Grading Love (BoyxBoy)

13.5: Extra - The Mark Chapter

[In case of plot confusion; This is an extra chapter, not following the previous events :))]

~*Mark's POV*~

I happily trotted down the stage with my diploma in hand and ran over to John.

"Elementary is finally over!" I said stretching.

"Time flies by too fast." John said.

"And now.. the batch valedictorian.. John Agate!"

John smiled wide, and with his parents, went to get his medal.

I'm so proud of him.

I watched as he got on the stage, shook hands with the principal and gave the crowd a cute smile.

Looking at him shot butterflies to my stomach, and the fact that I was his best friend made me giggle to myself.

Yeah.

I'm his best friend. John's my best friend.

We're a team.

We.. will be together.. right?

I mentally slapped myself. As if.

That petite flirt of a child would never be bent or even at least notice my damn feelings.

Pft, it's fine. One day, when he gets his heart broken, he'll come crying to me, and I'll lend him my shoulder to cry on.

Isn't that taking advantage of his feelings? Hm..

All that matters in the end is that he's mine.

"Maaaark~!" John tackled me.

"Oh congratulations!" I said gleefully and ruffled his hair. "This is what you worked hard for right? You grade conscious fella."

"Ehe." he laughed. "Go on and call me whatever you want. Nothing can ruin my mood now!" and hugged me tighter.

After the ceremony, my mom and John's parents called us for pictures. It almost felt as if they were more excited than us. I can't even remember how many photos they took.

So John's dad went to get their car, and they were to have a dinner together with my mom and I.

We went outside the school auditorium, and walked over to the gates.

"I can't believe we're high school students now." I said, looking at the far sky for emphasis. Aha.

"I feel so much more mature!" John exclaimed, with me laughing it off.

"It will be so much more fun, our high school days I mean. We will get to hang out more, and still study together of course." I imagined the future moments with John and grinned to myself.

"Oh, um. Yeah."

Mr. Agate drove us to a fancy buffet, and we feasted on food from steaks to sushi. Our parents got along well, while John and I continued to reminisce the childhood we spent together.

My mom then told me that we were going somewhere else, so John's family can go ahead. 

Once outside, John tugged my sleeve.

"Yeah?"

"I forgot to tell you.. I'll be going to a different high school this year."

"What?"

"I'll be moving to Quesa High School. We'll be changing our house address as well." John said glumly.

"You're going to Quesa High School.. and change houses?" I repeated in disbelief.

"My parents want me to go there, and I heard that the education's good." he replied without his usual tone of glee.

"Do you not want to go there?" I asked.

"Oh, I do want to go. It's just.."

I can't believe it.

"It's just.. I'd feel bad for leaving you here. Sorry.. I know we promised to be together for high school and all. I didn't think I'd be the one to break it."

Oh. So he did remember.

"It's fine, John. In the end, I never really had the right to decide where you'd study. I think you'll fit in there quickly."

"I'm sorry, Mark." he looked down, guilt present in his shattering voice.

"No, really, it's fine." I reassured him. "I'll miss you, yeah, but it's not like I'd be overly depressed about it. I'm happy for ya."

What a lie I'm saying.

I want him to stay. With me.

"Thanks Mark," John smiled, hopefully not the last one I'd see.

Suddenly a car honked. It was his dad.

"You have to go, John." I nudged him.

"Oh."

I escorted him to his car, and we bid our farewells.

"Bye, Mark! I'll still send you emails!" John said, his head poking out of the window.

"I'll be expecting some interesting stories, valedictorian!" I waved goodbye.

And with that, I watched as he slowly drove farther away from me.

I was supposed to confess to him today.

But nah, there's no way he'd reciprocate these feelings.

All I can do is just be with him, but no longer.

That is unless..

I follow his steps.