Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XXXVI (✓)

The sun shone brightly over the school courtyard as the graduating class gathered for the ceremony, dressed in their caps and gowns. The air was filled with anticipation, the promise of new beginnings, and the bittersweet knowledge that this chapter of their lives was closing.

Among the crowd, Joohyun stood poised and elegant, her cap resting perfectly on her head as she prepared to give the valedictorian speech.

As the principal called her name, Joohyun made her way to the podium, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement. She looked out at the sea of faces— her classmates, their families, the faculty, and, most importantly, her friends and loved ones.

Seulgi sat in the front row, her eyes shining with pride, while Seungwan, Moonbyul, Yongsun, Sooyoung, and Yeri watched her with beaming smiles.

"Good afternoon, faculty, family, friends, and fellow graduates. Today is a day of celebration, a day to reflect on all that we have accomplished and to look forward to the future that lies ahead.", Joohyun began after taking a deep breath.

"First, I want to thank the faculty for their dedication and support throughout our journey. Without your guidance, we would not be standing here today, ready to take on the world.", Joohyun's voice was steady and confident, yet there was a warmth that carried through each word.

She paused, her gaze shifting to where her parents sat. Mr. and Mrs. Bae looked at her with a mixture of pride and emotion, her father subtly wiping away a tear.

"To my family— Mom, Dad— thank you for always believing in me, for your endless love and encouragement. I wouldn't be who I am today without you.", Joohyun added with a wide smile, causing her parents to happily stand up and applaud, yelling that, that was their daughter.

Then, Joohyun turned her attention to her friends. Her eyes met Seulgi's, and she felt a surge of love and gratitude.

"To my friends, who have been by my side through every challenge and triumph, thank you. You have made these years unforgettable, and I am so lucky to have you in my life. I hope that as we all move forward, we continue to support each other, no matter where life takes us.", Joohyun continued, tears staining her cheeks.

She finished her speech with words of hope and encouragement for her fellow graduates, wishing them nothing but the best as they ventured into the next stage of their lives. The crowd erupted in applause as she stepped down from the podium, a weight lifting off her shoulders.

Seulgi was the first to greet her with a tight hug, followed by the others, each of them showering her with praise and affection.

"You did so well, Hyun.", Seulgi complimented with an eye-smile that melted all of the older's worries away.

The ceremony seemed to fly by after that, a blur of speeches, diploma handouts, and cheers from proud families. Before they knew it, the day had turned to evening, and the entire group was gathered at a fancy restaurant that Mr. Kang had rented out for the occasion. The restaurant's opulent decor and warm lighting provided the perfect backdrop for a night of celebration.

The vampire trio's parents, Joohyun's parents, Yongsun's parents, and even Sooyoung and Yeri, who had been invited as honorary guests, filled the large dining hall. The tables were laden with gourmet dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses as everyone toasted to the graduates.

Mr. Kang and Mr. Bae found themselves deep in conversation, discovering shared interests and laughing over stories of their daughters' antics. Despite the initial differences between them— one being a vampire, the other human— they bonded over their mutual love and pride for their work and children.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bae and Mrs. Kang were getting along surprisingly well, thanks in part to the introduction from Seulgi and Joohyun.

At first, Mrs. Bae had been skeptical about her daughter dating a vampire, but as she watched the way Seulgi looked at Joohyun— her eyes filled with nothing but love and adoration— Mrs. Bae's reservations began to melt away. She realized that no matter what, her daughter's happiness was what mattered most.

Throughout the night, there was a sense of unity and acceptance that permeated the gathering. The lines between vampire and human blurred as they all came together to celebrate their daughters' achievements.

As the evening wore on, Joohyun found herself standing on the balcony of the restaurant, looking out at the city lights. Seulgi joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close.

"How does it feel to be a graduate?", Seulgi asked, her voice soft. Joohyun smiled, leaning into her.

"It feels surreal. Like I'm standing on the edge of something big, but I'm not quite sure what it is yet.", Joohyun honestly answered and Seulgi nodded, understanding the feeling all too well.

"Whatever it is, we'll face it together.", Seulgi assured and Joohyun looked up at her, her heart swelling with love.

"I wouldn't have it any other way.", Joohyun replied and Seulgi softly smiled before leaning in, sealing the gap with a tender kiss.

"By the way, isn't this the hundredth time you're graduating?", Joohyun curiously pointed out after breaking the kiss and Seulgi scoffed.

"I've lost count if I'm being honest.", Seulgi admitted and Joohyun shook her head in amusement.

Back inside, the celebrations continued with stories, laughter, and even a few tears as the night drew to a close. The families mingled, sharing stories of the past and their hopes for the future, and the graduates felt a deep sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what lay ahead.

As the night finally came to an end, and everyone began to part ways, there was a collective sense of satisfaction. It had been a perfect day— a day filled with love, pride, and the promise of a bright future.

Seulgi and Joohyun lingered behind, taking one last look at the emptying restaurant before heading out together. They walked hand in hand, the cool night air brushing against their skin, content in the knowledge that no matter what challenges the future held, they would face them side by side, surrounded by the love of their friends and family.

And that was all they needed.

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(1,061 word count)