than two hours had passed since our Principal delivered his opening address. Everyone was everywhere with abandoned graduation hats all over the place. I knew I had to find Jongin but that could wait. I had all the time in the world for him.

"Congratulations, Joohyun!" I beamed as I stretched my arms to envelope her in a grateful hug. She was such an angel and even until now I couldn't stop my admiration for her.

My classmates and I started to exchange congratulatory messages and hugs. I felt contented. I might not be the most popular girl in the school, but that was alright. The great friends I had made worth more.

Then I spotted Jongin's friends whom I had gotten familiar with over the past few months. I gave them a friendly hug and thanked them for befriending me. I was talking to Jongdae and Minseok when Sehun joined in. I glanced at him and stopped momentarily. I flashed him my most grateful smile and tackled him in a big bear hug.

"You missed me that much, huh?" He asked confidently and returned my hug.

I chuckled.

"Thank you, Sehun." I told him as I let go of my hands from his back.

"For everything." I smiled.

Sehun gazed softly at me and smiled. That was one of those rare moments where Sehun would return my smile. He was called the Ice Prince for a reason, I guess? I was just glad that I was able to bring out that smile. I knew one day he would find a girl who would always bring out this warm side of him.

"Where's your man?" He asked me.

"I thought he was with you." I replied truthfully.

I started looking for Jongin, trying to spot that dark brown hair I always found adorable. Only then I saw that he was walking to a slender female whose beauty could send me to the north-est part of the North Pole.

Sehun turned to look where I was looking at and the two of us stood in silence. I knew he wanted to ask me what in the world Jongin was doing approaching Krystal at this moment, but I trusted my man.

Jongin spoke a few words to which Krystal gave no response. But Jongin was persistent, he even offered his hand for a shake. Krystal suddenly turned her beautiful face to me. I was caught off guard. But I smiled anyway, acknowledging her existence. Krystal stole my famous eye-rolling gesture and looked away. She ignored Jongin completely and walked away. I was stunned. Did I do something wrong?

Jongin just shook his head and walked toward me. I didn't realise he was that close to me already until he took my hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

"Congratulations." He said and smiled at me.

I wanted to ask what happened back there with Krystal but I'd just ask him later when it was only the two of us.

And then his friends started huddling in. We were forming this big circle and hugged each other. I circled my arm around Jongin's waist while my other hand was on Sehun's back. We looked at each other and gave goofy but contented smiles.

"We made it, guys! We made it!" Chanyeol pumped his fist into the air in glee. Everybody cheered and at that moment, I knew we were happy.

So here's to the future, together. With my new-found friends. With Kim Jongin.

Good morning, my dears! ♡

Thank you so much for loving this story.

After careful consideration, I don't think I can commit myself for writing a sequel (yet). But after seeing how many beautiful comments I've received, I thought I shall return the love hence the bonus chapter(s). ㅎㅎㅎ

See you next time! (ღˇ◡ˇ)