[M] Thirty-seventh Click (1/1)

The sound of the school bell echoed in the now empty halls of the university and while I was seated among the graduates of the school year, listening to the warm and rather emotional speech of one of the top students up at the podium, my mind was nowhere near where my body was at the moment. My mind lingered on that single thread of hope that somehow and in some way, Chanyeol would come.I pressed my lips tight, trying to fight back the anxious look tugging at my face for fear that my parents would see – because they were ogling at me from the stands like I was some kind of fish out of water. I wouldn’t want to ruin their day by putting on a sad face at such a joyous occasion.I sighed silently and discreetly, with no one seated beside me noticing it at all. I felt dead in the inside. My mind screamed at me to let it go for now because it’s not everyday you graduate. But my heart was bawling and crying that I needed to see that face of that person right at this very moment.Because I probably won’t ever again after I leave for China.“—So, with that, I congratulate each and every one of you!” Said the student who had finished her speech after crying her eyes out. At that signal, every one stood up for the final remarks and for the diplomas to be received. I glanced briefly at my parents, giving them a kind smile. They returned it back with happier ones.If Chanyeol were here, would he smile just as wide as them?No, now is not the time to think of him! I thought to myself as I walked closer to the stage to get my diploma. Right now, it’s all about you.The moment I took the roll, I felt a piece of me branch out from myself – probably that part of me that was a kid – because right at this very moment, I was an adult – a full-fledged one.Walking back felt like a marathon because I saw the rest of the audience clapping their hands as we all got our diplomas. Once the closing ceremonies and the like finished, my parents looked like they had jumped out from their seats and skipped their way to me, giving me tight and big hugs.“I’m so proud of you, Yifan.” My mother said with tears in her eyes. I smiled warmly down at her, reaching out a hand and brushing a tear away.“Thank you, mom.” I said.She blushed and nodded her head, moving aside as my father walked towards me, giving me a big pat on the back.“You’re finally free to do whatever you want.” He said, his voice cracking slightly. It looked like he was going to cry and by all means, that would come as a shock to me.“I didn’t think you’d cry.” I said.“I won’t.” He laughed and patted me again, before pushing me towards him to give me a hug. I returned it.After a few more emotional hugs from teachers, students and possible fan girls around me, I excused myself from the crowd and went to get some fresh air.“Man…” I said, shrugging off a few flower petals that were landing on my shoulders. It was spring and I was so distracted by the idea of ridding the little petals that I almost failed to notice a certain someone standing nearby. “Huh?”My eyes blinked and the figure walked away. I had a little gut feeling in my chest and I followed him, my skin suddenly feeling cold due to nervousness. Could that person be…?The person turned again towards the direction of the meeting place Chanyeol and I used.“Hey,” I called out and the person stopped close to the area where the two of us would usually sit and chat. “…. Chanyeol…”Chanyeol turned around slowly, face indifferent for a moment before he flashed a cheery grin. “Hi, hyung. Congratulations on your graudation.”“…” I took big strides, easily closing the gap between us as I took him in my arms. My hug was tight – I know because I made it so. I didn’t want him to forget this. “You came.”“…” I could feel Chanyeol sigh, “Because you texted me…”“Still, you came.” I whispered by his ear. “You had the choice not to, but you did.”“…” Chanyeol surprised me again, burying his head close to the crook of my neck and shoulder. “I didn’t want to go but… somehow… I ended up here.”“I’m happy you’re here.” I said, taking in the scent of his hair. “I’m happy you’re with me.”“Hyung…” Chanyeol pulled his head back and our eyes gazed at each other intently. For a moment, I was trying to study what that stare meant but I threw the idea aside and took a turn to my instincts. I leaned forward and kissed him. He tensed, of course, but the grip of his hands began to loosen up and I could tell that he was kissing me back. “Mmh…”I pulled away first, though not as much as he had hoped. My lips were but a breath away from his, my forehead sticking close to his own, feeling his heat. “I know I graduated and all but I still don’t feel like an adult.”“You just graduated. I guess that’s normal.” Chanyeol replied softly as I pulled a hand up to caress his face. He looked uncomfortable.“Chanyeol,”“… Please, don’t touch me like this.” He said, voice weak despite being deep.“But…” I won’t get another chance, right? I’ll be leaving for China.“If you touch me like this now…” He begged, taking a step back and holding my arms, keeping me in place. “I don’t think I’ll be able to see you off to China like how I planned!”“…” I blinked, “How you planned?”“Ah!” He gasped, gawking back at me and pulling a hand back to cover his mouth. “I mean…”“You’re going to see me off? Will you?” I leaned forward again, but he leaned back.“I… guess.” He blushed. “If I did… maybe… it could help me… get over… this…”My gaze softened as I reached out to hold one hand. “Thank you, Chanyeol.”He pressed his lips firmly, eyes looking madly at me. He looked conflicted and before I knew it, he took one big step forward and locked lips with me again. I wobbled back, almost losing balance as his weight slammed against mine.Aha, so he does miss me like this. I thought to myself as I quickly took action, wrapping my arms around his waist and kissing him back wildly, as if I had never been able to do so before. Mouths opened up to the other and tongues danced in a frenzy. How long was it since I last kissed Chanyeol like this? Since I last held him with the sole purpose of simply wanting to touch him – all of him…“Ah….” He gasped as I broke the kiss, motioning to his jaw. It was then that he slapped my arm, “Stop, hyung… not… here…”“You did it first.” I responded in a husky tone and he shivered in my arms. “… Not… here?”“Wait…” He blinked as I released him, grabbing his hand so he wouldn’t run away. “Wait!”“Then, let’s go somewhere else.” I said, dragging him along t