the auditorium feels warmer than usual, filled with the sound of cheers, camera clicks, and the faint scent of fresh flowers. banners with “congratulations, graduates!” hang across the stage.

today’s your big day. after three years of sleepless study nights, laughter with friends, and quiet moments where you thought you couldn’t make it — you finally did. Graduated from middle school.

you stand there in your neat uniform for the last time, the ribbon slightly crooked because you rushed this morning. in your hands, the graduation certificate feels heavier than paper should be.

at the edge of the crowd, you spot your mom/mommy; Hanni, waving both hands like she’s your biggest fan, while your mother/ma; Minji, tries to keep it cool but her eyes already shimmer with pride. they’re clapping louder than anyone else, like the whole world belongs to you in this moment.

-- the ceremony ends, and the crowd spills out into the schoolyard. the late afternoon sun paints everything gold. you walk down the steps, clutching the flowers your classmates gave you.

“look at you, our graduate,” Hanni says first, eyes sparkling as she pulls you into a quick hug. “i’m so proud i could scream.”

Minji crosses her arms but there’s a grin she can’t hide. “told you all those late nights would pay off. you did great, kiddo.”