❀•°❀°•❀

Four days had passed since my encounter with Chu Zhou at the café, and the invitation to the high school reunion still loomed over me. I pretended to be unaffected by it all, convincing myself that the memories of her were nothing more than faded photographs in an old album. I buried the pain deep within, unwilling to let it resurface.

As I walked through the bustling hospital corridors, the chatter of nurses and the beeping of machines acted as a constant reminder of the life I had built for myself. I had come a long way from that heartbroken boy in high school. I was now a successful doctor, admired and respected by my peers. The crisp white coat I wore symbolized my dedication to saving lives and being a pillar of strength for those in need.

Yet, deep down, I knew that there were still pieces of my heart that remained locked away. The fragments of our time together, the laughter, and the dreams we once shared still lingered, haunting the corners of my mind and my fragile heart. But I refused to let those memories hold power over me. I had convinced myself that I had forgotten her, that the pain was just a distant echo of the past.

After a long day of work, I decided to go to the hospital's cafeteria. I sat down to eat my sandwich while looking at the distance spacing out, like a robot with no emotions but full of faulty gears in the memory chamber.

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling my name, "Hey, Dr. Xian!", I turned to see Dr. Lin, approaching with a knowing smile and sitting down right beside me.

Lin looked at me raising his right eyebrow and noticing that I am spacing out., "Xian, is something bothering you?" he asked, his kind eyes reflecting genuine care. Well, with his goofiness too.

"Not at all, Lin. What's up?" I replied, attempting to mask the emotions swirling inside me.

"You've been distant lately. Is everything okay?" he inquired, his eyes showing genuine concern.

Dr. Lin's playful yet concerned words pierced through my thoughts. He had always been perceptive, and it was no surprise that he noticed something was amiss. Swallowing the bite of bread, I looked at him with a hint of reluctance before deciding to share my inner turmoil.

Lin has been by my side since the very beginning of college. Our friendship started when we ended up sitting right beside each other on the first day of classes. With his goofy and playful nature, Lin was always the one to bring laughter to our lives.. Despite his playful exterior, Lin has proven to be a true and loyal friend, someone I can trust with my secrets and lean on during tough times.

Knowing I can always rely on him, I told him my problem. "It's the upcoming high school reunion. I've been invited, but I'm not sure if I should go"

"High School reunion? How did that come up? And why is it even bothering you?" Dr. Lin inquired with genuine curiosity, his eyebrow raised inquisitively.

I sighed, trying to find the right words to explain the mixture of emotions swirling inside me. "An old classmate, Chu Zhou, bumped into me at the café a few days ago. He informed me about the gathering," I began, feeling the weight of memories resurface. "It's been so long since I've been in touch with anyone from back in my hometown. I'm not sure if I should go."

Dr. Lin leaned back, thoughtfully crossing his arms. "You? Getting forgotten? With that handsome face of yours?" he quipped with a grin, causing me to roll my eyes playfully.

"It's not about being remembered or not," I replied with a smile, but beneath it, I felt the simmering resentment that I had buried deep within. "It's more about the memories and feelings associated with that time. Part of me wants to go, to see my old friends and reminisce about the good times we had. But another part of me is afraid of what I might find, of how seeing her again might affect me."

Dr. Lin's playful expression softened into one of understanding, and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Ah, I see. High school reunions can be tricky, especially when there's a history like yours."

I nodded, trying to maintain my composure. "Exactly. It's been years, and I've tried so hard to forget her and move on," I admitted, my voice laced with bitterness.

His sympathetic gaze met mine, and he nodded in agreement. "That's true. But maybe attending the reunion will help you find the answer to whether you have truly moved on."

I scoffed internally, pushing down the memories that threatened to resurface. "You know that I've tried to forget her for years, Lin. Hatred has been my fuel, and I've channeled all my energy into becoming who I am now. I don't want to be reminded of the pain she caused."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "Sometimes, facing the past is the only way to truly let go. Holding onto hatred can keep you trapped in the pain she caused. Confronting those emotions head-on might be the key to finding closure."

