Chapter 198 - A Temporary Goodbye (1/2)

During noon, Ming came to visit as promised. Over the past five months, Sato and Ming seemed to have switched positions when it came to physique. Sato was now the skinny and sickly boy, while Ming had gotten fitter from picking up running as a pastime. To be safe, Madel had conducted a full body pat down of Ming's body, even though Sato had already said that she could fully trust the young man that was coming to visit him.

”Hello, Sato.” Written all over Ming's face was the word 'glad'. His heart had always been restless every time he thought back to his best friend that was stuck in bed. Seeing Sato in person now had relieved him from all the worries that piled on his shoulders.

”Hey, Ming. You look great.” Sato smiled as he gave out a light laugh. He was extremely happy that he was able to speak to his best friend again.

”Thank you. How is your body?”

”It's taking some time to get used to again. I've been doing rehabilitation treatment these days. My voice will come back sooner or later too.”

”I see… I wish that you would recover faster then.”

”Haha, thank you for your wishes.” Sato's smile never left his face when speaking to Ming. He been wanting to speak to his best friend for the longest of times. ”How have you been?”

”Life has taken a turn for the better for me…” Ming proceeded to recall the past five month's major events for Sato. He told the boy about him coming out to his family and as a result, was kicked out of the house. He told Sato about how he had become friends with his interesting boy that was now a national soccer player for Country Z. He told Sato about his living condition and his predicament. That last statement soon led to Ming's second purpose for visiting Sato today.

”The reason why I visited today was not just to check on you,” There was a sense of longing in Ming's voice as he spoke to his best friend, ”I came today to tell you that I had received the Black Box Financial Aid Program.”

”The Black Box Financial Aid Program? Are you talking about the Black Box Space Program? The company you had been thinking about working as a mechanical engineer ever since you had entered university?” Sato couldn't be happier for his best friend, yet he felt that Ming was still hiding something from him. It all became clear soon after.

”Yeah, the Black Box Space Program had accepted my application..” Ming paused in his thoughts. He took in a deep breath as he broke the news to the young man. ”The financial aid scheme is a joint program that requires me to continue my studies in Muller's Institute of Sciences and Technology. As you know, that University is in Country U. This means that this would be the last time I would be seeing you in a long time.”

”Oh, when are you leaving?” Sato's voice became bleak.

”This coming Sunday.”