Iris's POV:

Today is our graduation day. Today is the day that i can finally move on and let go of the painful memories that i've been holding

I woke up pretty early so i can get prepared without any trouble. Once i got up, i brushed my teeth and washed my face to head down for breakfast and greet my parents

"Morning mom, morning dad" i said to them with a smile and got greeted with stacks of waffles on my plate, my mouth watered

"Good morning sweety, i prepared one of your favorite breakfast since today is a special day" my mom came towards me with a smile and caress my head. I'll miss this guys once i leave for college tomorrow

"Did you already prepare everything? What you will wear? What about your makeup and hairstyle, have you already decided?" Mom once again asked me with panic. She's more nervous than i am

"Yes mom i already did, once i'm done eating, i'm gonna take a bath and start preparing" i told her while cutting my waffles to start eating

While eating our breakfast, we talked like normal since this is the last breakfast that we're gonna share together because i'm leaving tomorrow. My dad told me that i'll be leaving with Alex and Tyler early in the morning tomorrow so i decided that after our graduation, i'll be hanging out with the four of them

I smiled, this is probably the last day i'll get a glimpse of his face. The last day that i'll see him. I don't know what will happen in the future and i'm not sure either if i'm gonna see him or even come back here

I finished eating now and decided to get prepared and take a bath. Once i finished, i blow dry my hair and sat in front of my dresser facing the mirror

I started doing my makeup. Once i finished, i took my dress and wore it. I took a glimpse of myself in the mirror and smiled. Alex and Cloe actually picked this blue dress for me because they said blue symbolizes confidence

I took my heels and wore it. After that i decided to do my hairstyle and curled it a little bit so it will look more presentable and elegant

I took one last glimpse of myself with a satisfied smile. "Don't shed any tears Iris okay? Be strong and confident" I told myself a little pep talk and head outside

"My daughter looks so gorgeous, like her mother" my dad told me with a kiss on my forehead. I hugged my dad, i'll really miss him. It seems like he doesn't care for me, but he really does. He believes that i'm already grown up and can make decisions on my own

"I'll miss you dad" i looked at him and smiled sadly. He caress my face and hugged me

"I'll miss you too sweety, you're my only child and i don't want you to go but i can't bare the pain to see you broken and lifeless" he held my shoulders with a sincere look on his face

"Always remember that me and your mother will always be by your side and will love you always. After you return from the states, show the world that you're not the old you anymore that can be hurt easily" i smiled at my dad

My confidence raised up a little bit because of what dad said. After our little talk, mom came down also wearing a elegant blue dress

"Both my queen and my princess look absolutely stunning today" my dad said matching a kiss making mom blush. Even if they're both old, they are still sweet with each other. I envy them

"Just today?" Mom glared at dad

"No" Dad answered with a nervous smile, i laughed. I remembered when i was just little, mom and dad would act like teens everytime and flirt with each other making me laugh

"Come on love birds, i'll be late for my graduation if you continue this. After i left you'll have a ton of alone time together" i joked and laughed while my mom pouted

"But i don't want my one and only baby to leave me. Baby please don't leave, just stay here with mommy and just study here" my mom hugged me and pleaded

"Dear, we've talked about this" my dad said with stern voice. My mom is still upset with me leaving for 7 years. I understand her, i'll really miss her comfort and care when i leave

"But honey, please just let her study here. I don't want my baby to leave" mom hugged me tighter like she really doesn't want me to leave

"Mom, you can always visit me you know? I won't stop you and dad if you went to US to visit me, infact i'll be really happy. Don't be sad mom" i also returned her hug and she smiled at me

"All i want is for my daughter to be happy, and if that is your decision then i won't stop you. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself and always put the genuine smile i love" she pulls away from the hug and looked at me with a reassuring smile

"Yes mom, i promise"

***

After our little drama at home, we finally arrived at school. We got of from the car and got greeted by my friends with their parents

"Ryi, you're here" Cloe run up to me and embrace me into a tight hug and i gladly return it

"You look stunning Cloe" i told her and pinched her cheeks while she pouted. She's so cute i can't. Why can't Rex and her just study in US with us

"I would kill you for pinching my cheeks so hard just now but i won't though because i love you and you're my baby" she glared at me and i run towards Alex, scared that Cloe might hurt me

"Alex help me, Cloe's gonna kill me" i shouted at Alex and held her arms

"She's not gonna kill you calm down Ryi, and please stop running you'll look ugly not like you aren't right now" she joked and laughed while i acted like i was offended