I clenched my jaw, not wanting to entertain the idea of confronting her again. "I don't know, Lin. I've tried to hate her so much that it numbs the pain. Going to the reunion feels like opening old wounds."

"You have a point," I conceded reluctantly. "But it's not that easy to let go of years of anger and resentment."

He nodded understandingly. "I know it won't be easy, but sometimes facing the pain head-on is the first step towards healing. You don't have to forgive her, but you can choose to release the hold she has on you."

I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Lin's words hit too close to home, and I knew that he was right. My hatred had become a shield, protecting me from the vulnerability of facing my feelings. But it was also keeping me chained to the past, unable to fully embrace the present.

Lin smiled, a glint of mischievousness returning to his eyes. "And who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself surrounded by admirers at the reunion, all impressed with the handsome and successful you've become!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, feeling a sense of gratitude for having such a lighthearted and supportive friend. "Thanks, Lin," I said sincerely. "Your support means a lot to me."

"Anytime, Xian" he replied, raising his coffee cup in a toast. "To face the past and embrace the present!"

I clinked my cup against his, feeling a sense of determination and hope wash over me. The upcoming reunion would be a test, but it was one I was willing to take. I felt a newfound sense of courage to confront my past and finally find the closure I had been seeking for so long.

As the days passed, the anticipation grew, and I prepared myself for the emotional journey that lay ahead. The memories of the past and the uncertainties of the future intertwined, but I was ready to face whatever emotions the reunion would stir within me.

❀•°❀°•❀

The day of the reunion had finally arrived, and I found myself standing in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie and straightening my navy-colored suit. It had been years since I last saw my old classmates, and I wanted to make a good impression.

Despite my efforts to appear confident, my thoughts were still consumed by uncertainty and nervousness. The memories of the past and the wounds that had yet to heal were still vivid in my mind.

I drove to the luxurious hotel where the reunion was being held, I couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension building within me. The past felt like an invisible weight on my shoulders, and I wondered if I was truly ready to confront it.

I parked my car, took a deep breath, and glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror. "You can do this," I whispered to myself, trying to muster the courage I needed for the evening ahead.

"I didn't come here to reconnect with her. I came to finally forget her" I reminded myself, the words echoing in my mind like a mantra. I had convinced myself that attending this reunion was an opportunity to find closure, to put the ghosts of the past to rest once and for all. I took another deep breath, pushed those thoughts aside, and stepped out of the car.

The imposing facade of the luxurious hotel loomed before me, its grandeur only adding to my nervousness. As I walked towards the entrance, I could hear the faint sounds of laughter and chatter from inside, a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions I was feeling.

I stood at the entrance of the venue, surrounded by the familiar faces of my old classmates, a hush seemed to fall over the room. I could feel the gaze of everyone in the room turned toward me, and I felt a mix of excitement and self-consciousness. Had I changed so much that they couldn't recognize me?

Then, a girl from my old class, with her eyes widened, let out an excited whisper, "Hey, is that... Xian Yu?"

All eyes now focused on me, and a moment of stunned silence hung in the air before the room erupted into a chorus of recognition and exclamations. "It is Xian!"

As if a dam had burst, I found myself surrounded by a swarm of old classmates, both male, and female, all vying for my attention. ".Xian! It's you!", "Wow, you look amazing!", "I can't believe it's been so long!"

I felt both flattered and overwhelmed by the attention, the same way I did back in high school. I had never sought to be the center of attention, but it seemed like my reputation as someone amazing had followed me into adulthood.

"Xian, you look incredible! Seriously, you've become even more handsome with age!" an old classmate exclaimed, her eyes widening in genuine awe.

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I chuckled nervously. "Thank you, but I think it's just good lighting or something."

"Oh, don't be so modest! You were always good-looking, but now it's like you've stepped out of a fashion magazine," another classmate chimed in with a playful grin.

I awkwardly adjusted my collar, feeling a bit self-conscious under their scrutiny. "Well, I guess I've just been trying to take care of myself," I replied, attempting to downplay their compliments.

