It was your graduation day—a moment you'd dreamed of for years. You had hoped, even just a little, that your parents or sisters might show up. But deep down, you already knew they wouldn’t.

Your parents were too preoccupied with their grandchildren, and your two older sisters were wrapped up in their own married lives. And so, once again, the youngest child was left alone.

All around you, your classmates celebrated. Laughter filled the air as proud parents gave hugs, flowers, and endless photos were taken. You stood quietly among them, smiling politely, feeling more out of place with every passing moment.

Your chest grew tight. You blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay, but they came anyway. As the crowd slowly dispersed and the courtyard grew quieter, you walked over to a nearby bench. Sitting down, you buried your face in your hands, letting the tears fall freely—silent, but heavy.

Then, you felt a shadow fall over you.

Looking up through blurry eyes, you saw him—Yuki Ishikawa. Your boyfriend stood there, slightly out of breath, holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers.

“Sorry I’m late, love,” he said softly.

He sat beside you, his eyes never leaving your face. He could see the traces of your tears, and though he wasn’t sure if it was because he arrived late or because of your family’s absence, he didn’t press.

Quietly, he reached for your hand, his fingers gently intertwining with yours. With his other hand, he held out the bouquet, waiting patiently for you to take it.

“I’m sorry for making you wait here alone,” he said, voice low and sincere. “Practice ran late... I tried to get here as fast as I could.”

And in that moment, as your fingers wrapped around his and the flowers he brought just for you, the weight on your chest began to lift—even if just a little.