The morning of the graduation farewell arrived with a brightness that made the whole school feel different from any other day.
From early morning, the front gate was already decorated with colorful banners that read **"Congratulations Graduates."** Balloons were tied along the fences, and ribbons stretched across the entrance of the school yard, swaying gently whenever the wind passed by.
The usually quiet school grounds were now filled with life.
Rows of chairs had been arranged neatly in front of a decorated stage set up by the teachers and student committee. The stage was covered with flowers and a large backdrop displaying the school emblem, shining under the soft sunlight of the morning.
Students gathered everywhere.
Some walked in small groups, laughing loudly as they talked about their future plans. Others stood in circles taking pictures with their phones, trying to capture every last memory before this chapter of their lives came to an end.
The air was full of excitement and noise.
Parents slowly entered the school gate as well, looking around the busy school yard. Many mothers carried bouquets of flowers, while fathers held cameras or phones ready to capture the important day. Some younger siblings ran around curiously, amazed by the lively atmosphere.
Teachers stood near the stage, guiding the students to their seats and making sure everything went smoothly.
It felt like the entire school was celebrating.
For most students, this day marked the end of their high school life and the beginning of a new journey.
Claire stood quietly among the crowd of students, observing everything around her.
The familiar classrooms.
The tall trees that shaded the yard.
The old school building that had watched them grow over the past years.
In her previous life, she had also stood here on the same day, surrounded by the same cheerful noise and excitement.
But back then, she had never imagined how her life would eventually end.
Now that she had been reborn, returning to this moment made everything feel strangely distant, like watching a memory replay itself.
"Claire!"
Vienna's voice suddenly called out from behind her.
Claire turned and saw Vienna waving her hand energetically, already holding her phone as if she had been waiting for this moment.
"Come here! We need pictures before the ceremony starts!"
Claire couldn't help but smile as she walked over.
Soon, the ceremony began.
The principal stepped onto the stage and adjusted the microphone. His voice echoed across the school yard as the crowd slowly quieted down.
He spoke about the students' hard work, about their achievements, and about the bright futures that awaited them beyond the school gates.
Some students listened carefully.
Others whispered quietly to their friends, unable to hide their excitement.
Teachers also gave short speeches, sharing memories of the students and wishing them success in whatever paths they would choose next.
After the final speech, applause filled the entire school yard.
Then the ceremony officially ended.
In an instant, the neat rows of students dissolved into a lively crowd.
Students rushed toward their families and friends, laughter echoing everywhere. Cameras flashed repeatedly as people took pictures to remember the special day.
Claire soon found herself surrounded by her friends.
"Claire, stand here!" Vienna said, grabbing her arm and pulling her closer to the group.
Several classmates squeezed together as Vienna lifted her phone high.
"Ready! One… two… three!"
Click.
They burst into laughter as they looked at the picture.
"Wait, one more!" someone said.
Claire laughed softly as they took another photo.
Just as they finished, a familiar voice called her name.
"Claire."
She turned around.
Randy was walking toward her.
Beside him stood a tall, dignified man with calm eyes—his father.
In Randy's hands was a large bucket filled with beautiful flowers.
For a brief moment, Claire blinked in surprise.
Randy stopped in front of her and held the flowers out.
"These are for you."
Claire hesitated slightly before accepting them. The flowers were soft pastel colors, arranged carefully.
"They're beautiful… thank you," she said gently.
Randy's father smiled warmly.
"Congratulations, Claire. Randy talks about you often."
Claire felt a little embarrassed and bowed her head politely.
"Thank you, sir."
Vienna, standing nearby, leaned closer and whispered teasingly, "Wow… flowers at graduation? Someone is very serious."
Claire lightly nudged her arm while trying not to laugh.
Soon Randy's father offered to take a picture of them.
Claire stood between Randy and Vienna while Randy's father lifted the camera.
"Alright… smile."
Click.
The moment was captured forever.
Not far away, two girls stood watching from the edge of the crowd.
Tasya and Diana.
From the outside, they looked like they were simply enjoying the celebration. They were smiling and chatting together as if nothing unusual was happening.
But their eyes occasionally drifted toward Claire.
Diana's gaze was calm but sharp.
Tasya's smile slowly faded when she saw Claire holding the flowers Randy had given her.
Something unpleasant flickered across her expression before she quickly hid it again.
She leaned closer to Diana and whispered something quietly.
Then both of them looked at Claire once more before turning away as if they had lost interest.
Back near the crowd, Claire had just finished another photo when someone approached her.
"Claire… can we take a picture together?"
She turned and saw Miko standing there, holding his phone with a slightly nervous smile.
"Of course," Claire said.
Before she could move, she felt Randy shift slightly beside her.
His expression tightened.
"Miko again?" he muttered quietly.
Claire immediately noticed the hint of jealousy in his voice.
She sighed softly and leaned a little closer to him.
"It's just a photo with a friend," she said calmly. "Don't worry."
Randy looked at her for a moment.
Then he exhaled quietly, forcing himself to relax.
"Fine," he said, though the jealousy was still obvious in his eyes.
Claire smiled faintly before stepping beside Miko.
Miko raised his phone.
"Ready?" he asked.
Claire nodded.
Click.
Another memory of their graduation day was captured.
Around them, the school yard remained filled with laughter, excitement, and joyful voices.
It looked like the perfect ending to their high school life.
But somewhere within the crowd—
Two pairs of eyes were still watching Claire carefully.