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146  A Moment to Celebrate

The sun was high and bright overhead, beating down on the university courtyard, uncaring of the fact that today was a glorious day.

It wasn't as if these guys would notice anyways. There was just too much joy and happiness on display as graduates milled about in their caps and gowns, hugging family members, taking photos, and celebrating the end of an era.

I stood in the sea of proud parents and beaming students, my hands in my pockets, watching as Matt crossed the stage.

His name was announced, and the applause that followed was thunderous. Not because he was particularly exceptional or was receiving any great prize but because everyone there was just so happy, they'll clap for anything accepting a degree even if it was a goat.

Craning my head, I spotted his parents in the front row, clapping harder than anyone else, his mother wiping away tears while his father stood tall, his chest swelling with pride. I had to admit that their unfiltered joy was something I'd always envied. It was a pure, uncalculated love, the kind that had never been part of my upbringing, both in this world and on earth.

It wasn't that my original parents had been bad but they'd just had… things going on in their lives. @@novelbin@@

I focused back on the stage, where Matt's grin was wide as he shook hands with the dean. He accepted his degree and gave a playful bow before stepping off the stage. A laugh bubbled up in my throat despite myself. That was Matt. Never taking anything too seriously, even in the most significant moments of his life.

If we calculate it by the time I'd spent in this world, I'd known him for just over a year. But it felt like I'd known him almost my whole life, just like the original Nico.

I knew what this meant. The assimilation of memories was complete. There was no longer a line between the original Nico and I.

I am now the original Nico.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the crowd erupted into cheers for the last time, and students threw their caps into the air. It was like a flock of birds flapping by as the sky momentarily darkened with the fluttering of black fabric before they all came down in a flurry of laughter and celebratory shouts. I watched as Matt retrieved his cap and turned, scanning the crowd for his parents. Well, I wasn't sure if it was his original cap but who cares?

I gave the Hardin family a few minutes to celebrate in private before I made my way through the throng of people towards them. When I finally caught sight of them, Matt was surrounded by his parents, his mother fussing over his cap, while his father gave him a few pats on the back.

"Nicholas!" Mrs. Hardin turned to me the moment she saw me, her arms open wide. "There you are! Come here."

I barely had time to react before she pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing like she intended to fix every crack in my soul. That's a max level mum skill.

"Still too skinny." She muttered, pulling back and giving me a critical once-over. "Are you even eating?"

Matt chuckled. "You're wasting your breath, Mom. Nico thrives on black coffee and pure spite."

I smirked. "It's a winning combination."

Mr. Hardin clapped me on the shoulder, his grip firm. "We're proud of you too, son." He said, his voice filled with warmth. "We saw you on the news the other day and I have to say, you've done well for yourself."

The words settled in my chest like something unfamiliar. Praise. Parental pride. I wasn't sure what to do with it, so I just nodded. "Thanks."

For a brief moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of the scene. The easy laughter, the family dynamic, the unconditional support. It was something I had never truly experienced growing up, and though I'd never admit it aloud, a part of me longed for it.

We took photos together, smiling as Mrs. Hardin instructed us where to stand, complaining about the lighting, making sure we had "just one more" to frame in their home. I played along, letting myself be pulled into their world, pretending just for a little while that I belonged in it.

But under it all, I knew that it would soon come to an end and I'll have to face reality. There were things that needed to be said. Conversations that couldn't wait. As the crowd began to thin, I caught Matt's eye and jerked my chin toward the parking lot.

"Let's grab a bite." I said. "Just us."

Matt didn't hesitate. "God, yes. If I have to take one more picture, I might combust."

We said our goodbyes, Mrs. Hardin making me promise, again, to eat more. Mr. Hardin was just a chill guy, sending me off with just a handshake and a pat on the back.

As we walked to the car, Matt nudged me with his elbow. "So," he said, "what's the real reason you want to talk?"

I glanced at him, smirking slightly. "Can't a guy just take his best friend out to celebrate?"

Matt rolled his eyes. "I can see the 'I have an important conversation to have with you' look in your eyes as plain as day. So, spill."

I sighed, unlocking the car. "Alright, fine. Let's get food first. Then we'll talk."

Matt shot me a knowing look but didn't push. "Fine. But I'm picking the place. I'm getting the best steak money can buy."

I chuckled as we got in. "Whatever you want, graduate."

A few seconds later, we were on the road.

As we drove, Matt hummed along to a song playing on the radio, completely at ease, while I stared out at the city streets, my thoughts already shifting.

"You know," Matt started, breaking the silence as he glanced around the Koenigsegg, admiring the interior. "You're not half bad at this whole 'mysterious billionaire' thing."

"Really?" I laughed. "Well, don't get used to it."