One Week Until the Wedding
The university had no idea.
Students hurried across the campus just as they did every Monday morning.
Some rushed to their lectures with unfinished assignments tucked beneath their arms.
Some sat beneath the old maple trees, laughing over cups of coffee as if deadlines didn't exist.
The basketball court echoed with cheers from a group of students who had arrived far too early.
The campus bookstore had already formed its usual line.
Life continued exactly as it always had.
Completely unaware...
That two of its students would be married in seven days.
Yerin stepped through the university gates with a quiet sigh.
The morning breeze played with the loose strands of her hair as she adjusted the strap of her bag.
She had spent nearly ten minutes standing in front of her bedroom mirror before leaving home.
Not deciding what to wear.
Not choosing her shoes.
But staring at the platinum ring resting on her finger.
She had actually tried taking it off.
Twice.
Both times...
Her mother's voice echoed in her mind.
"You're engaged now, sweetheart."
"There's no reason to hide it."
Yerin had sighed...
Slipped it back onto her finger...
And accepted defeat.
Now, as she walked across the campus, she found herself unconsciously pulling the sleeve of her cardigan over her hand.
As if that tiny piece of fabric could somehow hide the truth.
"You know..."
A familiar voice sounded beside her.
"...people usually hide their faces when they're guilty."
Yerin nearly jumped.
She turned to find Emily standing beside her with two iced coffees balanced expertly in one hand.
"You seriously need to stop sneaking up on me."
Emily grinned.
"I wasn't sneaking."
"You were daydreaming."
She held out one of the coffees.
"Peace offering."
Yerin accepted it with a smile.
"Thank you."
Emily studied her carefully.
"...Something's different."
Yerin's smile faltered.
"What?"
"I don't know yet."
Emily narrowed her eyes dramatically.
"But I'll figure it out."
Yerin laughed nervously.
"Please don't."
"Good morning!"
Min-jae's cheerful voice echoed across the courtyard before he appeared, jogging toward them with his backpack hanging from one shoulder.
Behind him...
Walking with his usual calm confidence...
Was Do-hyun.
Unlike Min-jae, who looked as though he'd sprinted across the entire campus...
Do-hyun looked perfectly composed.
His white shirt was neatly tucked into dark trousers, the sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his wristwatch.
His hair, as always, looked effortlessly tidy.
Emily folded her arms.
"Why do you always look like you're walking into a magazine photoshoot?"
Do-hyun looked genuinely confused.
"...I am wearing the university uniform."
"Exactly."
"How do you make the uniform look expensive?"
Min-jae sighed dramatically.
"It's called unfair genetics."
Yerin couldn't hold back a laugh.
Emily nodded in agreement.
"I've been saying that for two years."
Do-hyun simply shook his head.
"I think you're both exaggerating."
"We're really not," Min-jae replied.
The four of them naturally began walking toward the Business Department together.
It had become an unspoken routine over the past semester.
Nobody planned it.
It simply happened.
Emily talked enough for everyone.
Min-jae interrupted her every few seconds.
Yerin laughed at both of them.
And Do-hyun quietly listened, occasionally adding a comment that somehow made the conversation even funnier.
"You know what I realised yesterday?"
Emily suddenly announced.
Min-jae groaned.
"This can't be good."
"It isn't."
Emily ignored him.
"I think Min-jae would absolutely cry during someone else's wedding."
"I would not."
"You absolutely would."
"I'd be eating."
"You'd cry while eating."
"I can multitask."
Yerin laughed.
"I actually believe that."
Min-jae placed a hand dramatically over his heart.
"I expected betrayal from Emily."
"But not from you."
"I've learned from experience."
"What experience?"
"You cried during that romance movie."
"That dog died!"
"It was a goldfish."
"It still had dreams."
Emily bent over laughing.
Even Yerin had to stop walking because she was laughing so hard.
Do-hyun quietly rubbed the bridge of his nose, hiding a smile.
They reached the stone staircase leading toward the academic building.
Students passed them in both directions.
Some greeted them.
Others hurried past, already late for class.
Emily suddenly stopped walking.
The others continued another step before noticing.
"...Emily?"
She wasn't listening.
Instead...
She stared directly at Yerin.
Suspiciously.
Very suspiciously.
"What?"
Yerin asked.
Emily slowly stepped closer.
"What are you hiding?"
"I'm not hiding anything."
"Hmm..."
Emily circled her once.
Min-jae blinked.
"...Why are you walking around her like a detective?"
"I'm investigating."
"What crime?"
"I don't know yet."
Yerin laughed.
"You're impossible."
Emily suddenly reached forward.
Before Yerin had time to react...
Emily caught her left hand.
Yerin's heart nearly stopped.
"...Emily?"
Emily lifted her hand toward the sunlight streaming through the courtyard.
The platinum ring sparkled brilliantly.
Emily blinked once.
Twice.
Then looked back at Yerin.
"...Excuse me."
Yerin swallowed.
"...Yes?"
"Since when..."
Emily gently turned Yerin's hand from side to side.
