You Belong With Me | Jeongcheol Fanfic

Chapter 66

A few years later, Jeonghan stood at the podium, his heart racing as he gazed out over the sea of faces in the audience. The bright lights of the stage blurred in his peripheral vision, but all he could focus on was the sea of classmates, professors, and loved ones gathered to witness the culmination of years of hard work. He was finally here—standing before them as the valedictorian of his graduating class.

His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the microphone, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The gown felt heavy on his shoulders, the tassel of his cap swaying lightly with each movement. It had been a long journey—one that had started with so much uncertainty, confusion, and loss. But now, here he was, having achieved something he had once feared he could never reach.

As he glanced over to the side, he spotted Seungcheol sitting in the front row. His husband, his unwavering support, was there with the same proud, loving gaze he always wore when he looked at Jeonghan. It was a look that had never faltered in the years they had been together, even when the road had been difficult. Seungcheol's smile made Jeonghan's heart swell with gratitude.

A few years ago, Jeonghan wouldn't have even imagined that he would be standing here today. He had come to New York with nothing but a blank slate—his memories wiped clean by an accident that had torn apart the very fabric of his identity. But through everything, he had regained not only his memories but also his sense of self, and along the way, he had found a love so deep, so unshakeable, that it had carried him through the darkest moments of his life.

The journey to this moment hadn't been easy. There had been times when he doubted himself, when he feared he would never fully remember the person he had been before the accident, when he felt like he was walking through life as a stranger to his own past. But with each passing day, with each person who supported him—his family, his friends, Seungcheol—he had grown stronger. He had rediscovered the strength that had always been inside him, and with that, he had created a future he could be proud of.

Clearing his throat, Jeonghan smiled to himself before beginning his speech, his voice steady despite the nerves threatening to creep in.

"Good afternoon, everyone," he began, his words carrying out into the room. "I stand before you today, not just as someone who has earned a degree, but as someone who has learned what it truly means to grow, to struggle, and to find joy in the smallest of moments."

The crowd listened intently as Jeonghan continued, his voice gaining strength with every word.

"I didn't always think I would make it to this day. There were times in my life when I felt lost, when I thought I had no future to look forward to. But I stand here now because of the people who believed in me—those who never gave up on me, even when I couldn't remember who I was. I want to thank my family, my friends, and my incredible husband, Seungcheol, for standing by me through everything."

He paused, his gaze locking with Seungcheol's in the audience. Seungcheol's smile widened, his eyes filled with emotion. Jeonghan's heart swelled with love for him in that moment, the weight of the years of love, hardship, and growth between them making everything feel worth it.

"Seungcheol, you were the first to believe in me when I couldn't even believe in myself," Jeonghan said, his voice thick with emotion. "You carried me through the hardest times, and you showed me that love can be both a refuge and a strength. I owe everything to you. You're my home."

The room fell silent for a brief moment before the audience erupted into applause. Jeonghan's heart swelled with pride, and for a moment, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of the love that had shaped his journey. Seungcheol, who had been by his side through it all, stood up and waved, his eyes shining with pride.