Stigma | KTH ✔

Finale | Graduation

*tries not to cry* so.. here's the finale at last ('':

Please take your time with this one, and I'd love it if you'd read the "Thank you" author's note chapter after this one because there are so many things I want to thank you guys for ♡

[Note: tsundere = a person that appears cold on the outside, but is actually a softie (ish)]

Now, enjoy the very last chapter of Stigma ♡

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There comes a time in life when you have to make certain choices, sometimes even sacrifices. These choices will ultimately shape us, and it's up to one self to decide if we'll let it break us, or use it to become a better, stronger version of ourselves. "One regrets the chances they don't take" is a saying I've heard countless times, and sometimes not taking them leaves us wondering "what if.." for the rest of our lives. In the worst case, we end up living with regret if we can't let go.

I gave up a part of my pride when I gave Taehyung a second chance. Even from the beginning, it was a risk to get emotionally involved and attached to him -- I knew it, but I let fate take the lead. To say that we've had our ups and downs feel like an understatement, but I prefer not to get too dramatic about what we went through. We both got hurt. We healed. We matured. We kept fighting for us. And in the end, there hasn't been a single day of me regretting falling in love with him.

In the end, we all have our flaws, but some has scars; bearing a stigma of their own. It can be shame, regret, trauma, or some other dreaded mix of pure negativity. It can make anyone behave out of the ordinary, and it leaves the affected person drowning in a sea of self loathing, eventually making them lose their way.

There is always more to someone than meets the eye, it's said. There is always a reason behind everyone's choices, behaviour, and actions. And often, they're just in need of someone to be there for them; to help them overcome the toxic side of themselves. It's also important to understand that it's okay to forgive yourself and to move on, whether it be a mistake, missed opportunity, an accident or actions that you're not proud of. That's what life is about; self growth. Everyone experiences pain, sadness, guilt, happiness and relief. Life is a rollercoaster of good and bad times; without the bad we wouldn't appreciate the good.

"The principal's speech about choosing our future path is lowkey giving me anxiety," Areum whispers next to me, causing me to avert my attention to her.

"Are you crying?" I whisper back to her, grinning. She looks at me, sniffles and dries some of the tears.

"Tears of joy," she mutters. "As if I'm going to miss this pace."

I chuckle quietly, wrapping my hand around hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. When our eyes meet again, I flash her an encouraging smile. "I'll miss it too," I murmur, feeling the tears building up in my throat. My words causes her lips to purse and head to face the principal again.

"May the future shine bright for each and every one of you. Make yourselves proud. Chase your dreams. We hope your time here has prepared you for at least a few of the challenges that awaits you in life, no matter what path you choose to follow. Thank you and good luck!" the principal finally announces, ending his speech with giving us a big heart by putting his arms over his head. I can't help but smile widely as we all stand up to give him a round of applause, feeling a tear slip down my cheek.