"...do you wear rings?"
Yerin instinctively tried pulling her hand back.
"Oh..."
"This?"
Emily stared at her in complete disbelief.
She slowly looked up.
Then back at the ring.
Then at Yerin again.
"Don't..."
She pointed dramatically at the ring.
"...'this' me."
"When did this happen?"
Yerin opened her mouth.
Closed it again.
"I just..."
She desperately searched for an excuse.
"It's..."
Before she could invent one...
Emily's eyes wandered toward Do-hyun.
She froze.
Her expression changed completely.
"...Hold on."
Min-jae frowned.
"What?"
Emily slowly pointed toward Do-hyun's left hand.
"Look."
Min-jae leaned closer.
His eyes immediately widened.
"No way..."
Without asking permission...
He grabbed Do-hyun's wrist.
"...Hyung."
"You have one too."
Do-hyun calmly looked down at his own hand.
"...I do."
Min-jae slowly looked from one ring...
To the other.
Then toward Emily.
Silence.
Emily folded her arms.
A dramatic gasp escaped her lips.
"I knew it."
Min-jae nodded with absolute confidence.
"I knew it too."
Yerin blinked.
"Knew what?"
Emily pointed at both of them as though presenting evidence in court.
"You two."
"...are secretly dating."
Several students walking past immediately turned to look.
Yerin's eyes widened.
"W-What?!"
Min-jae joined the act without hesitation.
"It explains everything."
Emily nodded enthusiastically.
"The matching rings."
"The suspicious eye contact."
"The fact that you two somehow end up together everywhere."
Min-jae added,
"And you're both terrible liars."
Yerin laughed nervously.
"You've completely lost it."
Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Have I?"
She looked toward Do-hyun.
"What do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Choi?"
Do-hyun remained perfectly calm.
"It's just a coincidence."
Emily blinked.
"...A coincidence?"
"Matching platinum rings?"
"Yes."
She stared at him.
"...That's honestly the weakest excuse I've ever heard."
Even Yerin had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing.
Min-jae scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"I've watched enough dramas to know how this works."
Emily immediately agreed.
"They're secretly dating."
Yerin almost choked on her coffee.
"We are not!"
Emily gasped dramatically.
"So defensive."
Min-jae nodded.
"Classic behaviour."
Do-hyun finally spoke again.
"If we were trying to keep it secret..."
"...wouldn't matching rings be the worst possible way to do it?"
Emily paused.
She looked at Min-jae.
Min-jae looked back at her.
"...He's got a point."
Emily sighed dramatically.
"...Fine."
"I'll let it go."
She pointed between the two of them.
"But only because your excuse accidentally makes sense."
Then she smiled mischievously.
"...For now."
Yerin quietly let out the breath she'd been holding.
She caught Do-hyun's eye for the briefest moment.
He noticed too.
Without saying a word...
Both of them looked away.
The secret...
Had survived another day.
Just then, the bell echoed across the campus.
Students immediately began rushing toward their classrooms.
Emily groaned.
"If Professor Lee starts talking about marketing theories before I've finished my coffee..."
"I'm dropping out."
Min-jae laughed.
"You say that every Monday."
"And one Monday I'll mean it."
The four of them headed inside together.
For a little while...
Wedding preparations, engagement ceremonies, and family expectations faded into the background.
They were simply four university students again.
Walking the same hallways.
Laughing at the same jokes.
Completely unaware...
That by this time next week...
Everything would be different.
The rest of the morning passed surprisingly quickly.
Professor Lee spent nearly two hours explaining international market expansion strategies, filling the whiteboard with diagrams and case studies until every student looked ready to surrender.
Emily had started the lecture confidently.
By the first hour...
She was doodling tiny flowers in the margin of her notebook.
By the second...
She had quietly written a note and slid it across to Yerin.
"If I disappear, tell my parents I died bravely."
Yerin bit back a laugh before writing underneath it.
"Cause of death?"
The note came back almost instantly.
"PowerPoint presentation."
Yerin covered her mouth to hide her smile.
Professor Lee glanced in their direction.
"Miss Yerin."
Yerin immediately looked up.
"Yes, Professor?"
"I assume the presentation is entertaining."
Emily slowly lowered her head onto the desk.
"We've been caught."
The entire class laughed.
Even Professor Lee smiled.
"I'll pretend I didn't see it."
"But only this once."
"Thank you, Professor," Emily replied sheepishly.
When the lunch break finally arrived, the four friends made their way toward the cafeteria.
The campus was unusually lively.
Students filled every table, conversations blending into a cheerful hum.
Min-jae balanced a tray overloaded with food.
Emily stared at it in disbelief.
"...Are you feeding yourself or an entire football team?"
"I'm a growing man."
"You stopped growing years ago."
"My appetite didn't."
They settled at their usual table by the large windows.
The conversation drifted from upcoming assignments to a recent football match.
No one mentioned weddings.
No one mentioned engagements.
For a little while...
Yerin was grateful.
She almost forgot what was waiting for her after classes.
By late afternoon, the final lecture came to an end.