"She doesn't look ugly Alexa, stop insulting our princess" Max came up behind her back and put his hand around her waist. Oh did i forgot to tell you? Alex and Max started dating like a month ago and yes Alex's real name is Alexa

Alex pushed Max away looking irritated but in reality i know that she's just shy. If she really didn't like Max, why would she say yes when Max asked her to be his girlfriend

(Author-nim: i would tell you guys how Max asked out Alex but that's a story for another time)

"Thanks for the compliment Max, you don't look bad yourself" i hugged him and he gladly retuned the hug to me

"Take care of Alex for me in the US okay? Don't let her see other guys there" he told me with clear jealousy in his voice. I laughed but agreed nonetheless

"Ryi, you look stunning today" i turned my back and looked at both two dapper looking boys behind me. I smiled at them

"You don't look bad yourself guys. Infact, you look pretty handsome today. Just today" i told them and laughed. I heard Tyler groaned

"Just today? Come on Ryi, we all know that me and Rex are one of the most handsome guys you know" Tyler complained like a kid joined by Rex beside him and i heard Alex and Cloe laugh beside me

"Come on, Kyle and Max are more good looking than you two" Cloe said making me smirk. Did i hear that right?

"Wait, did you just call me handsome?" Kyle popped out of no where and put his arm around Cloe's shoulder

"Dude, back off" Alex pushed Kyle away while he pouted "Quit pouting, you look gross" Alex strike once again

"Home run" Max joined the roasting while laughing his ass off. This two honestly, they are so good at making fun of their friends

After our little fun, we head towards the gymnasium because the graduation is about to start. We sat on our respective seats while listening to the head of the school's speech

"You look stunning Iris" i heard him said beside me

"You look handsome too" i answered him feeling a little bit awkward because it's been months since i talked to him again and i think this is our last conversation

"Can't believe we'll be college next year. The time flies so fastly" i heard him say

"Yeah and next week, you'll be married soon. I wish you luck on your future and i hope all your dreams come true" this time i faced him with a sincere smile on my face. The last time i smiled at him was the time i told him to let me go

"Not all of my dreams will come true though, you aren't a part of it" he faced me with a sad smile

Somehow, there isn't anymore pain that i'm feeling. Maybe i did move on and forgot about my feelings for him, that's good. I don't want to feel pain anymore and i'm also tired of feeling it

The phrase that he let go made me silent. I don't want to keep the conversation anymore because i don't know what i'll say next nor wanting to say anything. As i was listening to the speech of the principal this time, i felt his hand take a hold of mine

I looked into his side and realized he was looking at me. I quickly took my hands away from his grasp and glared at him. He has a fiancé and they're soon to be married, why is he doing this?

"Please stop this, we may or may not know this is right but stop. We already agreed to stay friends and forget about our feelings for each other, you already have Isabella so please just stop" i said to him with pleading eyes

After that, we didn't dare to speak anything to each other anymore and the event carried on like nothing happened

***

After the graduation, Me, Alex, Cloe, Rex and Tyler all agreed to hangout because this is the last time that we can hangout all together

We bid goodbye to our parents and head towards Tyler's car. I sat beside Alex and Cloe at the back while Rex was in the passenger seat and Tyler was in the driver's seat

"Nice car Tyler, is it new?" Cloe said while facing the window

"Yeah, my parents got it for me as a graduation gift. Nice right?" Tyler answered sounding kinda cocky. Geez Tyler, you don't have to sound so cocky about your new car

***

We arrived at our destination and we look like bunch of idiots, running around the arcade with formal clothes. We didn't bother to change since we don't have a lot of time left and plus, we didn't mind if people look at us, at least we're happy

We didn't stop there, we went to the amusement park, mall, the park and a bunch more places to humiliate ourselves. We had a lot of fun and lost track of time, non of us bothered to look at the time knowing we have to part away from each others presence

"Guys, i think we have to go. It's already 11 pm, we didn't even realize that it's already this late" Tyler announced and scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed

We didn't protest against him and just followed him towards his car. We might not like the idea of parting but we have to, we have no choice. After a long quiet drive, we first arrived at my stop and i got off

"See you tommorow guys, don't forget you have to see us off before we leave" i told them, tears brimmed from my eyes

"Don't worry Ryi, we will be there. Even if you miss us, always remember that all us four will always be best friends" Rex said to me with a reassuring smile but i can clearly see in his eyes that he's sad too

