Sometimes, I used to believe that all love stories had happy endings and understanding partners.
But after hearing about my friend's heartbreak—the one she faced from someone she truly loved—I realized something:
Not all lovers end up together.
And that… was the last time I ever saw him.
Yet somehow, he lived on in my heart—untouched.
My memories of him rose and fell like waves—unbroken, eternal.
---
Three years passed.
I had finally completed my college journey. Xin, Ling, Meng, and I had all joined our dream companies. We were officially graduates now, no longer college students, and the world felt wide open.
Two years later…
Today was our graduation ceremony.
We received our certificates and congratulated each other with pride. My friends and I had secured placements in top companies, and the excitement of starting our adult lives buzzed in the air.
After the ceremony, we headed to a nearby restaurant to celebrate. As we waited for our food, we reminisced about college—those silly moments, our late-night group chats, the heartbreaks, and fangirling. The room echoed with laughter and joy.
What I didn't know… was that he had entered the restaurant too.
And he was sitting just a few tables away—with his friends.
---
After dinner, I stepped out to use the restroom. Just as I walked in, a man walked out. Broad shoulders. Familiar stride.
My breath hitched.
That silhouette… it looked just like him.
I stood frozen in disbelief. Xin nudged me.
> "Why are you staring?"
I grabbed her wrist.
> "Look. That guy—his build… it's him."
Ling peeked around the corner and snorted.
> "You still haven't gotten over him?"
Meng smirked.
> "After all this time? Damn, Ye."
Xin gave me a firm look.
> "Ye, that might not even be him. He's probably married now. Even if he was here, his wife would be with him."
My hands trembled.
She was right.
He probably had someone now.
A family. A life.
> "Forget it," I whispered.
"Just… my eyes playing tricks."
We stepped out of the restroom and returned to our table for a few more laughs before heading home.
---
Later that night, we jumped on a video call—our group chat tradition still going strong.
Ling raised a toast, grinning through the screen.
> "Hey Ye, tomorrow's your first day at work! All the best—fighting!"
Meng added,
> "Ye, fire up! Message us once you reach. We'll wait for your update!"
And Xin—true to herself—warned,
> "Ye, don't go searching for him again while taking the bus.
Even if you do see him somewhere… don't look.
He's not worthy of you."
Both Ling and Meng nodded in agreement.
I gave them a thumbs-up and a heart sign.
> "Thanks, guys."
After ending the call, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
And smiled softly.
Tomorrow… I'd be stepping into a new world.
But I knew, deep down—
some memories stay with you, even when you try to move forward.