Chapter 13: Bittersweet Departures in June

xXx

After senior final exams and checkout were over, everyone spent the next couple of school days practicing how to walk and sit in an orderly fashion for graduation. During break, the STEM-FX competition trio ate lunch together and discussed plans on how transportation for national level competitions would work out, since it would be in a different state this year. "At least competitions don't happen during new college student orientation," they concluded.

"Hi everyone." Alice descended the graduation stage after talking to school staff. "What's 'new student orientation'?"

Runo took out her phone and opened an email featuring some university's logo. "My university already emailed about what to expect during new student orientation. It says that students will learn about what college is, meet important people, and so on. Sounds boring to me. It's two days long, and I have to stay overnight in one of the residence halls."

Dan looked at the school logo, then at the originating address. "It takes two hours to drive from here to there! Of course you need to stay overnight!"

"Really? What about you?"

"Forty-five-minute drive isn't that bad. I might need to stay overnight too, but I can commute daily once I fully master how to drive. What about you, Shun?"

"Did you two forget already?" the valedictorian asked rhetorically. "On the senior check out form, we wrote down which college we wanted our final transcript sent to, remember?"

"Answer the question," his two teammates demanded.

Shun glanced at Alice, who shrugged slightly. That's right...Alice is the only classmate that I told about where I'll attend. "My one-way commute is less than ten minutes."

Dan and Runo exchanged confused glances for the longest time until they exclaimed, "You're staying in Wardington?!"

"Nothing wrong with that. You all really need to stop overlooking the small but excellent university that Wardington has."

"You make no sense," the brunet complained. "Alice, where are you going?"

"Uh...it's nowhere near here."

The bluenette leaned closer and asked, "But it still has a name, right?"

After the violinist refused to answer, all other others faced Shun. "Hey! Just because my mom manages Alice's musical career does not mean I know anything."

"Alice, please tell us!" Runo begged.

"All I'll say is that I'm majoring in classical music. Speaking of music, the school band and I need to rehearse the graduation music after school."

"Don't forget to rehearse your speech as well," Shun reminded.

"I didn't know the school band included a violin now," Dan wondered. "I don't know what you did, but congratulations on making difference in our school!"

Alice laughed cheerfully but replied, "I begged the music teachers many times about adding my violin to the ensemble, and it finally worked. Mainly because I really like a certain song, and I think it would be perfect to play at graduation."

"And what song would that be?" the valedictorian asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

The violinist avoided eye contact but knew that Shun was staring at her. "That's a secret. The music teachers said that they might use this song to rehearse for future band competitions. Those happen every other year, so this year wasn't involved. How many salutatorians are speaking?"

"Only me," replied Runo. "Dan obviously won't write a speech. The others gave up as well, so I sacrificed myself."

"One out of almost ten...that's bleak." Shun checked his watch. "Five minutes until rehearsal again. Do we really need to spend so many days doing this...?"

"Practice makes perfect," Alice reminded. "Not very often does the graduating class get to spend so much time together."

"I just want this to be over with. I still have national level competitions to study for. Who knows what will happen next?"

"We'll get through eventually...just like how we got past every single event this past year, whether related to school or not."

Shun nodded and walked back to the front row with Alice as the principal called everyone to return. "We'll see..."

-x-x-x-x-x-

Graduation might be the happiest thing ever to watch. Since the venue was the school's soccer field, visitors gathered at the audience benches and watched all the graduates arrive down the stone stairs and take their seats in chairs on the fake grass. To the side of the stage was the school band of non-graduating students, who played their instruments all the way until all the graduates sat down.

Upon reaching the center split of the front row, Shun and Alice exchanged glances before separating off. "Good luck," he whispered.

"You too," she replied.

Many staff members from multiple levels of school administration approached the stage podium and gave their speeches. The school principal introduced everyone to the valedictorian, salutatorians, student government officers, and senior speakers before the first student speech began. "May I please have our valedictorian Shun Kazami approach the stage?"

As Shun ascended the stage from the stairs on his side of the chairs, Dan screamed, "You can do it, man! Make it humorous!"

Runo was more reserved. "Ignore Dan! Give us your best, Shun!"

I don't see you writing a speech to present, Dan. Shun's other salutatorian friends also cheered for him, but since Alice was so far away from them, she simply held up an OK sign until he noticed. That's enough for me. He cleared his throat and set his outline on the podium and introduced himself before entering his speech.

"Most of you—especially those who've known me for all four years—may know that I excel highly in both academics and extracurriculars, from placing in top five at STEM-FX competitions to taking seven AP classes and exams this yera. But does that truly represent who I am? Neither of those were required to graduate, but they definitely make college applications look better. I may have earned many awards in the past four years, but I have many more people to thank for my achievements.

