The autumn sun filtered gently through the hospital window, painting the room in soft gold. An stood quietly beside Minh, holding a small bouquet of lilies. She had insisted on coming with him this time, despite his reluctance. On the bed lay Minh’s mother, frail but smiling faintly when she saw them. “So this is the girl you’ve been walking home with,” she whispered. Minh flushed, his usual calm cracking. “Mom, don’t—” But An bowed politely, her voice steady. “I’m An. Minh has always been kind to me.” The older woman’s eyes softened. “Thank you for being by his side. He doesn’t say it, but… he’s always been alone.” --- That night, as they left the hospital, silence stretched between them. The cool air brushed against An’s cheeks, but her chest was warm with determination. At the corner of the street, Minh stopped. “An… why are you doing all this? You don’t owe me anything.” An looked at him, her eyes unwavering. “Because you’re important to me. Even if the whole world misunderstands you, I don’t.” For the first time, his mask broke completely. His eyes shone with unshed tears, his lips trembling as he whispered, “…I was afraid. Afraid that if anyone knew, they’d leave me too.” An stepped closer, her hand gently reaching for his. “Then remember this—no matter what happens, you’re not alone anymore. I’ll stay.” --- Years later… The school uniforms were gone, replaced by professional suits and busy lives. Yet, every weekend, An and Minh still visited the same hospital—now with brighter smiles. His mother, though still frail, managed to sit up and greet them with joy. One evening, under the same old cherry tree where they once walked home together, Minh turned to An. His voice carried the same quiet tone as before, but now it trembled for a different reason. “An… back then, you said you would stay by my side. You’ve kept that promise. So now… will you let me keep you by mine, for the rest of our lives?” An’s eyes widened, then softened with tears. She nodded. “Yes. Always.” The wind rustled the blossoms, scattering petals around them like blessings. And in that moment, the loneliness that once shadowed Minh’s life faded, replaced by a love that would endure through every storm. The End.