The bell echoed through the building.
Students immediately began packing their bags.
Emily stretched dramatically.
"I swear my brain has officially clocked out."
Min-jae zipped up his backpack.
"It never clocked in."
She threw a pen at him.
"You wish."
Professor Lee smiled as he gathered his notes.
"Don't forget your reports are due on Friday."
A chorus of groans filled the room.
"I'll take that as a reminder," he said before leaving.
The four friends walked out of the classroom together.
The hallway buzzed with students eager to head home.
Emily checked her phone.
"My mom wants me to stop by the supermarket."
She sighed.
"I knew adulthood would find me eventually."
Min-jae grinned.
"Need help carrying the bags?"
Emily looked at him suspiciously.
"...You're planning to steal snacks, aren't you?"
"I would never."
"You absolutely would."
He placed a hand over his heart.
"I'd at least ask first."
Emily laughed.
"Come on then."
She turned to Yerin.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you."
Then she looked toward Do-hyun.
"And you..."
He raised an eyebrow.
"...Try smiling at least once tomorrow."
Emily pointed between the two of them.
"Suspicious."
"Very suspicious."
Yerin rolled her eyes.
"Go buy your groceries."
Emily laughed as she linked arms with Min-jae.
"Come on, Walking Disaster."
"I still hate that nickname."
"I know."
Their voices gradually disappeared into the crowd.
Silence settled between Yerin and Do-hyun.
They walked side by side toward the university parking lot.
Neither seemed in a hurry to speak.
The afternoon breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass across the campus.
Students hurried past them, too busy with their own lives to pay them any attention.
After a few moments...
Yerin spoke first.
"...Emily is never going to let the ring thing go."
Do-hyun let out a quiet chuckle.
"I know."
"I thought she was actually going to announce it to the whole university."
"So did I."
She looked at him.
"You handled it well."
"I've had years of practice dealing with Min-jae."
She laughed.
"Fair point."
They reached the parking lot entrance.
Their cars were parked in opposite directions.
Do-hyun stopped.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"You too."
For a brief moment...
Neither of them moved.
Then Yerin smiled politely.
"Drive safely."
"You too."
She turned and walked toward her car.
Unknowingly...
A small smile remained on her face.
Nearly forty minutes later...
The familiar gates of the Hwang Mansion came into view.
As soon as Yerin stepped inside, she slipped off her shoes and let out a relieved sigh.
"I'm home."
Mrs. Hwang's voice immediately echoed from the sitting room.
"Yerin?"
"I'm here, Mom."
"Come here for a moment."
Curious, Yerin walked into the sitting room.
Her mother was reviewing several bridal magazines spread across the coffee table.
Beside her sat Grandmother Hwang, calmly sipping tea.
Ji-hoon lounged comfortably on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.
The moment he looked up, a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"...Uh-oh."
Yerin narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
"No reason."
"There is definitely a reason."
Mrs. Hwang looked up with a warm smile.
"You're home at the perfect time."
Yerin placed her bag on the sofa.
"Did something happen?"
Her mother closed the magazine.
"Go upstairs."
"And change into something nice."
Yerin blinked.
"...Now?"
"Yes."
She frowned in confusion.
"Why?"
Before Mrs. Hwang could answer...
Ji-hoon leaned back against the sofa, trying—and failing—to hide his grin.
"I think I know."
Yerin looked at him.
"What?"
He shrugged dramatically.
"I'm just saying..."
"If someone important was coming..."
"I'd probably wear something nicer than the university uniform."
She frowned even deeper.
"...What are you talking about?"
Mrs. Hwang couldn't hold back her smile anymore.
"Do-hyun will be here in about half an hour."
Yerin stared.
"...Excuse me?"
"He'll be picking you up."
Her mind went completely blank.
"Picking me up...?"
Mrs. Hwang nodded as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
"The two of you have appointments this evening."
"Your fathers arranged them."
"You'll be choosing your wedding outfits together."
"And after that..."
She smiled knowingly.
"...your wedding jewellery."
Yerin slowly looked toward the ceiling.
Then back at her mother.
"...Of course they did."
Ji-hoon burst into laughter.
"I've never seen someone look so betrayed."
Yerin sighed dramatically.
"I just got home."
"And now I'm being sent back out."
Grandmother Hwang chuckled warmly.
"My dear..."
"You only get married once."
Yerin muttered under her breath,
"That's exactly what everyone keeps saying."
Mrs. Hwang stood and gently straightened her daughter's hair.
"Go get ready."
"You don't want to keep Do-hyun waiting."
With another theatrical sigh...
Yerin picked up her bag.
"I'm beginning to think none of you are actually asking."
Ji-hoon called after her as she climbed the stairs.
"We're definitely not."
She looked back over the railing.
"...Traitor."
He placed a hand over his heart.
"Proudly."
The laughter that followed echoed through the mansion as Yerin disappeared upstairs, completely unaware that across the city...
Do-hyun was hearing almost the exact same instructions.
Across the city...
The Choi Mansion was just as peaceful as the Hwang residence.
