The Kiss I Never Should Have Asked For - Chapter 48 – One Last School Festival

9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2mzVN7jTD

A new school year began.

For me...

It was my final year of high school.

For Korn...

There was still one more year after mine.

Even though we were in different grades...

Nothing between us changed.

If anything...

We became even closer.

Every morning...

Korn waited outside my classroom with a carton of chocolate milk.

"You'll be late one day."

I teased.

He smiled.

"Then I'll wake up earlier."

"You don't have to do this every day."

"I know."

"I want to."

I laughed.

"You really are stubborn."

"Only when it comes to you."

A few months passed.

Soon...

The school announced preparations for its annual festival once again.

The same festival...

Where I had watched Narin drift away from me.

The same festival...

Where my heart had begun to break.

This time...

Everything felt different.

"P'Phawin!"

Korn called as he ran toward me.

"Our classes have stalls next to each other."

"Really?"

He nodded excitedly.

"So we'll be together all day."

I smiled.

"I think that's the happiest I've ever seen you."

"It is."

The festival day arrived.

The school was decorated with colorful banners and lights.

Music echoed through every corridor.

Students laughed as they visited each classroom.

Korn and I were so busy serving customers that we barely had time to eat.

Whenever our eyes met across the walkway...

We smiled.

It was enough.

Late in the afternoon...

I stepped outside to get some fresh air.

As I walked through the courtyard...

I saw two familiar faces.

Narin...

And Rin.

They were walking side by side.

Talking quietly.

When Narin noticed me...

He stopped.

For a second...

Neither of us moved.

Then he smiled.

A gentle smile.

Not awkward.

Not guilty.

Just peaceful.

I smiled back.

"How have you been?"

He asked.

"I'm doing well."

"You?"

He glanced at Rin before answering.

"I've been happy."

"I'm glad."

And I truly meant it.

Rin smiled politely.

"It's nice to finally meet you properly."

I nodded.

"You too."

There was no bitterness.

No anger.

Only respect.

The past had finally become...

The past.

A moment later...

Korn walked over carrying two drinks.

"P'Phawin."

"I've been looking everywhere for—"

He stopped when he noticed Narin and Rin.

For a brief second...

The four of us stood together.

Then Narin smiled.

"You must be Korn."

Korn nodded respectfully.

"Yes."

"Take good care of him."

Narin said softly.

Korn looked at me.

Then back at Narin.

"I will."

"I promise."

Narin smiled.

"I know you will."

After Narin and Rin walked away...

Korn quietly handed me my drink.

"You okay?"

I nodded.

"I am."

He looked relieved.

"No regrets?"

I smiled and gently squeezed his hand.

"I'll always treasure my memories."

"But..."

"I don't want to live in them anymore."

Korn smiled.

"I like hearing that."

That evening...

As fireworks lit up the sky above the school...

I stood beside the person who had stayed.

The person who had waited.

The person who had quietly become my home.

Watching the lights reflect in Korn's eyes...

I realized something.

Sometimes...

Your first love teaches you what love feels like.

But your true love...

Teaches you what love is meant to become.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVtXmCb9JR

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