Chapter Text
Sunny and Basil finally did it! They confessed the truth to their friends about Mari's death, freeing themselves from this torture and guilt that has been eating them up for years.
It did took the three of them a while, but eventually with time, they all chose to forgive Sunny and Basil.
Kel was the first to forgive, though it wasn’t easy. The betrayal stung, lingering like a quiet ache in his chest. But after learning the truth about Mari’s death and the secret Sunny and Basil had kept for years, Kel couldn’t bring himself to hate them. They were scared and hurting—he understood that now. After weeks of reflection, Kel finally called Sunny and forgave him. From then on, he promised to be there for them no matter what.
He called Sunny every night just to check in and walked over to Basil’s house with snacks and jokes, always trying to lift their spirits. Whether it was late-night gardening or quiet phone calls, Kel made sure they knew they were loved and cared for.
And on his 17th birthday, Kel finally confessed his feelings to Sunny, feelings he’d had since they were kids. Sunny felt the same. Their first kiss, shy and sweet, happened beneath a sky lit by fireworks.
Aubrey was the second to forgive. Her anger burned hot when the truth about Mari came out. Two of her closest friends had lied for years—she felt sick, betrayed. But the memory of pushing Basil into the lake haunted her. He could’ve drowned. That guilt softened her. Three months later, she visited Basil and said, “I forgive you,” before hugging him. She called Sunny soon after, forgiving him too. Now living with Basil and Polly, she found peace. And her bond with Basil had only grew stronger.
However, Hero didn't take it very well. In face, Hero took it the hardest.
When Sunny finally confessed the truth, Hero’s world fell apart all over again. His calm, composed exterior, so carefully maintained for years, shattered in an instant. He snapped, voice filled with more pain than anyone had ever heard from him before. “You murdered her!” he’d screamed, fists clenched, eyes brimming with heartbreak. “You let me mourn a lie for four fucking years!” The betrayal cut deep. Not just because Mari was gone, but because the people responsible had been the ones he trusted most.
For the first time in his life, Hero truly lost control.
After that day, he disappeared from their lives. No calls. No texts. No visits. A full year passed in silence. He buried himself in med school, using his studies as an escape, trying to forget everything. But grief doesn’t just vanish, it lingers in quiet moments, in dreams, in songs that sound too much like yesterday.
Kel didn’t give up. Neither did Aubrey.
They checked in on Hero, reminded him gently and persistently that forgiveness wasn’t weakness. That maybe, just maybe, Mari would’ve wanted him to find peace, not vengeance.
One rainy evening, Hero sat alone in his dorm, staring at the contact on his phone screen for nearly an hour. His fingers hovered over the call button, heart thudding in his chest. Finally, he pressed it.
Sunny picked up on the third ring, his voice quiet. “Hello?”
There was silence. Then, Hero exhaled shakily.
“I forgive you,” Hero said softly. “Both of you. I’m… I’m not okay. But I want to try.”
Sunny broke down in tears on the other end. And for the first time in years, Hero cried too—but this time, not from anger. From relief.
He was healing.
After that call, something in Hero shifted. Forgiveness didn’t erase the pain, but it made room for something new—understanding, healing, and maybe even hope.
Slowly, like spring after a long winter, the pieces began to come back together.
The friend group that was once broken and scattered, found its way back. It wasn’t immediate. There were still awkward silences and hard conversations. There were nights when the weight of the past returned like ghosts. But they faced those moments together. No one ran away. No one hid. They held onto each other through the doubt, through the grief, through the quiet nights and tearful reunions.
Together, they created something stronger than before. They met for picnics in the park, movie nights at Kel’s house, late-night chats on the porch under stars. They laughed, cried, played card games, baked together, even argued sometimes, but it was all real. All honest.
No more secrets. Just love and compassion.
And for the first time in a long, long while, Sunny was certain of one thing.
Everything was going to be okay.
And it is.
It was a wonderful day—one of those peaceful, golden afternoons that made everything feel just right. July had arrived, and Faraway was basking in the warmth of summer. The trees were full and lush, their green leaves rustling gently in the soft breeze. The air was warm, carrying the scent of blooming flowers, fresh-cut grass, and a hint of barbecue from somewhere down the street.
Hero had finally returned to town for summer break, coming home from college to visit his family and friends again. The sight of his house, standing bright and familiar under the clear blue sky, made him smile. He parked his car in front of the garage, sunlight gleaming off the hood. With a heart full of warmth and quiet anticipation, he stepped out, sneakers crunching lightly against the gravel. He took a deep breath, letting the warm summer air fill his lungs before making his way to the front door.
When Hero opened the door, he was greeted by his mother, "Henry Mijo, it's so nice to see you home," Hero’s mom said with a warm smile as she hugs her son.
"Thanks, Mom," Hero said happily, returning her her a quick hug as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of home—freshly baked rolls and something savory roasting in the oven—instantly wrapped around him like a warm blanket. He smiled, soaking in the comfort of the house he hadn’t seen in months.
As he kicked off his shoes and glanced around the cozy warm living room, something felt off. . His brow furrowed slightly.
"Where's Kel?" he asked, looking back at his mom with a curious tilt of his head, then he realised something else, "and where's Hector? I haven't seen him anywhere."
But before his mother was about to reply, Hero's father entered with Sally on his arms, "Oh hi Henry! Kel just left an hour ago to go out with his friends while taking a walk with his friends," he explained.
"Oh," Hero said, wasn't surprised, considering how close they are, but quickly lighten up, "Then I'll meet up with them."
"Henry, before you head out," his mother said, "make sure you're back with Kel and Hector by 6:30 for dinner. I don’t want the food getting cold."
Henry reassures his mother, "Don't worry mom, we'll be back. I promise."
And so, Hero said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister, Sally, before heading off to see his brother and his friends.