The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows, casting long golden shadows across the polished marble floor.
Do-hyun had barely stepped inside before removing his shoes and loosening the top button of his uniform shirt.
For the first time all day...
He planned on doing absolutely nothing.
Maybe reading.
Maybe taking a nap.
Maybe enjoying an hour of uninterrupted silence.
It was a perfect plan.
One that lasted exactly...
Seven seconds.
"Do-hyun."
His father's voice echoed from the study.
He closed his eyes briefly.
"...Yes, Father."
"Come in."
The study smelled faintly of coffee and old books.
Mr. Choi sat behind his large oak desk, reviewing several documents while Mrs. Choi stood beside him, looking through a wedding catalogue.
The moment Do-hyun entered, both looked up.
"You're home."
"I just arrived."
Mr. Choi nodded.
"Good."
He closed the folder in front of him.
"Go upstairs."
"Take a shower."
"And change into something presentable."
Do-hyun blinked.
"...Are we going somewhere?"
His mother smiled knowingly.
"You are."
He looked between them.
"...I am?"
Mr. Choi slid a cream-coloured envelope across the desk.
Do-hyun picked it up.
Embossed in gold lettering across the front were the words:
Maison Élise Bridal Atelier
One of the most exclusive bridal boutiques in the country.
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
"The appointment is at five."
"You'll be selecting your wedding attire."
Do-hyun nodded.
"I understand."
He turned to leave.
"And Yerin."
He stopped.
Slowly looking back at his father.
"...Yerin?"
Mr. Choi looked at him as though the answer were obvious.
"Naturally."
"You'll be choosing everything together."
Mrs. Choi smiled warmly.
"It's your wedding."
"It should reflect both of your choices."
For a brief second...
Do-hyun considered arguing.
Not because he minded spending time with Yerin.
But because...
Being alone with her for several hours?
That was unfamiliar territory.
His mother seemed to read his thoughts immediately.
"You'll be fine."
Mr. Choi added calmly,
"She's probably just as nervous."
That single sentence made him pause.
He hadn't thought about it.
She probably was.
He nodded once.
"I'll get ready."
Twenty-five minutes later...
Do-hyun descended the staircase wearing a fitted charcoal sweater over a crisp white shirt and dark tailored trousers.
It was simple.
Comfortable.
Yet elegant enough for the occasion.
Mrs. Choi smiled the moment she saw him.
"There."
"Much better."
She walked over and straightened his collar.
"You know..."
She smiled teasingly.
"You almost look excited."
"I do?"
"A little."
"I don't think I am."
"Hm."
She looked unconvinced.
"We'll see."
Mr. Choi glanced at his watch.
"You should leave."
"The traffic will only get worse."
Do-hyun picked up the car keys from the entrance table.
"I'm leaving."
As he reached the door...
His father called after him.
"Do-hyun."
He turned.
Mr. Choi's usually stern expression softened ever so slightly.
"Drive carefully."
"And..."
He paused for the briefest moment.
"Make sure Yerin enjoys herself."
Do-hyun was genuinely surprised.
"...I will."
Mrs. Choi smiled.
"I knew you'd say that."
The sleek black sedan rolled smoothly through the late afternoon traffic.
The city looked different beneath the warm golden light of the setting sun.
People hurried along sidewalks.
Children laughed in nearby parks.
Couples wandered hand in hand through shopping districts.
The radio played softly in the background.
Do-hyun barely noticed it.
His thoughts wandered elsewhere.
He remembered Emily accusing them of secretly dating.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"...Matching rings."
He quietly shook his head.
She really was unbelievable.
Twenty minutes later...
The familiar iron gates of the Hwang Mansion slowly opened.
The security guard recognised the car immediately and offered a respectful bow.
"Good evening, Young Master Choi."
"Good evening."
The car rolled up the long driveway before coming to a smooth stop beneath the front entrance.
Before Do-hyun even had the chance to step out...
The mansion doors opened.
Ji-hoon walked outside first.
The moment he spotted the car...
A mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Well..."
He folded his arms.
"Look who's here."
Do-hyun stepped out, smiling politely.
"Good evening."
Ji-hoon slowly circled the car.
"Hm."
"Nice."
"What is?"
"The car."
"It's comfortable."
"I wasn't talking about the car."
Do-hyun looked genuinely confused.
"...Then what?"
Ji-hoon laughed.
"Never mind."
He clapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"Come inside."
Mrs. Hwang welcomed him warmly the moment he entered.
"Do-hyun."
"It's lovely to see you again."
"You too, Auntie."
Grandmother Hwang smiled from the sitting room.
"Come."
"Sit for a moment."
He respectfully greeted everyone before taking a seat.
Mrs. Hwang placed a cup of tea in front of him.
"I hope we haven't kept you waiting."
"Not at all."
"We're still waiting for one person."
Ji-hoon looked toward the staircase.
"...Women."
Mrs. Hwang immediately looked at him.
"Ji-hoon."
"I'm just saying."
"They always need another five minutes."
