Chapter 78
“It’s October 2025. Today’s Grayden’s first–ever fan meet. He really did it–people really love him now!”
I speak into the camera with a wig, sunglasses, and a mask on.
I blended into the crowd, filming a bit of the stage, a bit of the setup–and a bit of him.”
“It’s been a while, huh?“\
I smile softly at the lens, my voice barely above a whisper.
“This is my first time seeing him… as a fan.
“He’s so happy today. The kind of happiness that makes his eyes glow. Holding that mic and grinning like an idiot–he can’t even hide it.“} Grayden said to his fans, “Thank you. Thank you to every single person here today. I remember so many of you liked me even back when I was a nobody.”
The entire place erupted in cheers.
I clapped too–but gently and quietly.
“Grayden… I’m really proud of you.“!
His gaze toward the fans–warm and honest like stars were caught in his eyes.}
I snuck to the back of the crowd and crouched in a corner to film him dancing.
He was terrible at it; he was always a beat behind. The fans were dying with laughter.}
Knowing he couldn’t keep up, he pleaded mid–dance.
“Stop filming! Who made me do this? Seriously, whose idea was the dance?“}
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Turning to the camera, I said, “This is the same guy who once promised to dance when he’d propose to me. Just imagine.“}
My laugh cracked slightly at the end.
When the interactive segment started, the host announced, “Time to pick one lucky fan to come up and play a game with Grayden!“}
I was looking down, scrolling on my phone, not paying attention–until the girl next to me gasped, “It’s you! You got picked!“} My heart jumped. I quickly looked up in alarm.
Grayden seemed to be scanning the crowd, trying to spot the lucky fan.
I hurriedly handed my ticket to the girl beside me.
“You go. -I’d rather not. I’m happy just watching from here.”}
She looked confused but took it anyway, her face lit up with excitement.”
“OMG! Thanks, babe!”
On stage, Grayden turned toward our area. He squinted, scanning the crowd. Then… he froze for just a second.}
I instinctively ducked, hiding behind everyone.
His smile faltered briefly, and then he wore it again as he welcomed the girl on stage.
I focused on the bracelet around the hand holding the mic.
He was wearing the one we picked out together: Different band, same charm.
“He’s still wearing it,” I murmured to the camera. “Why… is he still wearing it?“}
When the event ended, I didn’t look back.
Outside, I pulled down my mask and gave the camera a half–smile.
“He’s still the same old fool. Bites his lip before talking. Raises his eyebrows when he’s nervous.
“I still miss him. But I’m scared to see him, too.”
I paused.
“Maybe… if one day I disappear for good, he’ll just think I went somewhere far away and lived a great life.”
I sniffled, and then I forced a grin at the camera.}
“God, am I pathetic or what??
“Even now, I’m still sneaking around to see him like this.”
The camera shook a little as I turned it around to film the street.
“Anyway, enough of that. Time to head home and take off this makeup. The wig’s driving me crazy.}
“It’s not really a reunion. But his smile was so genuine… I’ll take it as a sign he’s doing well–for both of us.””
The camera stopped on one last frame: Grayden, bathed in stage lights, squinting toward the crowd like he was searching for someone.} But I was already gone.”
These are All the Goodbyes Elmed
