Chapter Text
Yizhuo scanned the field as best she could, screams filled her ears and graduation caps being flung blocked what little she could already see. Knowing there was no way she’d be able to find her friends until everyone ran back to their families.
A bitter smile played on her lips at the thought. The perks of studying abroad.
Before she could get too in her head about it, she feels a body slam into her and another pair of arms wrapped around her waist. Giggling when she feels Jimin’s lips press against her forehead and Minjeong screaming in her ear about how proud she is of her.
The two separated from the younger, Jimin still holding onto her hand as Yizhuo took one of Minjeong’s many ropes from her gown and put one around her neck. Laughing when the short-haired girl pouts at their mocking when Jimin jokingly congratulates Yizhuo as Valedictorian.
She was grateful that she had Jimin and Minjeong to be there for her in place of her parents, even though she knew the feeling would never be the same. But, as much as she appreciated them, there was only one person she truly wanted to be congratulated by.
“She’s with the nct boys” Jimin pointed to the girl she had been looking for since she arrived at school. She’s on Lee Taeyong’s shoulders, and it’s so unfair how Giselle still looks stunning in such an ugly shade of green. The other boys from the dance group jumped around her. Yelling about throwing a party in celebration that they all actually graduated together and on time.
Yizhuo buries herself into Minjeong’s neck when she feels her arms wrap around her. “You know she’ll invite you, Ning. You’re going to be the only one she’ll want to see.” Jimin whispers into her hair. Yizhuo scoffs. As if Jeon Somi or Choi Yerim wouldn’t occupy most of her night, Hell, even Sungchan would probably steal her away for a few minutes, a poor excuse falling from his lips on why he wanted her to himself.
They hung out on the field for a few more minutes, saying goodbye to the rest of their friends who were going off for summer or already moving to the city their college is located in. Minjeong’s mother showed up afterward, ushering them back to back to their house for their own little celebration.
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After they celebrated with Minjeong's family, she excused herself to her room. A little upset Giselle still hadn't texted her. No congratulations, no invite, not even so much as a 'hi' or a 'how are you?'
Minjeong and Jimin passed by on their way out, asking her if she was going with them. She declined, telling them they both looked stunning, hoping they'd drop the subject. They felt a little bad leaving her alone on graduation day, but they knew there was no getting Yizhuo out without help from Giselle. Even Jisung tried to convince her to come, but his attempts were futile.
She's been scrolling through her phone for about an hour now, debating on going to sleep for the night when her door slams open. Yizhuo screams, burying herself into her comforter. She hears Giselle cackle, moving to sit beside the lump that is Ning Yizhuo.
"Aren't you supposed to be at the party?" Yizhuo grumbles out, voice muffled.
She gets impatient with the lack of response and poked her head from underneath the comforter. Only to find the older girl already staring at her. "You didn't show up, Jimin and Minjeong said you didn't want to come and I wanted to see you."
Yizhuo hates that Giselle could still make her heart flutter, even when she was trying to be angry with her. She didn't want to forgive her so easily, but when she sees the way Giselle smiles down at her, a particular look in her eye... she can't help it.
Giselle laughs when Yizhuo groans once more, kicking off her comforter. "Come on, get on the floor."
Soon, they’re laying head to head. Yizhuo’s eyes are closed but she can feel Giselle staring at her. “Spit it out, Uchinaga.” Giselle giggled, tucking a lock of hair behind the younger’s ear. “Did I ever tell you about the time Jaemin got Johnny kicked out of Jungsik on his date with Kim Jisoo.” Yizhuo looks at her in disbelief. Not really believing that Johnny scored a date with the Kim Jisoo. Also, not really believing that Johnny could afford Jungsik.
“Jisung and I bet him twenty bucks each that he wouldn’t go up to Johnny and accuse him of cheating. A few minutes later Johnny’s getting escorted out with a pissed Jisoo following. Jaemin came back covered in I think Dr. Pepper?” They’re both in tears by the end. Yizhuo picturing Johnny’s face red with anger and Jaemin sporting his signature smirk, covered in soda only makes her laugh harder.
They stayed like that until the early hours of the morning. Laying on Yizhuo's floor, staring up at the projected constellations on her ceiling. Giselle tells more embarrassing stories of her friends, specifically Jaemins antics. They talk about their plans for summer vacation, their fear of what the future holds for them, and how much they miss their home countries.
Graduation day ended better than Yizhuo could have imagined. Instead of the false scenarios that plagued her mind earlier occurring, she ended up falling asleep wrapped in Giselle’s arms. Feeling the older girl’s breath against her neck, peacefully falling asleep surrounded by Giselle’s cologne.