Grandmother Hwang smiled knowingly.
"You used to make your mother wait forty."
"That was different."
"How?"
"I was important."
The room filled with laughter.
Even Do-hyun smiled.
Footsteps echoed from upstairs.
Every conversation gradually faded.
Do-hyun instinctively looked toward the staircase.
Yerin slowly appeared at the top step.
She had changed into a soft ivory blouse tucked neatly into a flowing beige skirt that reached just below her knees.
A light cream cardigan rested over her shoulders, and her hair had been left down in gentle waves.
Simple.
Elegant.
Effortlessly beautiful.
She wasn't dressed for a grand event.
She was dressed for an afternoon of shopping.
Yet somehow...
She still managed to leave him speechless.
She carefully walked down the staircase.
When she reached the last step...
She looked up.
Their eyes met.
"...Hi."
Her voice was soft.
Do-hyun realised he had been staring.
He cleared his throat almost immediately.
"...Hi."
"You've been waiting long?"
"Not really."
She smiled.
"Good."
Ji-hoon looked between them.
Then looked at his parents.
Then back at the two of them.
An amused grin slowly appeared.
Mrs. Hwang noticed.
"...Don't."
"I'm not saying anything."
"Good."
"I'm thinking it very loudly though."
Yerin sighed.
"Oppa."
"What?"
"You look nice."
She blinked.
"...Thank you."
He turned toward Do-hyun.
"You too."
"...Thank you?"
Ji-hoon laughed.
"I wasn't complimenting you."
"I was warning you."
Do-hyun looked confused.
"Warning me?"
Ji-hoon walked closer until they stood face to face.
He smiled.
It was a very friendly smile.
Which somehow made it even more intimidating.
"My sister..."
He gently placed a hand on Do-hyun's shoulder.
"...comes home smiling."
A pause.
"Or you don't."
Silence.
Do-hyun stared at him.
Mrs. Hwang sighed.
"Ji-hoon."
"What?"
"I'm encouraging him."
Yerin covered her face with one hand.
"I can't believe you're related to me."
"I've been asking myself the same thing for twenty-two years."
Everyone laughed.
Even Do-hyun.
A genuine laugh this time.
Ji-hoon immediately pointed at him.
"There."
"I like that."
"You should laugh more."
Do-hyun smiled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Mrs. Hwang handed Yerin her handbag.
"Have fun."
"And don't rush."
Grandmother Hwang added with a warm smile,
"Choose something you truly love."
Yerin nodded.
"I will."
Mr. Hwang, who had just entered the hallway after finishing a phone call, smiled at the pair.
"Take your time."
"This isn't a business meeting."
"It's the beginning of your future."
The words lingered in the air for a moment.
Yerin and Do-hyun exchanged a brief glance.
Neither responded.
Instead...
They quietly walked toward the front door together.
Ji-hoon stood on the steps with his hands in his pockets as they approached the car.
Just before Yerin climbed into the passenger seat, he called out,
"Yerin."
She turned.
"What?"
He smiled warmly this time.
"No matter how long it takes..."
"Come home safely."
She returned the smile.
"I always do."
Then she got into the car.
Do-hyun walked around to the driver's side and settled behind the wheel.
The engine came to life with a soft hum.
As the gates of the Hwang Mansion slowly opened before them...
Neither of them noticed the four parents standing quietly on the front porch.
Watching the black sedan disappear down the long driveway.
Mrs. Choi's words from a few days ago echoed in Mrs. Hwang's mind.
"Sometimes... relationships don't begin with love."
"Sometimes... they begin with simply spending time together."
The car disappeared beyond the gates.
Inside...
An unfamiliar silence settled between Yerin and Do-hyun.
For the first time...
There were no parents.
No relatives.
No photographers.
No guests.
Just the two of them.
And several hours ahead.
For the first few minutes...
Neither of them spoke.
The city slipped past outside the windows in a blur of evening lights and busy streets.
Soft music played quietly through the speakers.
It wasn't loud enough to fill the silence.
Nor awkward enough to make either of them uncomfortable.
Do-hyun kept both hands on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Beside him...
Yerin sat with her handbag resting neatly on her lap.
Every now and then, she glanced out the window.
Every now and then...
She almost said something.
Then changed her mind.
Five minutes passed.
Then another.
Finally...
Yerin let out a quiet sigh.
"...This is awkward."
Do-hyun's lips curved into a faint smile.
"It is."
She turned toward him in disbelief.
"You admitted it."
"I don't think denying it would help."
She laughed.
"A little honesty."
"I like that."
He glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the road.
"So do I."
The tension between them eased almost instantly.
Another minute passed.
This time...
The silence felt lighter.
Yerin looked out the window again before speaking.
"I thought Emily was actually going to announce our engagement to the entire university today."
Do-hyun chuckled softly.
"So did I."
"I've never seen someone investigate a ring that seriously."
"She missed her calling."
"What do you think it was?"
He thought for a moment.
"...Detective."
She smiled.
"I was thinking prosecutor."
He laughed.
"That suits her better."
"And Min-jae?"
