The Promises in Silence( BL)

Graduation

On the day of Preston's graduation, I felt a mix of pride and excitement. Jason decided to come along, insisting that such a big moment deserved extra celebration. Before heading to the school, we stopped by a flower shop. I picked a bouquet of blue hydrangeas for Preston—they reminded me of his bright, soulful eyes—and a smaller bouquet of pink roses for his best friend, Annabel. I handed Annabel's bouquet to Jason and told him to carry it.

Jason raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Why do I get to hold her flowers while you hold the 'pretty boy's'?"

"Because I said so," I shot back, grinning.

When we arrived at the school, Preston was already waiting at the entrance. He refused to go inside until we came. The moment he spotted us, his face lit up, and he sprinted toward me. Before I could brace myself, he leapt into my arms, his laughter ringing in my ears.

"Cay!" he exclaimed, wrapping his arms tightly around my neck.

The force of his jump almost made me lose my balance, but I didn't care. I held him close, savoring the warmth and familiarity of having him back in my arms. It had been far too long.

We stayed like that for a while, lost in our own little bubble, until Jason cleared his throat. "Hate to interrupt, but…"

Preston looked up, startled, and I gently set him down.

"Preston, meet my friend and business partner, Jason," I said, gesturing to him. "Jason, meet my boy, Preston."

They shook hands, and Jason's grin widened. "I've heard so much about you. Congratulations on your graduation!"

Preston smiled shyly. "Thank you. And thank you for everything you've done for Caleb. He talks about you a lot."

Jason chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Preston's hair. "Well, he talks about you all the time. It's nice to finally meet the famous pretty boy."

Before I could stop myself, I smacked Jason's hand away, glaring playfully. "Hey, hands off. I'm the only one allowed to do that."

Jason laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Point taken."

Preston blushed furiously, but he couldn't hide his smile. "Thank you," he said softly, taking the bouquet Jason handed him. He brought the flowers to his nose, inhaling their sweet scent.

"You're welcome," Jason said warmly.

I handed him my bouquet, and Preston's eyes lit up again. "You got these for me?"

"Of course," I said, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. "You deserve it."

He smiled so brightly it made my heart ache. "Thank you, Cay."

"Come on," Preston said, ushering us inside. "There's someone I want you to meet before the ceremony."

We followed him into the bustling crowd of graduates and parents, his excitement palpable. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Watching Preston grow and thrive, despite everything, made me realize just how far we'd come. This moment—his graduation, his happiness—was proof that we had survived, and that our future was just beginning.