"Xian, you've become incredibly handsome!" one of them exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "Back in high school, you were already charming, but now you're just on a whole other level!"

I chuckled, feeling a bit awkward with all the attention. "Thank you, but you're giving me too much credit," I replied, trying to remain humble.

A group of girls giggled, and one of them blurted out, "I had the biggest crush on you in high school, and seeing you now, it's like a dream come true!"

Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my head. "Well, I appreciate that, but I was just a regular guy back then."

"Regular? You were anything but regular," another classmate interjected.

I couldn't help but feel both flattered and a bit uncomfortable with all the attention. "I don't know about that," I replied, trying to downplay the praise.

As the compliments continued to pour in, Chu Zhou noticed my growing embarrassment and decided to help me out. With a charming smile, he stepped in and said, "Alright, alright, let's not overwhelm Xian with too much praise. We all know he's an amazing guy, but there's more to catch up on than just admiring him!"

The group chuckled, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Grateful for his intervention, I joined in with a light-hearted tone: "Thanks, Chu. I appreciate the kind words, but let's focus on each other tonight. There's so much I want to hear about what everyone has been up to."

The conversation shifted seamlessly, and my friends eagerly shared their accomplishments and experiences. They animatedly spoke about their lives, I felt genuinely happy for each one of them. It was heartwarming to hear about their successes and struggles and how they had grown into remarkable individuals.

Chu Zhou, always the life of the party, kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. He had a knack for bringing people together and making everyone feel included. With his witty jokes and stories, he made sure the spotlight wasn't solely on me but evenly distributed among our group.

We continued catching up, I also had the chance to share my own experiences, not as a way to seek admiration but as a means to connect on a deeper level. We laughed, reminisced, and supported each other like we did back in high school.

Throughout the evening, I found myself relaxing and truly enjoying the company of my old classmates. The initial nervousness gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of comfort and belonging. It was heartening to realize that despite the years apart, the bond we shared hadn't diminished.

The joyous atmosphere at the reunion was abruptly interrupted when a familiar voice echoed through the venue. "Xian Yu! Where's Xian!?" The crowd fell into a hushed silence, and all eyes turned to the entrance, where the man stood, his eyes scanning the room intently.

I kept an eye on the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who had called out my name so passionately. My eyes finally locked onto his, and a rush of recognition washed over me. It was Kai Shen, my close friend from high school, someone I had shared countless memories with.

In an instant, I could see the raw emotions etched on his face: frustration, concern, and perhaps even a tinge of hurt. He made his way toward me, his steps were assertive, and I braced myself for what was about to happen. The joyful chatter around us faded into the background, and all I could hear was the thumping of my heart.

Chu Zhou, who had been standing beside me, noticed the change in my demeanor and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and I could tell he was ready to intervene if things escalated. "You're late Kai", Chu said.

Kai reached me, and without hesitation, he grabbed my collar, his grip tight and unyielding. Everyone around us fell silent, their gazes filled with concern and curiosity.

"Xian!" Kai began, his voice shaky yet determined. "You disappeared without a trace after the exams, and you never bothered to reach out to any of us. Do you have any idea how betrayed we all felt!?"

His words pierced my heart like a dagger, and I could see the pain in his eyes. I had no defense, no excuses to offer. I knew I was wrong, and the guilt weighed heavily on me.

"I'm . . . sorry, Kai," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I never meant to disappear, I had a reason", Kai's eyes flick two times.

His grip loosened slightly, but the frustration in his eyes remained. "You were my best friend, Xian. We trusted each other, and then you just vanished without a word. It felt like you abandoned us"

The truth in his words struck me hard. I had abandoned them—not just Kai but all my friends back then. I had been so consumed by my struggles that I had shut them out, thinking it would be easier to cope on my own. It was a mistake I deeply regretted.

"I'm sorry, Kai," I whispered, my voice filled with remorse. "I didn't know how to handle everything that happened back then, and I thought pushing everyone away would protect me. But it was a mistake, and I regret it deeply."