Do-hyun didn't even hesitate.
"Witness."
Yerin frowned playfully.
"Why witness?"
"Because he'd accidentally tell everyone the secret while trying to defend us."
She burst into laughter.
"...You're right."
"He absolutely would."
They both pictured Min-jae standing dramatically in a courtroom.
"Your Honour... they're innocent."
"Also they're secretly engaged."
Yerin laughed even harder.
"I can actually imagine him doing that."
"So can I."
For the first time since getting into the car...
The silence disappeared completely.
Traffic slowed as they approached a busy intersection.
The red traffic light forced the long line of vehicles to stop.
Do-hyun rested one hand casually on the steering wheel.
Yerin looked sideways at him.
"You smiled a lot today."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Did I?"
"More than usual."
"I wasn't aware."
"I noticed."
He glanced toward her.
"You notice a lot."
"So do you."
He smiled.
"I suppose I do."
The light turned green.
The conversation paused naturally as the cars began moving again.
A few minutes later...
Yerin spoke again.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Were you nervous during the engagement?"
He answered honestly.
"...Very."
She looked surprised.
"You didn't look nervous."
"I tried not to."
"I thought you were completely calm."
He shook his head.
"My hands were shaking."
Yerin looked down at her own left hand.
"So were mine."
He smiled softly.
"I noticed."
"You did?"
"When you gave me your hand."
She blinked.
"I thought I hid it."
"You almost did."
She looked away with an embarrassed smile.
"...Great."
He laughed quietly.
"I don't think anyone else noticed."
"I hope not."
"They were too busy watching the rings."
She let out a relieved sigh.
"Good."
Another comfortable silence settled between them.
This one...
Neither of them felt the need to fill immediately.
The city gradually changed around them.
Tall office buildings gave way to elegant shopping districts.
Luxury storefronts reflected the warm glow of the evening sun.
Christmas lights—left hanging long after the holiday season as decorative lighting—twinkled above the streets.
Yerin watched families walking together along the sidewalks.
Children laughed while chasing pigeons across the plaza.
For a brief moment...
Everything felt strangely peaceful.
Without taking his eyes off the road...
Do-hyun suddenly spoke.
"...Can I ask you something now?"
She looked at him.
"Sure."
"When you were trying on dresses for the engagement..."
He paused.
"...Did you actually like the one you wore?"
She thought about it.
"It was beautiful."
"But?"
"But..."
She smiled faintly.
"I didn't choose it."
He nodded slowly.
"I understand."
She looked at him curiously.
"What about your suit?"
"My mother chose it."
"So neither of us really had a choice."
"Not that day."
Yerin looked out the window again.
"I hope today is different."
Do-hyun glanced at her for just a second.
"It will be."
There was something about the certainty in his voice that made her believe him.
Almost thirty minutes after leaving the Hwang Mansion...
The black sedan slowed before an elegant five-storey building with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The words Maison Élise Bridal Atelier were engraved in gold above the entrance.
Warm lights glowed behind the glass, revealing rows of exquisite gowns displayed like works of art.
Luxury cars lined the private parking area.
A valet immediately approached as Do-hyun stepped out.
"Good evening, Mr. Choi."
"Good evening."
He walked around the car and opened the passenger door before Yerin could reach for the handle.
She looked up at him, slightly surprised.
"...Thank you."
He offered a small smile.
"My pleasure."
For a moment...
Neither moved.
Then together...
They looked toward the boutique.
Its elegant entrance suddenly seemed much more intimidating than either of them had expected.
Yerin let out a quiet breath.
"...Ready?"
Do-hyun looked at the golden doors.
Then back at her.
He smiled.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
She laughed softly.
"That sounds familiar."
"I think we've both said that a lot recently."
"We have."
For reasons neither of them could explain...
They both smiled.
Then, side by side...
They walked through the grand glass doors together.
A soft chime echoed through the boutique.
Immediately...
Several impeccably dressed consultants looked up.
One elegant woman in her forties approached with a warm, professional smile.
"Good evening."
She bowed politely.
"Mr. Choi... Miss Hwang."
"We've been expecting you."
Yerin exchanged a quick glance with Do-hyun.
The evening...
Was only just beginning.
The interior of Maison Élise Bridal Atelier looked less like a boutique...
And more like an art gallery.
Warm golden lights illuminated rows of handcrafted wedding gowns displayed on elegant mannequins.
Crystal chandeliers reflected softly against polished white marble floors.
Fresh white lilies filled the air with a delicate fragrance.
Large mirrors framed in champagne gold stood throughout the showroom, making the entire space feel almost dreamlike.
Yerin instinctively slowed her steps.
"...It's beautiful."
The boutique manager smiled proudly.
"Thank you, Miss Hwang."
"Every gown here is handmade."
"Most require between four and eight months to complete."
Emily would have fainted, Yerin thought.
The manager introduced herself with a graceful bow.
"I'm Sophia."
"I'll personally be assisting both of you today."
She gestured toward a comfortable seating area.
"If you don't mind waiting for a few minutes, we'll prepare the first collection."
