This was it. 

Your graduation day. 

It was just like last year, only this time it had more over-the-top decorations. Mr. Damocles really wants to impress his students' parents. The chairs were covered with white cloths. The stage was designed with colorful skirtings, along with letterings and arts. 

The courtyard was slowly filled with students and their parents. Your classmates were all pretty and handsome. After all, this was the only day they could wear a face full of make-up with their different hairstyle, unlike the one you see almost everyday.

Take Juleka for example. You would see her bangs covering her other eye. Today, a purple clip was holding her bangs back, revealing her other golden eye. Marinette let down her hair for once and she looked stunning, then Chloe had waves, but her look was still the same. Oh, and Nathaniel had his hair up in a bun, and he was looking so fine.

Their parents were there too. You had expected it when instead of Gabriel Agreste, it was Natalie holding a white tablet with the man's head. You were fuming with anger. You wanted to destroy that freaking gadget right then and now. How dare he not appear physically at Adrien's special milestone? His freaking graduation. You wanted to just storm inside Gabriel's mansion and just yeet him in here.

Adrien didn't seem to mind. Of course, he didn't. He was so kind it hurts. He was too pure and good for this world. You figured that he was used to it. 

Chairs were soon occupied and the event started. It began with the principal's inspirational messages and all that. He stood behind the podium with his gently yet booming voice resounded around the courtyard. All of you wanted to listen, but it was the same thing like last year. It was tiring to hear the same scripted piece over and over again. You quietly talked with your seatmates, complimenting their looks and outfits. 

Then, before you all know it, the awarding ceremony soon commenced. They gave you awards because you deserved it, also because you worked hard for it. It was a fair game, giving certificates and medals for those who earned it. You thought you saw Chloe only receiving like-- one or two medals because she didn't do very well. She did attempt to buy her grades with her father's money (lol), but obviously, she did not succeed. 

Ms. Bustier took over the microphone. "Now for the final part of this event. Guest, parents, teachers, let us witness the students as they say their last goodbyes."

You rolled your eyes for that. She was being over-dramatic. You can save your goodbyes after the event, but right now, your planned gift-giving is in order. A song played on the speakers. You pulled out multiple folded papers with names on the front, then proceeded to go towards them, giving them their assigned letter. You saw Alya giving them all a keychain before hugging them tightly.

You also caught a glimpse of Nathaniel giving his sketches-- wait. He gives art... for free?! You shook your head. If you were Nathaniel, you would've charged your friends money as a part of your new school tuition.

Marinette was giving handkerchiefs customized with your names. Kim was handing off bracelets. Chloe, of course, being a pretentious wench, she was giving her polaroid selfies with her signature in a yellow-colored ink.

You were on your last paper, clearly the universe was playing with you because the last letter was to Adrien. So without moment's hesitation you skipped to him and handed him his letter.

"Oh, Y/N! Just in time." He rummaged through his bag and brought out the same folded paper as yours. "Here. Thanks for everything."

Your gaze shifted from the paper to his perfect smile. Then to the paper again. The corners of your mouth turned up into a smile as you took the letter from him gratefully.

"Thanks, Adri-"

Cutting you off was him stepping forward and pulling you in for a tight hug. "No. Thank you, Y/N. For everything you've done for me." His hold tightened around you as you silently submitted to his embrace and hugged back. You could almost hear his voice waver, making your heart flutter in your chest.

Moments after, he pulled away but he still held your arms. He smiled, a watery smile. It was contagious, so with tears forming in the corner of your eyes, you began to smile as well.

"I'll miss you," Adrien said.

You gave him a sad smile. "I'll miss you too."

"Well I'll miss you more," He countered

You smirked. "I'll miss you the most, Adrien."

But before he could make his leave, you pulled on his arm. "Wait," you said, bringing out your own folded letter. "Here," you smiled widely. He reciprocates the gesture and gladly took the letter in his hands 

"Thank you, Y/N," he said it again. "Really."

He gave you one last hug, but it was shorter this time. You then parted ways, going to your own seat because the song was about to end.

Before the final seconds of the song, you had received your classmates' gifts and letters.

Of course, you had opened Adrien's letter first. The first thing you saw was a picture of you and Adrien standing next to each other with his arms around your shoulders and your hands formed into a peace sign. This was from last year. (ehemchapter31ehem)

To my best friend ever!
     Shh don't tell Nino.

That was just the first line. You are going to read the rest when you're home and comfortable. 

The event ended, you exchanged hugs, kisses, pictures. You said your goodbyes, even though Nino invited everyone for the after party. 

You rolled your eyes. In the corner of your eyes, you saw Adrien handing Kagami a red rose. The girl blushed but she accepted the offer. The scene made you smile in content. You glanced down at the picture on your hand. Your photo with Adrien's arm slung over your shoulders.

Looking back at all the times you admired him from afar, you realized that you were better off as friends. You missed all those happy moments with him. Although there were bitter times, you couldn't help but be thankful for the efforts you've wasted and the tears you've cried for the dream to be with him. Rejection was hard, sure, but it made you grow more as a person. It made you more mature and reflective. Now you know that love will come at the right time, where the soul is worn but wise.

Who knows? 

Maybe you'd see each other again. 

THE END.