Eight months later.
The sun was bright.
The campus was alive with laughter and cheers.
Graduation day.
A day everyone had been waiting for.
Students in black caps and gowns walked around, beaming, hugging their friends, taking photos with their families.
It was a beautiful day.
It was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life.
But Cheonga…
Cheonga only watched.
She stood at the edge of the crowd, hands tucked into the sleeves of her gown, her eyes scanning the people around her.
There was Jun, running across the lawn, dramatically shouting, “I HAVE ESCAPED THE PRISON OF EDUCATION!” while Jiwoo chased him, yelling, “You still have to go to university, dumbass!”
There was Seo-Hyeon and Hee-Won all being lovely-dovey.
There was Ga Min, standing by the tree, adjusting his tie, looking like a stressed-out businessman, sighing at their antics.
And then—
There were the other students.
The ones taking photos with their parents.
Mothers fixing their children’s hair.
Fathers standing proudly, hands on their kids’ shoulders.
Siblings laughing, pulling each other into group hugs.
It was a beautiful sight.
But for Cheonga—
It was a cruel reminder.
If her life had been normal…
If she had just been an ordinary girl…
Her father would have been here.
Her mother would have been here.
She would have had parents fixing her gown, telling her how proud they were.
Her father would have laughed, ruffling her hair.
Her mother would have wiped her tears when she cried.
But they weren’t here.
And they never would be.
She blinked, swallowing down the tightness in her throat.
She wouldn’t cry.
Not today.
Not when—
“Cheongaaaaaa!”
Before she could react, Jiwoo grabbed her arm, dragging her forward.
“Wha—?”
“Photos, dummy!” Jiwoo grinned. “We’re all taking a picture together. Move it!”
She pulled her into the group, right in the center.
Ms. Lee fluffed Cheonga’s hair. “You look depressing. Smile.”
Jun crossed his arms. “Let her be. It’s her natural state.”
“HEY!”
Hee-Won laughed. “Okay, okay, shut up. Ms. Lee is taking the picture.”
Ms. Lee holding the camera.
“Alright, everyone say cheese!”
“CHEEEEESE!”
YOU ARE READING
When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|
FanfictionBeak Cheonga never expected much from life. Not love, not warmth-just survival. Adopted into a wealthy family that never truly wanted her, she learned how to exist in the empty spaces between their affection. Transferring from Daehwa High to Yusung...