Do-hyun nodded politely.
"Of course."
An assistant immediately served them tea and a plate of delicate pastries.
Yerin looked at the tiny desserts.
"...They're almost too pretty to eat."
Sophia laughed softly.
"That's what everyone says."
"They still disappear within ten minutes."
Yerin smiled.
"I believe that."
Several assistants disappeared behind a pair of ivory curtains.
Moments later...
They returned carrying three breathtaking gowns.
Sophia looked toward Yerin.
"Shall we begin?"
Yerin stood.
She looked once toward Do-hyun.
He gave her a small encouraging nod.
"You'll be fine."
She smiled.
"I hope so."
Then followed the assistants into the fitting room.
Do-hyun remained seated alone.
An assistant politely offered him a bridal catalogue.
He accepted it...
Only to realise a second later that he wasn't reading a single word.
His attention remained fixed on the fitting room curtain.
He quietly sighed at himself.
"Get a hold of yourself."
Nearly fifteen minutes later...
The curtain slowly parted.
Sophia stepped out first.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
She smiled playfully toward Do-hyun.
"Our first look."
Yerin slowly emerged.
The first gown was elegant.
A fitted satin silhouette with delicate lace sleeves and a long flowing train.
It was sophisticated.
Graceful.
Beautiful.
Sophia smiled.
"What do you think?"
Yerin turned toward the mirror.
She studied herself carefully.
"It's..."
She searched for the right word.
"...Elegant."
"But?"
Sophia asked.
Yerin tilted her head.
"It doesn't feel like me."
Sophia nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand."
She turned toward Do-hyun.
"And you, Mr. Choi?"
Do-hyun looked at Yerin for a long moment before answering honestly.
"It suits her."
"But..."
He hesitated.
"I don't think she's comfortable in it."
Yerin looked at him, surprised.
"How did you know?"
He smiled faintly.
"You've adjusted the sleeves five times."
She blinked.
"...I did?"
"You did."
She looked down.
Sure enough...
Her fingers were absentmindedly smoothing the lace sleeve again.
She laughed in embarrassment.
"I didn't even realise."
Sophia smiled.
"Then let's try the next one."
The second gown was completely different.
Soft layers of tulle flowed gracefully from the waist, while tiny floral details decorated the bodice.
The moment Yerin stepped out...
The assistants collectively smiled.
"It looks wonderful."
"It really does."
Yerin slowly walked toward the mirror.
This time...
She smiled.
"A little."
Sophia noticed immediately.
"Better?"
"A little."
She looked toward Do-hyun.
"What do you think?"
He stood and walked around her once—not critically, but thoughtfully.
His movements were respectful, careful to keep an appropriate distance.
Finally, he stopped.
"It's beautiful."
Yerin waited.
"...And?"
He smiled apologetically.
"I still don't think it's the one."
She looked at him curiously.
"You can tell?"
"I think so."
Sophia folded her arms with an impressed smile.
"You're surprisingly observant, Mr. Choi."
He answered simply,
"I've been paying attention."
The words slipped out naturally.
Only after saying them did he realise what he'd admitted.
Yerin looked at him.
Their eyes met.
Neither said anything.
Sophia hid a knowing smile.
The second dress was carefully packed away.
"One more from the first collection."
Sophia announced.
"I think you'll enjoy this one."
Another ten minutes passed.
When Yerin stepped out this time...
Even she couldn't stop herself from laughing.
The gown was magnificent.
Massive.
Layers upon layers of glittering fabric spread around her like clouds.
The skirt was so wide she could barely walk.
She looked down helplessly.
"...I feel like a wedding cake."
Do-hyun covered his mouth.
Trying very hard not to laugh.
She noticed immediately.
"Don't."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm smiling."
"You're laughing."
"I'm smiling professionally."
She folded her arms.
"You laughed."
"I absolutely did."
One of the assistants couldn't hold it in anymore.
A quiet giggle escaped.
Soon...
The entire room was laughing.
Even Sophia wiped away a tear of amusement.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Hwang."
"But..."
She looked at the enormous gown.
"...I do understand."
Yerin carefully lifted the oversized skirt.
"I can't even see my shoes."
Do-hyun finally gave up.
He laughed.
A real laugh.
Warm.
Natural.
Completely unguarded.
For a moment...
Everyone else disappeared.
Yerin simply looked at him.
She had seen him smile before.
She had heard him chuckle quietly.
But this...
This was different.
It suited him.
Without thinking...
She smiled too.
Not because of the ridiculous dress.
But because...
Seeing him laugh made her want to laugh as well.
Sophia watched the exchange silently.
Then gently clapped her hands.
"I think..."
"...we can eliminate this one."
Yerin nodded immediately.
"Please."
"Immediately."
The room burst into laughter once again.
As the assistants helped Yerin back toward the fitting room...
Sophia walked over to a separate display near the back of the boutique.
She stood there for a long moment, thoughtfully scanning the collection.
Then...
A small smile appeared on her face.
"There is..."
She murmured softly.
