For Real. Forever.

Chapter 8: The Photographer

Park Jiyeon

It's been 2 months since Hongbin left. I spent the Senior Prom alone. I didn't have any date. I didn't want one anyway.

"Ji! You're taking forever!"

That's Youngji. They're here for my graduation day.

Finally, I can get out of those hallowed halls! Just kidding. I'll miss high school though.

I went downstairs just in time. They were all set to go.

"Don't forget your cap!" Youngji said frantically as we got into the car.

Youngji and I got into the backseat.

"Do you think he's coming?" She asked me.

I told her everything about Hongbin so she knows he's an alien but my Aunt and Uncle thinks he went back home for a while which is partly true. I just didn't tell the two of them that his home was in a planet one million lightyears away.

"I don't know." I answered while fiddling the chain around my neck.

We got into the venue just in time. The ceremony passed by so slowly. Maybe because my mind was wandering somewhere else.

Is he alive?

Did he make it?

Is he really gonna come back?

"Park Jiyeon."

I was snapped out of my trance as the principal called my name.

I slid my hand around my Uncle's arm and marched to the stage.

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

I just smiled and he chuckled.

Recieving the diploma was overwhelming. I had always pictured myself doing this and now here I am.

Final pictures were taken with my batchmates and then we went outside to have another family photo op.

"I forgot to bring the tripod!" Uncle Kyuhyun suddenly burst out.

"Oh nevermind honey," Aunt Seohyu said coolly while retouching my make-up. "Let's just ask someone to take it for us."

Youngji looked around and found a guy. I couldn't see who it was since Aunt Seohyun was fixing my eyeliner.

"Oh sure," I heard the guy said.

"Done Mom?"

Youngji squished in with us and smiled.

I looked straight and smiled for the camera. The guy was wearing shades though.

"Thanks!" Youngji thanked the guy happily.

"No problem." The guy said and removed his shades.

It felt almost as if time stopped at that moment.

"Hongbin?" The words barely came out of my mouth.

He looked different. His hair was black and it was disheveled on purpose. He was wearing a white shirt under a blue coat and jeans.

He smiled at me and I couldn't help but cry. I stepped closer and touched his face.

"You're here," I said still in shock. "For real."

He chuckled and moved my hand away from his face. He pulled me and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Yes. For real."

I hugged him tightly and we stayed like that for a while.

I heard Uncle Kyuhyun clear his throat and we pulled back.

"Uncle," I started. "This is Hongbin."

"Your Hongbin?" He asked amazed.

"Yes, Uncle." I answered.

He smiled heartily at him and he shook hands with him.

"It's so nice to finally meet the man who took my niece around the world."

Hongbin laughed shyly and smiled.

"And this is my Aunt Seohyun and my cousin Youngji." I pointed to my grinning Aunt and my gawking younger cousin.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Cho." He shook hands with them and extended his hand to Youngji.

"Do you have a twin brother I can go on a date with?" Youngji joked after they shook hands. "You're actually more handsome than Ji's description."

Hongbin chuckled and put his arm around me.

"I actually have a younger friend." He answered.

"Really?!" Youngji almost shouted.

"Youngji! What did I tell you about dating?" Aunt Seohyun butted in.

"Don't date until you're 18." Youngji said, pouting. "Ugh. Two more years!"

Her reaction earned a laugh from Hongbin and I and a glare from her parents.

"Join us for lunch, Hongbin." Uncle Kyuhyun invited him.

"That would be great Mr. Cho."

"Please, Hongbin, drop the formalities. Just call us Uncle Kyuhyun and Aunt Seohyun. Okay?" Uncle warmly said.

"Yes, Uncle." Hongbin answered.

We walked to the car with our hands intertwined.

"Are you staying?" I asked him.

He looked down on me with loving eyes and said,

"I'm staying by your side. For real. Forever."