Where A Girl Can Be An Adult

Chapter 1

Excitement pulses through me as I bustle around our home, preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration with Kai. Red lanterns cast a warm glow, and delicate cherry blossoms adorn every corner, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Kai and I are completely immersed in the festive atmosphere, our anticipation building with each passing moment.

"Isn't it beautiful, Avan?" Kai's voice carries a hint of awe as he gazes around our decorated home.

I smile, feeling a rush of happiness at his enthusiasm. "It's perfect, Kai. Just like our love."

Our families gather for the traditional Lunar New Year dinner, their laughter and chatter filling the room. I steal glances at Kai, feeling grateful for his presence beside me. Tonight feels special, like a moment frozen in time.

As the evening unfolds, anticipation fills the air, and my heart races in my chest. Kai's hand finds mine beneath the table, intertwining our fingers. The touch of his skin against mine fills me with a sense of calm and reassurance. I can't help but wonder what he's about to announce. "Avan and I have something to share with you all," Kai begins, his voice steady and his gaze locked with mine, "We're getting married."

Gasps of delight fill the room, mingling with the soft clinking of glasses. I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over. This is the moment we've been waiting for, the culmination of our love and commitment to each other. My family erupts into applause, their radiant smiles lighting up the room like fireworks. My parents, Michael and Linda, stand up from their seats, tears of joy shimmering in their eyes. Michael's voice quivers with emotion as he raises his glass. "Avan, Kai, you have our full support and blessing. May your love shine brighter with each passing day. Congratulations!" Linda wipes away a tear and joins in. "We couldn't be happier for you two. Avan, welcome to the family officially!"

Their warm embrace melts away any lingering worries, and I am filled with an overwhelming sense of acceptance and love. My family has truly embraced me as one of their own. Standing across the room, Kai's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Đỗ, exchange glances, their expressions inscrutable. The room falls silent, tension swirling around like a whisper, threatening to dampen the joyous atmosphere. But then something changes. A smile flickers across Mrs. Đỗ's face, and she leans into her husband, whispering softly. Suddenly, their faces light up with emotions, and they rise from their seats. Approaching us slowly, their steps filled with both hesitancy and determination, they make their way to the center of the room. Mr. Đỗ's voice quivers as he takes both of our hands in his. "Kai, Avan, you have amazed us with your strength and love for each other. We may not have understood this love at first, but today, we are inspired by your happiness. You have our blessing, now and always." Mrs. Đỗ's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she embraces us tightly. "May your marriage be as beautiful as your souls, my kids. We stand by you, side by side." The room bursts into applause, the walls seemingly pulsing with love and celebration. The families, once divided by doubts and fears, come together in a powerful display of unity. This announcement has brought us closer, reaffirming the unbreakable bonds that tie us all. In that moment, as the applause surrounds us, I can't help but feel an overwhelming gratitude for the love we have found and the family that supports us. The journey ahead may not be easy, but with each other and our families by our side, we are ready to face anything that comes our way.

Later, as Kai and I exchange gifts and share heartfelt moments, I find myself opening up to him in a way I haven't before. "Kai," I begin, my voice soft with vulnerability, "there's something I've been thinking about..."

He listens attentively, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Tell me, Avan. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

And so, emboldened by Kai's unwavering support, I find the courage to share my deepest desire. "I miss my comic book world," I admit, feeling a weight lifting from my shoulders. "I want to go back, better than ever."