"Yeah Ryi don't sweat it, i will and will always be your beautiful best friend. Don't you dare forget about us but mostly me when you three leave tomorrow" Cloe got of the car and run towards me to engulf me into a hug. I can see in the corner of my eyes that Rex is sending her death glares because of what she said

"Now you hurry your butt along, we have to wake up early tomorrow for our flight. I will call you 6 am sharp and you better be awake by that time" Alex told me while pointing her fingers

"Yeah, yeah. Bye guys, see you tomorrow" i bid them farewell and look at Tyler's car disappearing into the distance. It's my cue to head inside

***

I woke up to the ringing of my phone. I groaned but non the less picked it up. The moment i saw the caller id, i immediately jolted up from my bed and stood up

"G-good morning Alex. Why did you c-call?" I stuttered answering her call. Ugh! I forgot that she will call me this morning to wake me up. I looked at the time. Sh*t it's 6:30 am

"I said i will call you at 6 am but you didn't pick up so i decided to wait a bit and called you again. Do you know what time is it now? 6:30 am! I told you to get up by 6 am sharp" she scolded me like my mom

"I know i know, sorry Alex. I'll hung up the call and get ready. I'll meet you at the airport with the others by 8:30 am, our flight doesn't leave before 9:30. Sorry again" i hung up the call and luckily she didn't say anything anymore

I can't bare to listen to every nagging she tells me, she's really scary sometimes, okay always. I don't know how i manage to stay with her for all this years, oh yeah, she's my best friend

I shook away my thought and started to get ready. I took a warm bath, applied my facial care, blow dry my hair, applied light makeup on and picked an outfit to wear

I didn't bother to style my hair and just let it down. I head downstairs to the kitchen and met with my parents

"The day has finally come, you're leaving now. I'm really gonna miss you sweety, so much" mom came towards me and embrace me into a tight and warm hug. I can feel all the love, care and warmth as she engulf me into her arms, locking me in securely

"Mom as much as i want to hug, we have to go. It's already 8 am and my flight leaves at 9:30, we still have a long drive till we arrive there" we both let go of the hug and head towards the car where dad is waiting

"You ready now? You didn't leave anything behind did you?" My dad asked me double checking if i ever left anything behind

"I'm all set, let's go" i said and the engine starts. I took a last glimpse of our house and tears brimmed out of my eyes. I'm gonna miss this place, all the memories i have made will be left behind

"Don't cry dear. Just think of it this way, all the bad memories that has haunt you will be replaced with good and memorable ones. Be happy my child, tears doesn't suit you" mom once again hugged me tightly. She might have noticed the tears that left my eyes

After what felt like eternity of silence, we finally arrived at the airport. We parked the car and got off, mom and dad helped me with my luggages as we enter inside and looked for the plane that we booked

(Author-nim: sorry guys but i don't know about all this boarding plane sh*ts. All i know is how to send someone off, i haven't ride on a plane yet)

As we arrived on the place we need to be, i saw my friends. I run up to them and hugged them as tightly as i could. I might have two of them with me but it's not the same if we aren't complete

"Hey, don't be sad. We can always face time each other, it's not like you guys aren't coming back right?" Cloe pats my back trying to calm me down

"It's just not the same, we aren't all together, we're not complete" i wiped my tears away. Good thing i'm wearing waterproof makeup

"We know Ryi that it's not the same if we're not complete but hey, you got two by your side. Isn't that enough?" Rex came behind me and also hugged me tight

"No" was all the words that came out of my mouth as few more tears fell down my eyes

"We don't want a greedy Iris now do we?" Rex joked and made me laugh little but good enough to stop me from crying

"Where is our hug? What about us?" I heard Kyle and Max said behind us. I turned around and ran towards their arms

"It's not like i'm complaining or something but why are you guys here?" I raise my head to ask them

"Is it bad that we wanted to see our friend off? And plus my baby is leaving too so i have to be here" Max said earning a smack from Alex making me laugh more

"You hurt me now Alexa but let's see who you'll be missing once you go there in the US" Max folded his arms and pouted cutely, oh let me rephrase that. He folded his arms and tried to pout cutely

"Fine i'll admit it you dork. I will miss you" Alex said while getting closer to Max to give him a hug. He gladly opened his arms for his girlfriend and hugged her tightly. I envy them

