SMOKING ZONE

FIN.

The day of graduation arrived, and Zhan felt a strange mix of emotions. He had been through so much, and despite his disappointment, he knew there was one thing he had to do—be there for Yibo. It was Yibo's day, his moment of triumph, and Zhan couldn't let the pain of his own situation overshadow that.

Zhan was dressed in a suit, not to walk the stage but to be by Yibo's side. Yibo had insisted he still come, still be there for him, and though Zhan wasn't sure if he was ready to face the crowd or the ceremony, he knew Yibo needed him there. So, with a heavy heart but a firm resolve, Zhan made his way to the venue.

When they arrived, Yibo looked every bit the proud graduate. His smile was radiant as he adjusted his robe and turned to Zhan, his hand brushing against Zhan's gently.

"Thank you for being here with me," Yibo said softly. "It means everything to me."

Zhan smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes entirely. "You deserve this, Yibo. You worked hard for this. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

They found their seats in the crowd, and Zhan watched with a sense of bittersweetness as his classmates took their place, preparing for their moment to shine. It was supposed to be his moment too. He had worked so hard and earned his place at the top, but now all he could do was watch from the sidelines. Still, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Yibo. Today, it was his victory.

The ceremony began, and Zhan clapped along with everyone else, his heart swelling with pride as Yibo walked across the stage to receive his diploma. It was a moment Zhan knew he would never forget, even though it wasn't his moment.

When it was time for the awards and honors, the dean called out Yibo's name. Zhan felt his chest tighten as he stood up, feeling a surge of emotion. This was it. The moment to show Yibo how proud he was, even though he wasn't walking across that stage himself.

As the dean handed Yibo his diploma, Zhan made his way to the stage, carrying with him a small gold medal. He reached Yibo and gently placed the medal around his neck, a symbol of everything Yibo had achieved. It wasn't an official part of the ceremony, but Zhan felt it was something Yibo deserved—something only he could give.

Yibo turned to face Zhan, his eyes a mixture of surprise and deep gratitude. The crowd paused, confused at first, but then began to cheer as they realized what had just happened. The gesture was simple, but to those watching, it was clear: these two, despite everything, were still in this together.

Zhan smiled at Yibo, his heart swelling. "You did it, Yibo. You earned this. And I'm so proud of you."

Yibo smiled back, his eyes shining with unspoken emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you."

As the applause grew louder, Zhan and Yibo stood side by side, their hands brushing together, united in a moment that was theirs, despite the chaos surrounding them. The crowd seemed to sense the connection between them, and as Yibo held Zhan's gaze, they both knew that despite all the obstacles, they had made it through—together.

As the ceremony continued, the two of them walked back to their seats, hands intertwined, their silent understanding speaking volumes. Though Zhan hadn't walked across the stage, his presence there for Yibo had made all the difference. And as the day went on, Zhan couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the end. It was another step toward the future they would build together.

Later, as they stood outside, the last of the graduates trickling out, Yibo turned to Zhan. "Thank you for being here. You're the one who helped me through this. This medal," he said, glancing at the gold hanging around his neck, "this means more to me than any diploma ever could."

Zhan smiled softly, wiping away the lingering tears from his eyes. "You've earned everything, Yibo. Everything. And we'll keep going. No matter what."

The world may not have given Zhan the recognition he deserved, but in that moment, as he stood beside Yibo, he realized something that was more important: he had someone who saw him, who understood him, and who would stand by him, no matter what. That was enough.

And as the two of them walked away from the ceremony, hands tightly clasped together, Zhan knew this was only the beginning.

Our secret that started at this place,
It all begins with a kiss of blood.
A Painful sin that happened that night,
Yet, I'm still thankful you're on my side.

I know I hurt you, left you torn,
With wounds so deep, your heart forlorn.
Yet through the pain, you chose to stay,
My precious light that won't decay.

No words can erase the scars I made,
But I'll stand by you, never afraid.
You are my heart, my soul, my light,
My world, my home, my guiding sight.

As we say goodbye to where we began,
I'll hold your hand, as fate had planned.
With love so pure and hearts entwined,
The world now knows that you are mine.

The witness of how the flowers bloom,
The hidden smoking zone in the gloom,
A place where our love silently grew,
A world for us, just me and you.

Through highs and lows, through dark and light,
I'll hold your hand and hold it tight.
No need to run, no need to hide,
Forevermore, you're by my side.

fin.