SANCTUARY

chapter 1

2 years later...

"Are you sure you want to leave now?", Chenle asked as he sat down on the desk chair. "You can stay longer if you want."

"I think I've stayed longer than needed, Lele", I said as I rechecked my bags. "I'm grateful to you and your parents. You've protected me from my ex."

"That's what friends are for", he said with his signature comforting smile. "Whenever you're having a hard time, you can always call for me."

"I hope I don't need to. I want to start anew", I explained. "I rented a place nearby. It's a quiet place and I figure that he won't find me there."

"I'll visit you from time to time", Chenle said and got up from the chair to help me with my bags. He carried the heavy ones, leaving me with the light ones. "I'm not so sure about when college starts."

"It's alright. We can always text each other", I assured him.

"Are you sure you're not going to college?", he asked. "I mean physical college."

"Yeah. I can study at my place and it'll be a healing time for me", I answered. "I think surviving high school was already difficult. It'll be easier for me online."

"Are you sure it's not because we're not going to the same college?", Chenle questioned as he opened the door and we both went outside our shared room.

"Of course not, Lele", I told him. "I really want to focus on myself and my business."

"You're going to be a great businesswoman", he complimented. "I'll make sure we'll become business partners in the future."

"You said that", I chuckled.

"I promise", he started to laugh.

The two of us made our way to the main entrance of his place. His mother and father were both standing there, along with his brother.

"It's a pity to see you leave", Chenle's father said. "I'm attached to you."

"It breaks my heart to see Ahyoung leave", his mother said. "She's like my own daughter. I've always wanted a daughter."

"I'm also sad that I have to leave", I frowned. "The four of you have been more of a family than my real family. I wish to be a part of your family."

"I'm going to miss you, not gonna lie", Sicheng, Chenle's older brother, said. "Without the two mischievous kids, the house will be quiet.

"Is this Sicheng indirectly saying he wants a hug from me?", I joked and everyone started to laugh.

"You know I'm not fond of skinship though", Sicheng said. "But because you're leaving, I'm willing to give you one hug."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around Sicheng and he gave me a warm hug. He wasn't fond of hugs, but he was great at giving them. I proceeded to hug Chenle's parents and they hugged me tightly.