Epilogue

 One year later....

A pitch-black night, with Chinese shophouses lined up in neat rows. Bursts of bright yellow light glowed intensely. Snow fell, followed by the wind whipped up by a speeding taxi. I arrived at my friend’s funeral home; a crowd dressed in black filled the place.

Among dozens of people, my eyes accidentally met someone’s. He watched me from amidst the people embracing and offering condolences. Mr. Orion, in thick all-black clothing, stood silently staring at me, just as I was at him.

We walked along a deserted street. A bridge stood beside the river. Our side-by-side steps came to a halt.

“Sir, why are you in China?” I asked, opening the conversation.

“I’m studying neuroscience, just like you. It’s never too late to chase a dream, is it?” he said, his lips smiling behind the wrap of a black scarf that warmed his cheeks. His breath drifted into the air, etched into my memory.

“Actually, there are many words and apologies I want to say,” Mr. Orion said, looking into my eyes.

I hugged my pockets, seeking warmth.

“I liked you. Not a feeling of love, because I realized I could never have you.”

I gasped quietly.

“I liked you when we spent time sitting and talking, when we sat and watched the stars together, when your kindness comforted me on the day my father passed away.”

I exhaled.

“I only hope that when someone is grieving, you’ll still call. And vice versa, I hope you’ll still help me in times of sorrow, just like before.”

I swallowed hard.

“I apologize if I ever crossed the line and made you uncomfortable.”

I pulled my hands out of my pockets. My gloves clenched tight. “Sir... may Karina hug you for the last time?”

He fell silent. His black shoes stayed in place. My black shoes closed the gap.

The dark sky was filled with stars. The high-rise shops glowed with bright yellow light. Snow fell as my hands touched his back. Wrapped in a thick velvet jacket that held a warm embrace. The gust of wind from a passing taxi felt like it was tearing at my skin, delivering an incurable chill. My chin was buried on his shoulder, soaking in every second as it slipped away. Slowly, his hand patted my back. I closed my eyes in his arms.

"Goodbye."

"Take care of your health... Karina."

Breaking the embrace, we parted ways without looking back. It turns out, making peace with oneself doesn't always have to involve restraint.

My phone vibrated; a short message hung on the screen.

‘So, are we doing the duckling thing?’

I squinted, looking at the sender: Dimas.

I long-pressed the message and gave it a "like" emoji.

⋆｡ ﾟ ☁︎｡ ⋆｡⚛︎ ﾟ ☾ ﾟ ｡ ⋆

The next season of this novel has been removed because it’s going to be published. Please look forward to the book! <3 Thank you so much for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts and support in the comments, and feel free to share the link if you enjoyed it. Stay spirited, everyone! <3

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