"However, I'm not here to show off everything that I've achieved. It's what happens behind the scenes that counts. Endless meetings, endless studying, endless networking... Most of you don't participate because of this, and I understand. But try stepping into the shoes of those who choose to pursue other fields. Discover why they like what they do. If everyone pursued the same thing, then there wouldn't be any diversity to meet our daily needs. Sometimes people who are complete opposites can come together and get along, too."

Alice listened to that paragraph carefully and felt tears in her eyes. That's the complete opposite of the Shun I met when I first moved here. I don't know what to say...

"Lastly, it doesn't matter where you place your field. Rankings are only temporary. What matters is the effort that you contribute. I take every objective and requirement very seriously at STEM-FX competitions. Placing high is obviously desirable, but presenting my thoughts, opinions, and feelings to a panel of judges is just as important if I want to make a difference. High school stress is just the beginning. Good luck to everyone and your future endeavors."

Everyone applauded as the principal introduced Runo next. "Despite having almost ten salutatorians this year, only one will speak. May I please have Runo Misaki approach the stage?"

The bluenette ascended the stage and placed her outline on the podium. "Hi everyone! This speech will be short, but there's still a lot of expect. Firstly, I'd like to thank my parents and friends for supporting me since preschool. I want to emphasize how important it is to continue staying in touch with friends, family, teachers, and anyone meaningful to you. My parents didn't attend college, and I have no siblings to ask for guidance. I highly appreciate all the support that my teachers, friends, and guidance counselors have given me!

"Most of you will go to faraway cities, others might stay local, and some may even go to a different state or country altogether! A few of you will pursue military-based careers before college, begin working immediately, or taking a break before anything. That's absolutely fine! Never forget the experiences that you shared with those you care for or are close with. Inhale positivity and exhale negativity! I wish you all luck on your future endeavors too!"

Since she knew everyone that sat in the front row, Runo descended the stage stairs on Alice's side and gave high fives to her friends before taking her seat. "What do you guys think?" the bluenette asked.

"What kind of a speech was that?!" Dan complained. "Inhale positivity and exhale negativity? So cheesy."

"That was very motivational," Shun complimented. "Way more helpful than what you had to say, Dan."

"I didn't even write a speech."

"Exactly."

The principal appeared on stage once more. "May I please have senior speaker Alice Gehabich approach the stage?"

While Runo and the entire row clapped passionately, Shun simply made an OK sign. Alice smiled and she set her outline on the podium and breathed deeply. If Shun isn't complaining of headaches returning, then maybe my panic attack days are over too.

"Hi everyone. Most of you may not know me since I've only been here for twelfth grade, so I am especially honored to be senior speaker. I was previously homeschooled because of performance commitments. I love playing my violin in front of others and will never give it up. Homeschooling taught me basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, with minimal science and history. After family issues happened, I transferred here and learned many more complicated subjects. I thank my family, friends, and those around me for telling me to move forward—especially my summer tutor for being patient with me despite not getting along because we liked different subjects."

Shun looked up immediately. Should I even be surprised that she included that in her speech? After all we've been through...nothing's a coincidence anymore.

"There's a phrase called 'change is the only constant'. All things happen for a reason, whether good or bad. We must accept these changes and work with them to better ourselves in the future. We must learn to be independent now that we finished high school, with most of us going to college in any city, state, or country—but don't be afraid to accept help when offered. I knew nothing when I moved here. I enjoyed others helping me, but I eventually wanted to rely on myself for once. Other times, I outright refused help especially when I'm upset or on the edge, but then I realized that it could've been the opportunity that desperately needed.

"Know your limits now and as you move on in life, because you'll never know when anything could happen. Don't be afraid to take risk and try things that you think you'd dislike. There's another phrase called 'the only risk in life is not taking one'. Most people think risks are bad, but if you don't go for it, then you'll never know. Be proactive and notice all the little things. Even if it's instinct to always mitigate risk, sometimes it takes an adverse event for us to open our eyes and see what's in front of us. Cherish everything that you have. It'll only make this long path easier for us."

Alice bowed and descended the stage shortly before the principal approached the podium immediately. "May I have all graduates who are in band to meet with the rest of the band on the other side?"

Already? I haven't even returned to my seat! The violinist placed her speak outline on her chair and sprinted across to the ensemble, only to trip right at beginning of the front row. "Oh no!"

"Be careful!"

After opening her eyes, Alice saw Shun holding on to her just in time before she landed on the grass. "Thanks for catching me, Shun."

"You don't need to hurry. Everyone will wait for you, especially since the special band performance was your idea."

The redhead blushed and placed her cold hands on her face to cool off. "Enjoy the performance then. You'll like it." Alice fixed her graduation gown and unpacked her bow and violin from the case. She stood at the edge of the group as a music teacher waved the conductor's rod. Once everyone flipped to the first page of sheet music, the music began.

