-2018-
He stood a few steps away from the church door, breathing deeply. He knew he had to go in, but every part of him resisted. He wanted to run away from this place, from this day, from this fate.
But he couldn't. He had to face the fact that his close friend, whom he secretly loved for years, was marrying another woman. He had to smile and congratulate them, while trying to hide the pain and jealousy that tore his heart.
He pushed the door slowly, and entered the church. It was decorated with white flowers and golden candles, and filled with happy guests. He searched with his eyes for his friend's face, and found him standing next to the bride, looking at her with sparkling eyes. She was beautiful in her white dress, and looked happy and excited.
He felt a throb in his chest, as he walked towards them. He tried to ignore the feeling of loss and longing, while a fake smile appeared on his face.
He reached them, and extended his hand to shake theirs. "Congratulations, you are wonderful together," zhang zhihao said with a trembling voice. "I wish you all the happiness in the world."
le yong thanked him , and hugged him warmly. zhang zhihao felt his body heat, his perfume smell, and his heartbeat for the last time. Tears climbed his eyes as he hugged him, so he quickly wiped them without anyone noticing. Then he shook the bride's hand too. This was the last moment he would be close to le yong, to his lost love.
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He threw his bags in the trunk of his car, trying not to look back. His decision was sudden, but it was decisive. He couldn't stand staying in this city, which filled him with sorrow and regret. He couldn't stand seeing his friend's face, who became a married man. He couldn't stand the longing that killed him, and that would never be quenched.
He slammed the car door, and sat behind the wheel. He didn't say goodbye to anyone, and didn't leave any trace. He wanted to erase all the memories of the past, and start a new life. He wanted to forget and move on, and open a new page in a new city far away from this place.
But he knew he would never forget, and never move on. The love he felt was like a tattoo in his heart, that wouldn't fade or disappear.
He pressed the gas pedal hard, and drove out of the neighborhood. He looked at the rearview mirror, and saw the city getting farther from him.
A tear fell from his eye, and he wiped it roughly.
"Goodbye," zhang zhihao whispered with a shaky voice, as the city finally disappeared from his sight.