My Teacher | p.jm ✔️

42 - Absence

Yours;
As Mr Kim called the names of my classmates in an orderly fashion and the principal handed them their diplomas, shaking hands, I tapped my foot on the grass nervously. Jungkook had noticed and gave my hand another squeeze, looking forward.

I smiled at his gesture.

"Jeon Jungkook," Mr Kim said, followed by clapping and cheers from his former team mates from the sports teams he's been in.

But Jungkook didn't move.

Everyone looked at him with curious eyes. I slapped his back. "He said your name," I whispered.

Jungkook jumped up with wide eyes. "Wh— Sorry, Mr Kim.." He quickly walked up the steps and onto the stage, earning laughs from the audience and even the teachers.

The principal handed him his diploma and shook his hand, pausing to pose for pictures.

"YEAH!! JUNGKOOKIE!"

"THAT'S OUR BOY!"

"WOOHOO!!"

"YEAHHH!!"

Jungkook laughed, looking at the audience, embarrassed as he stepped off of the stage, returning to his seat.

I whipped my head back to see the source of the voices. There were the men I met at Jimin's house, sitting beside Taehyung. Hoseok, Taehyung, Seokjin and Yoongi wore proud smiles on their faces. They looked as proud as Jungkook's parents did.

I noticed Mr Kim secretly smile at his cheerful friends.

As Jungkook sat down, I laughed at him quietly.

The name calling continued.

"Jung Areum," Mr Kim said and my insides churned in nervousness as I emerged from my seat accompanied by the clapping.

I walked onto the stage and took my diploma, smiling for pictures that my parents were taking.

"MY BABY SISTER AH!!" Taehyung cheered loudly, cupping his hands on the sides of his mouth.

"HIS BABY SISTER!!" The three men beside him cheered in unison sparking laughter from people.

"WOO!!" Hyerim and Nari howled.

"YEAH!!" Jungkook yelled happily.

I smiled widely, blushing a little. Being on that stage in front of everyone with a clear view of the entire audience was nerve wracking but the comforting cheers from my friends and family calmed them down almost entirely.

I felt invincible.

As if time was going in slow motion, I scanned the smiling audience with hopeful eyes despite my constant convincing myself that Jimin wouldn't be there.

And of course, I was right. Who would travel this far just to keep a dumb promise? Despite the obviousness of the situation, my heart dropped a little realizing that his absence isn't a trick. It's reality. He's just not here.

I shook off these thoughts and bowed slightly, thanking Mr Kim and the principal before walking back down to my seat with my diploma in my hand.

Before I knew it, the valedictorian speech was over and it was time to toss our caps in the air. The students stood up and found their friends. I stood with Jungkook, Nari, and Hyerim happily as we tossed our caps in the air with loud roars of joy.

As our caps eventually landed on the ground we all embraced each other. "We did it guys. I'm so happy that I get to graduate with you by my side like this." I said with watery eyes.

Don't cry! Your makeup!

"Likewise," Jungkook beamed with an arm around my shoulder.

"Seriously I love you guys. I'm so glad we bumped into each other, Areum," Nari reminisced with a gentle smile.

"Hey! Stop it guys, you'll make me cry and ruin my makeup!" Hyerim whined light heartedly, fighting back tears.

Next, everyone unzipped their robes to finally show their dresses and suits while they took pictures with their family members and friends.

Taehyung, Jowoon, Mom and Dad rushed over to me, handing me a bouquet of flowers. "Pictures, pictures!" Mom exclaimed.

I took pictures with my brothers and then some pictures as a whole family that a teacher kindly offered to take for us. I took some pictures with Jungkook and some with Nari and Hyerim.

I once again looked around for the face I longed to see more than any other face on the planet, stupidly.

Stop searching, dummy. You know he's not here.

»»————-　♡　————-««

Author's;
Jimin hopped out of his car wearing a dashing suit and he practically sprinted to the football field. He felt excitement surging through his body as his ears filled with the oddly comforting sound of cheers.

When he reached the football field and his eyes combed through the messy tangle of graduates, guests and teachers, his footsteps slowed down.

There she was. Areum.

His eyes softened and his heart tugged. Areum was taking pictures with a wide smile, standing between Jungkook and Taehyung who practically towered over her.

She looks so happy.

Jimin had an internal battle with himself.

If I go there right now, she'll be so happy to know I kept my promise. I'll finally get to see her. But, i'll still be working in Busan.. I'll have to leave again. Wouldn't it be cruel to put her through that again? Especially now that she's happier?

He smiled softly and sadly at Areum's happy smile as she talked to her friends and family and posed for pictures. That's when Taehyung's eyes met his.

Taehyung opened his mouth to inform Areum that Jimin is here but Jimin shook his head, making Taehyung close his mouth. He looked at little sister who was laughing hysterically as Jungkook took a picture with Mr Choi, hugging him. Taehyung now shared Jimin's sad eyes as he realized why his friend made this last minute decision.

Taehyung gave his friend a slight nod before Jimin walked back to his car thankfully unnoticed.

A/N
what the heck. I did not split the graduation in even halves. The previous chapter was too long and this one is too short. Sorry if that bothers you ahaha. Anyway, thanks for reading!

-Ro