And Shun finally understood why the violinist said he'll like it.

It was the bittersweet violin tune that she played in the orphanage courtyard and on his apartment roof, but this was different. Alice's violin led the song along with the keyboard, with the flute and tuba following second and other instruments contributing occasionally. Despite the different mix of instruments, it was still the same song to him.

Even at the end of this crossed path, you still never cease to amaze me.

After calling all students up to receive diplomas, students in the back row lined up and left first before the front row. Shun and Alice paired up in double file again and followed everyone back to main campus. "We meet again," he commented.

"First to arrive, last to leave. Sounds about right," the redhead replied. "I can't believe the school year is over. I used to stress each day about homework and the next day's lesson plan."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"Did you know that even though most students don't like waking up early to school and doing classwork and homework, they still like school because they get to see their friends?" asked Alice with a hint of mischief in her voice.

"Uh...no? Also, I wasn't expecting you to write something so personal in your speech, especially about homeschooling and me."

"The struggle is real, Shun. So, I wonder who's interested in more than just STEM fields now?"

"I admit...I was narrow-minded at first about anything that wasn't STEM related. Now I realized that music has its diverse applications. I wish I could've recorded that performance—or just of you playing that song in general."

"I'm pretty sure at least one guest recorded the whole graduation, but if you record me playing that song, then you'd have no need for me to play it live."

"But what if I don't see you again? How long would I have to wait?" The violinist pondered on that question and walked faster up the stone stairs, prompting Shun to scream, "Wait—I still don't know what you're doing after—"

Alice then asked loudly, "Dan! Runo! How about we take more pictures before departing?"

"Hold on! I'm taking pictures with my parents!" Dan replied.

"Same here! Almost done!" Runo repeated.

Alice Gehabich, why are you avoiding my questions? "You also still haven't told me the song name," the valedictorian demanded.

"Well, that and my plans are both secrets for now," the redhead giggled. "When is your family coming?"

"I saw my mom, but she probably got lost. You?"

"Aunt Clara she would arrive during halfway into ceremony, but I don't see her either." Then she took out her phone. "How about the two of us take photos now before everyone else comes?"

"Let me take it. Stand close." Shun gave up in asking Alice for any more details and grabbed her phone to open the self-facing camera. "This is the least we can do before parting ways..."

-x-x-x-x-x-

A few weeks after graduation, many people were already in the middle of summer vacation trips before college. However, a certain trio sat in a car, with two members complaining every other minute. "Are we there yet?!"

Shiori sighed and checked her phone's GPS again. "Five more minutes. The airport went through significant remodeling, and I've never used this road that leads to the new entrance."

Dan leaned forward and tapped his best friend's shoulder. "Dude, are you awake?"

No response.

"He'll wake up eventually, Dan. Shun had a really long night yesterday."

"Doing what?" asked the backseat passengers.

"There was an event at the orphanage that he used to volunteer at. Now be quiet and let me turn right..." After exiting the highway, the four of them arrived at the drop-off pick-up area of the airport. "Should park and help you find your other STEM-FX classmates?"

"We'll be fine," Runo reassured. "Domestic flights aren't that complicated. Shun, wake—"

"I heard you." The backseat passengers were taken by surprise when the raven-haired student replied quickly and even got off the car before all of them. Shiori opened the back trunk while her son grabbed his luggage first.

"Why so rushed, Shun? We have plenty of time," the brunet reminded as he and Runo also grabbed their suitcases. "Domestic flights aren't like—oh, great! He's gone!"

"So much for 'plenty' of time," Runo scoffed. "Let's go, Dan. Thanks for driving us, Shiori-san!"

"Good luck, you three! Keep me updated!"

Ignoring everyone behind him, Shun wandered off and checked all the airport flight log boards. This isn't what I need. Why won't she tell me anything even on the last day? He made sure his watch and phone were displaying the same time as the wall clock before checking out other check-in stations. She should be around here if she's taking—

"Shun?"

The raven-haired student turned around and saw Alice with a suitcase in one hand and her violin case slung over her other shoulder. "I thought I wouldn't see you today. Where's your aunt?"

"She's parking, but I must congratulate you for finding the international terminals when you should be at the domestic terminals!" The violinist giggled softly before walking up to him. "Have you flown out of state for national competitions before?"

"I have and crossed time zones for the first two years. Last year was here, and I'm flying again this year but without changes in time zone. Dan and Runo are flying for the first time ever." He let out a deep breath and asked sternly, "Now will you tell me where you're going? You only told me 'overseas' yesterday, and that can mean anything—including Alaska and Hawai'i, but I doubt you're going there."

"Definitely not." After giggling again, Alice lowered her voice and replied, "I'm going to Prague, Czech Republic after they offered a university-level music program. I also might start a Europe tour."