Kai's expression softened, and he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We all go through tough times, Xian," he said gently. "But shutting us out wasn't the answer. We were your friends, and we would have been there for you if you had let us in."

Regret weighed heavily on my heart as I realized the impact of my actions. I had been so lost in my pain that I hadn't seen the pain I was causing those who cared about me the most.

"Can you forgive me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know I don't deserve it, but I hope you can forgive me"

Kai's eyes widened dramatically, and he placed a hand over his heart in mock astonishment. "Oh, the pain! The anguish! I never thought this day would come—Xian apologizing to me!" he exclaimed dramatically, earning chuckles from our friends.

I couldn't help but laugh at his over-the-top reaction. "Oh, cut it out, Drama King," I teased, using our old high school nickname for him. "You're enjoying this way too much!"

Kai grinned playfully, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. "Of course I am! This is a historic moment," he proclaimed with a dramatic flourish. "The great Xian finally admits he was wrong!"

Chu Zhou and the others joined in the laughter, and the tension that had filled the air just moments ago was replaced with light-hearted banter and joy. Kai let go of the faux theatrics and pulled me into a bear hug.

"Apology accepted, old friend," he said, his voice now sincere. I nodded, feeling grateful for his understanding and the way he diffused the tension with humor. "Let's make the most of this reunion!.", he shouted.

And that's exactly what we did. Throughout the evening, Kai continued to sprinkle in his theatrical flair, making us laugh with his exaggerated reactions and funny stories from our high school days. He had a gift for turning any situation into a comedic performance, and his antics lifted our spirits and brought us closer again.

❀•°❀°•❀

As the night progressed, the joyous atmosphere of the reunion continued to fill the room. I laughed, shared stories, and caught up with old friends, all the while cherishing the camaraderie that had brought us back together.

Yet, amidst the laughter and reminiscing, I couldn't help my eyes involuntarily search for a familiar face. The girl who once tore my heart to pieces.

Riee Ming.

She was the reason I hesitated to attend the reunion in the first place. As much as I wanted to move on from the past, I couldn't deny that a part of me still yearned to see her, to confront the memories that I had forcefully erased for so long.

But no matter how hard I searched, she was nowhere to be found. It was as if fate had conspired to keep us apart, sparing me from facing her again. In a way, I felt a strange mixture of relief and disappointment.

Kai noticed me searching for someone and looked around curiously. "Hey, Xian, you seem to be looking for someone. Who is it?"

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit guilty about admitting the truth. But I knew my friends well, and they had always been there for me. Taking a deep breath, I decided to be honest. "I was looking for Riee Ming."

As the words left my lips, I noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The once lively and joyous room became filled with an undercurrent of unease. The smiles on my friend's faces faded, and their eyes darted nervously as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Kai, in particular, seemed hesitant to tell me something. His usually confident demeanor wavered, and I could sense a weight on his shoulders. "Xian, you didn't know?" he asked, his voice tinged with both sorrow and apprehension.

"We all thought after what happened to her was the reason why you suddenly disappeared?" Kai's voice broke the heavy silence, and concern was written all over his face.

Confusion and concern swirled in my mind. "Know what? What happened to her?" I asked, my heart pounding with an uneasy feeling. Something in the air made me fear the answer.

"As you can see, Xian," Kai's voice carried a weight of uncertainty, a momentary pause hanging in the air as if he grappled for the perfect words to convey the message. My heart tightened in my chest, anxiety clawing at my throat. I needed to know, yet I dreaded the impending truth, fearing the pain it might unleash.

My impatience got the better of me, and I urged, "What is it? Tell me." The words hung in the air like a plea, and a sinking sensation enveloped me as if I was already reaching for an answer I didn't want to grasp.

Kai's voice broke through, heavy with a solemnity that matched the weight in the room. And then came the words I had been dreading, the words I never wanted to hear, the words that felt like a dagger to my heart. "Riee Ming... she's no longer with us."

❀•°❀°•❀

End of Chapter