"Okay stop with the lovey-dovey stuff. We have to board the plane Alex, i hate to be the bitter one but i'm better this way" i heard Tyler say making us laugh while Max just groaned because he can't do anything

"Bye mom and dad. Always take care of each other okay? Dad, don't forget to drink your medicine and mom, always rest and don't over work yourselves. I know when you too work, you always overdo it" i told them with a matching hug and kiss on the cheeks

"We will my princess. You too, don't stress yourself too much with studies and make sure to have plenty of rest but not too much to forget about studies. Always drink your vitamins and eat healthy. We will call you as often as we can" Dad said kissing my forehead

"Yes dad, now i have to go. The plane will leave in about ten minutes. Bye guys" i bid my parents and friends farewell while me, Alex and Tyler walked towards the door of the private plane

Yes, my dad booked the three of us a private plane because he said that he wants us to be safe. I told him that it wasn't necessary but then he insisted so i couldn't stop him

As i was about to board the plane, i heard a voice that i wished i will never hear again. I turned around and there he is, standing 5 feet away from me, the love of my life

"What about me? No goodbye message? No goodbye hug? Or even a farewell?" He asked as tears threatened to fall down his face. At the corner of my eyes, i saw Max said 'sorry i called him'

"Hey, umm...this is awkward. You want a goodbye message right? I wish you the best in your future with Isabella and i hope you two will be happy with each other" i told him with a smile

He came towards me and held my hands "Now it's my turn to give you a goodbye message" he started and kneel down in front of me as i hear few sobs coming out from his mouth, it pains me to see him like this

"When i say i'm tired, please fight for me. When i say forget about me, remember me. When i say leave me, stay by my side. When i say i love you, tell me you love me too. That's all i want in my whole entire life. Stay and love me please"

Those words that came out of his mouth are like sharp knives that once again stabbed me in the heart. The pain was long gone but when i saw him crying in front of me, i can't deny the fact that it pains my heart

I held his arms and told him to stand up. He slowly stood up and when i met his face, i saw his tear stained face, his eyes are puffy and blood shot red from crying. I wiped his tears with my hands and hugged him

"I don't want to see you in pain anymore so please remember this words that i will say. I may or may not come back anymore when i finish my studies so i want you to live freely and happy with your life without me. I want the old you to return, the you that doesn't let others decide what's right for him but even so, this is my last wish. Let go of me, stop fighting for me, forget about me and stop loving me, that's the only way for us to stop the pain we're feeling. We were in love but it's time to face reality. We can't be together anymore"

I told him with a truthful heart as i let go of the hug. I turned around and walked towards the plane entrance, as i was about to board again i heard him shout

"Do you not love me anymore? If you answer me this moment, i will let go of you fully and forget about us" he shouted. As he let go of those words, i can feel pain lingers in his voice

"I don't love you anymore so stop this nonsense and head back. You have no business to be here so go, i don't want to see the pitiful look on your face anymore" i faced him so that he will see that i'm telling the truth. I know i'm lying to myself when i said that but i know that's the only way for him to let go of me

"Then it's done. From now on Iris Harberton, Xian Kim is officially letting go of you" he said

I didn't dare to look at him anymore because if i do, all the things that i have done would just be ruined. All the lies that i have just let go would be proven wrong

I boarded the plane with pure guilt in my heart. I don't know if i can face him anymore if i go back after 7 years. After all the lies and pain i told him just now. I feel like a terrible person, i lied to him but i know it's the only way

Even if i lied to him, i know it's for a good cause. If i told him that i still love him, i would be a hindrance to his and Isabella's marriage so i had to lie

I can't go back now to fix the lie i've said. All that's left to do is to prove him the fact and just move forward. We can't dwell on the past things that we have done. There are things that you can never fix and bring back, like a broken glass. All you can do is leave it behind and move on

And that's a wrap of chapter 26 of the story

My book is at it's peak of it's end and i'm sad. It's been a long journey of me writing this crappy book, even though it's pretty trash, it's been so long since i started writing this

This book reached 750+ reads and 134 votes, i know it's not a lot but i really appreciate it. Thank you very much danicad7 for supporting my book from the start and thank you for the other people who is reading and still supporting my book till now

I'm still glad because some are actually still reading this piece of garbage that i'm writing 🤧❤️

Word count today: 4193

Thank you very much to the people who are still reading this

Have a good night/day everyone

This has been author-nim

사랑해 친구 ❤️🌸