"Wait. What?!"

"After long thought and consideration, I decided to expand my horizons overseas instead of attending a music university here. That means I won't be in Wardington for at least a year."

"I...don't know what to say. Congratulations on achieving this far."

The violinist detected the bitterness in Shun's voice and asked, "You're upset about me leaving because you'll be in Wardington for college, huh?"

"Don't think of it that way. If you already knew that staying here won't work out, then it was a good decision to quit early. Since you think this overseas opportunity has potential, then go for it and don't waste any time."

"That..." The redhead covered her mouth and wiped her eyes. "...was the most motivational thing I've heard since graduation speeches." She checked the time and gasped. "I need to—"

"If you need to check in now, then go ahead. I won't take up your time. Domestic flights aren't a hassle, but international flights always make everyone arrive at least three hours prior."

"It was nice seeing you before leaving, Shun. You should really go back."

"I...will." Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I hate leaving on a bitter note. Shun turned around and followed the signs back to the domestic departures but stopped shortly after hearing some metal hit the ground loudly. "What the—"

He turned around again and saw Alice's suitcase lying flat on the ground. She then placed her violin case on the floor and took out her violin and bow. Without warning, the violinist began playing immediately.

G5-G4-C5-G5-C5-A#4

G5-G4-C5-G5-C5

G5-G4-C5-G5-C5-A#4-C5

Everyone else also stopped to admire the unexpected show in the airport.

Especially Shun.

It's that song again, with only her violin...but something's different about it. It sounds sadder than before.

Alice continued playing the whole song and didn't look up even once. She started at the song's normal pace at first, then accelerated as more people gathered around. "Look at that performance over there!" someone called.

"This is a pleasant surprise."

"This song sounds familiar, but I'm not sure from where."

This is the least I can do before parting ways indefinitely. Eventually, the violinist grew tired from repeating the song multiple time and decelerated. She ended the song on a diminuendo and breathed heavily while wiping her eyes again. "Have a safe flight, Shun."

He simply stared as Alice packed her instrument and began walking to the international flight check in, with the audience still clapping in the background. "Alice Gehabich!"

The redhead stopped and turned immediately upon hearing her full name. "What—"

That was when saw Shun rush forward to embrace her tightly. Even the audience stopped clapping. Amidst the unbelievable peace and quiet, they could clearly hear each other's heartbeats until the raven-haired student broke the silence. "There are lot of things that I still have yet to tell you in person."

"I can wait..."

"But I'm the one still here waiting for you to come back home in Wardington...no matter how long you're staying overseas."

"Since you insist, I'll tell you what the name of that song is."

Shun's eyes widened immediately at the thought.

The violinist let go first and whispered into his ear, "It's a foreign song, but the title translates to 'The Most Blissful Thing'. Look it up."

"The most blissful thing..." He repeated the song title many times until he understood. "You planned this from the beginning, didn't you?"

"Encountering you was the most blissful that ever happened to me." Alice picked up her belongings again. "Time to—"

"Same here." Shun took the violinist by surprise and kissed her on her forehead, instantly making her blush. "You should go. I don't want to make you late."

"I'll...get going then." While staring at each other, the audience clapped again. Alice smiled one last time before saying, "Don't forget me."

"I'll be waiting for you!"

After Alice finally reached the international departure check in, the audience disbanded, and Shun's teammates finally found him. "What did we miss?" the brunet asked.

Runo pointed to a familiar redhead in the distance. "Hey! That's Alice and her aunt! Shun, what happened—"

The raven-haired student turned himself and his teammates around to face the direction that the latter two came from. "Nothing happened. I'm pretty sure you must've found the other STEM-FX members by now, so lead the way." He glanced back one more time and finally returned to the domestic departure terminal. You'll be fine, Alice. Nothing can stop you now.

The violinist also glanced back one more time before entering the security check. Good luck on your last time competing, Shun.

With those thoughts in their minds, that was the last time they saw each other after high school. When they would meet again was another story...

Me: And that's a wrap! I understand that Alice plays a violin, but I chose to use piano keys because it was more convenient and easier to put into writing.

Runo: Better yet, DON'T put it into writing and confuse the heck out of everyone like Dan always does.

Dan: I do NOT confuse people! People just don't know how to comprehend me!

Me: The song that Alice keeps talking about is "The Most Blissful Thing" by Linda Chung, which is the theme song to "Witness Insecurity." Linda is mainly a pianist in real life, but she plays a cellist (cello; not violin) in the drama. She also has another song titled "I'll Be Waiting For You"! XD

Dan: HEY you planned this the whole time!

Me: That is the WHOLE point of this story AND writing a story in general! Anyway, please check out my new story, Astray in the Metropolis, which is the winner from the poll that you all voted for the past few months.

Alice: Happy New Year, everyone!