Enamored

17

"Graduation." (N) mumbles while looking out the window. He turns to see (F/n) sitting down. "Hey (F/n). Have you thought about what you wanna do after you graduate?" "Hmm. Well college is definitely outta the picture. Maybe modeling?" (N) stares at his friend blankly. "Don't give me that man! I'm a handsome devil! I'll have a million fans!"
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"Modeling? Yea, I can see that. You can do anything you put your mind to (F/n)!" Yuna smiles as (F/n) grins and points at (N). "Don't worry! I won't forget about my best friend when I get famous!" "Oh yeah? Please don't forget about me." (N) says sarcastically as Sapphire smiles. "Since everyone here is a senior. I'm curious about what you guys are going to do after graduation."

"I'm going to nursing school." "Become a preschool teacher." Yuna and Yuki say. Rose throws her arm around Hannah with a grin. "We're gonna travel the world!" Hannah chuckles and leans into her girlfriend. "And volunteer." "Oh. You two are leaving?" Rose smiles. "Don't worry guys. We'll come visit during the holidays!" Yuki turns to (N) causing the male to flinch. "And you. I've heard you haven't decided if you're going to college or not and you've been avoiding the guidance counselor."

(N) looks away and looks at Myles. The male had a flushed face and looked dazed as Yuki continued talking. "C'mon Myles. You gotta give (N) some encouragement." Myles holds his cheek and (N) gently holds his shoulders. "What's wrong?" "Nothing...I just feel a little-" Everyone jumps up in worry as Myles collapses in (N)'s arms. The teen feels his boyfriend's forehead and frowns. "He has a fever."
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"Myles. Can I come in?" "Yes." (N) opens the door and Myles sits up. "Don't get up. I just wanted to say I'm leaving now." "Oh ok. Have a good day at school." (N) smiles at Myles and grips his bag. "Get some rest." "I will."
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Weeks passed and Myles's condition didn't improve. Graduation and exams grew closer as the male stayed home. Myles smiled at (N) as the male sat at his desk. "Shouldn't you be studying for your exams?" "Maybe but I'm not worried about that. There's something else I'm looking forward to." Myles shifts under his blanket as (N) scoots his chair closer to the bed. "And what's that?"

"Going on another date with you. And holding your hand." "Mmm. Can you hold my hand now?" "Of course." Myles reaches out his hand and (N) gently holds it. 'Please get better soon Myles.'
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Ash, Clara, and (N) sit in the living room drinking tea. (N) nervously stares at the lukewarm tea he left unattended as Clara speaks. "There's no easy way to say this but it looks like Myles won't be able to graduate." "But-" "And it's Myles's decision if he wants to repeat the semester. Please (N). Whatever Myles decides you have to respect that." (N) looks down and clenches his fist. "I can't. If he's not graduating then I'm not either. I don't wanna leave him behind."

Ash crosses her arms and sighs. "Don't be so immature. If you do that you'll just make things harder for Myles.
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(N) stares at the sky and then turns to (F/n). "Today's the day." "I know. I didn't think we could make it. Funny. I always imagined one of us would get kicked out before graduation." (N) chuckles and straightens up as an old man approaches them. "Ah (N). (F/n). Congratulations on graduating." "Mr Takanabe. Thank you." "Thank you, sir." The old man smiles. "I'll be retiring so this is also my last day."

(N)'s eyes widen as an image of Myles flashes in his mind. "Oh, congrats. Hmm. I don't know how the drama club will operate without you." "If you're worried about Myles don't be. He's a lot more stronger and reliable than you two." Mr Takanabe chuckles and walks off.
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(N) walks through a crowd of crying graduates and finds Sapphire and Tsumiki. "Hey. I just wanted to thank you two for everything and to look after Myles for me. You'll all be seniors." "Of course, we'll look after him." "I'm wishing the best for you (N)." The teen nods and waves at his friends. "Congrats on graduating!" "I'll see you guys later!" "I won't forget you when I'm famous!" "I love you all! Take care!"
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(N) sighs as he walks back to the bakery. His eyes widen when he finds Myles outside. "What are doing outside?! You should be resting!" Myles smiles and looks the male over. "This is the last time you wear your uniform. Congratulations on graduating. I'm proud." "Myles..." "Yes?" (N)'s vision became blurry with tears as he spoke. "You know I always hated school. I never thought I would graduate or have fun. B-But ever since I met you I finally enjoyed myself! I didn't want to graduate! I wanted to stay with you!"

Myles cups (N)'s face and wipes his tears. "Don't be sad. I'm glad you decided to graduate. And don't worry! Before you know it I'll graduate too!" (N) sniffles and grabs Myles's hand. "You should go back inside and rest." "I'm okay. Let's walk around a little." (N) smiles as Myles gently tugs him down the sidewalk. 'I want to hold his hand forever and never stop walking. Forever and wherever. As long as I'm with you.'
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(N) groans as he rolls over in his futon. He sits up and looks around the room. 'Oh yea. I graduated.' The male walks downstairs only for an apron to be thrown on his head. He lifts the apron to see Ash and Clara. "I know you've got nothing going on so you can work here at the bakery. Don't expect a raise!" "I look forward to working with (N)." (N) puts on the apron and bows. "Thank you! I'll work hard!"
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"Yo kid! I'm back." "Welcome back. Where'd you go this time?" "Secret." (N) shakes his head as Ash looks around the bakery. "Sure is slow today." "Yup...I hope Myles is doing well in school." "There's no reason to worry about him. Here. Let's play catch with Clara's bread." Ash grabs the pink roll and turns around as the door opens. "Excuse me." "Welcome. Oh, you're not a customer." Myles walks in with a smile as (N) moves closer.

"I wanted to see you at work." "You didn't have to come here on your break. How is class? Anyone you know?" Myles shakes his head. "No one I know but they seem like nice people." Ash throws her arm around Myles. "Since you're here let's play hot potato with Clara's bread!" "Aunt Ash... Aunt Clara is standing behind you."

"My precious bread...is just for a game of hot potato?!" Clara runs out of the shop as Ash chases her. "No! Baby I love your bread!" Myles laughs as (N) chuckles. 'It took me a while to figure out that Ash and Clara do this to make Myles smile.'
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(N) wipes down the bakery window and Myles walks up to him. "Oh. You off to school?" "Yup." "Today's club orientation right?" "Mhm! I'll give it my all!" Myles yells while pumping his fist in the air and walking away. (N) chuckles and continues cleaning.

Later that day (N) runs outside as Myles walks past the bakery. "Myles hey! How'd the orientation go?" "Oh (N). Hello." (N)'s smile drops and he gently pulls Myles to the park. The couple sit down on the bench and Myles sighs. (N) gently holds his hand. "What's wrong?" "Umm. Mmm. Well, orientation went okay and we got Mr Shin as an advisor. But the drama club doesn't have enough members. So I'll just have to work even harder."

(N) traces random patterns on Myles's hand. "What about class? Do you have any friends?" Myles looks away. "Do people know this is your second time as a senior?" "Yea. That's probably why they don't want to talk to me." "I'm sure everything will be fine. They just need to get to know you better." Myles smiles and leans his head on (N)'s shoulder.
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Since that day Myles hasn't said anything to (N) about school. (N) didn't want to pressure him so he didn't say anything about it. The black male was never late and never missed a day. But despite his best efforts no one wanted to join the drama club and the club disbanded. (N) walks through town with a bag and finds Takashi descending a pole. He walks up to the older man. "Hey Takashi." "Hmm. Oh (N). Congrats on graduating. You doing anything?" "Thanks. I'm just running an errand."

The older man places a wrench in his tool belt. "You should visit us sometime. Evenings are best since Hailey spends most of the day in the hospital." "Her sister's still in a coma?" "Yes. Hailey believes Ellie will wake up any day. So I won't give up either. Anyway, I better get back to work." "Ok. See you later."