"...one gown I've been saving."
Carefully...
She reached for a garment bag unlike the others.
Ivory silk peeked from beneath its protective cover.
She gently lifted it from the rack.
An assistant looked at it and quietly gasped.
"Madam..."
"...The Aurora?"
Sophia nodded.
"Yes."
"I think..."
She glanced toward the fitting room where Yerin had disappeared.
"...we've finally found the right bride for it."
Do-hyun looked toward the garment bag curiously.
He had no idea what made this dress different.
But judging by everyone's expressions...
It was something special.
Very special.
Sophia carefully laid the garment bag across the fitting room sofa.
The assistants gathered around almost instinctively.
One of the younger consultants looked at the label sewn into the inside of the bag.
Her eyes widened.
"...It's really Aurora."
Another assistant smiled.
"I've worked here for two years."
"I've never seen anyone try it on."
Sophia gently unzipped the garment bag.
The room fell quiet.
Slowly...
The gown was revealed.
It wasn't covered in glitter.
There were no oversized bows.
No dramatic embroidery competing for attention.
Instead...
It was breathtaking in its simplicity.
Soft ivory satin flowed effortlessly into delicate layers of silk that seemed almost weightless.
The fitted bodice was embroidered entirely by hand with tiny pearl details so subtle they only shimmered when the light touched them.
The neckline rested gracefully across the shoulders.
Long detachable sleeves, made from sheer silk embroidered with fine floral vines, completed the design.
The train wasn't overly dramatic.
It simply followed naturally behind the dress, elegant without demanding attention.
It didn't try to impress anyone.
It simply...
Was beautiful.
Yerin stood speechless.
Her fingers gently brushed across the satin.
"...It's..."
She couldn't finish.
Sophia smiled.
"It has no name on display."
"We simply call it Aurora."
"It was designed for brides who don't want the dress to wear them."
"They want to remain themselves."
Yerin continued looking at it.
Almost afraid to touch it.
"It feels..."
"...peaceful."
Sophia's smile deepened.
"That's exactly what the designer intended."
Twenty minutes later...
Outside the fitting room...
Do-hyun sat quietly, scrolling absentmindedly through his phone.
He hadn't read a single message.
His attention drifted toward the closed curtain every few seconds.
The assistants walked back and forth, carrying accessories and boxes.
One smiled as she passed him.
"Nervous?"
He looked up.
"...Should I be?"
She laughed softly.
"I think you'll understand in a moment."
"I believe..."
"...we've found something."
She turned toward the fitting room.
The assistants quietly drew back the curtains.
For one heartbeat...
Nothing happened.
Then...
Yerin stepped out.
Time stopped.
At least...
It felt that way.
The boutique disappeared.
The conversations faded.
Even the soft music seemed impossibly distant.
Do-hyun simply stood there.
Unable to breathe.
The ivory satin reflected the warm lights with a soft glow.
Every step she took caused the delicate train to glide effortlessly behind her.
The embroidered pearls shimmered gently like morning dew.
Her hair had been loosely pinned back by the stylists, allowing a few soft curls to frame her face.
There was no extravagant jewellery.
No dramatic veil.
Nothing distracting.
Nothing unnecessary.
Because nothing else was needed.
She looked...
Beautiful.
Not in the way magazines described beauty.
Not in the way photographers chased perfection.
She looked...
Like herself.
Only somehow...
Even more radiant.
Yerin slowed as she reached the large mirror.
She looked at her reflection.
For several long seconds...
She couldn't speak.
Sophia quietly turned toward Do-hyun.
"Mr. Choi?"
No answer.
"...Mr. Choi?"
Still nothing.
The younger assistants exchanged amused glances.
One of them gently hid a smile behind her hand.
Sophia looked toward him.
"...Mr. Choi?"
He blinked.
"...I'm sorry."
"I..."
He looked back at Yerin.
His voice came out quieter than he expected.
"...I forgot what I was supposed to say."
The entire boutique laughed softly.
Yerin looked at him through the mirror.
A faint blush coloured her cheeks.
"...Is it really that bad?"
His eyes widened immediately.
"...Bad?"
He almost looked offended by the question.
"No."
He shook his head once.
Slowly.
"It's..."
He searched for words.
For perhaps the first time in his life...
None came.
Finally...
He smiled.
A genuine...
Unguarded smile.
"...It's perfect."
Silence settled over the boutique.
Not an awkward silence.
A warm one.
Yerin turned fully toward him.
"...Really?"
He nodded without hesitation.
"It looks like..."
He paused.
"...it was made for you."
Her eyes softened.
She looked back toward the mirror.
This time...
She wasn't looking for flaws.
She wasn't wondering what others would think.
She simply looked at herself.
And smiled.
A real smile.
Small.
Gentle.
But completely genuine.
Sophia noticed immediately.
"There it is."
Yerin looked at her.
"...What?"
"The smile."
"The one we've been waiting for."
She walked closer.
"In every other dress..."
"You were trying to see if you could love it."
She gently touched the edge of Aurora's sleeve.
"But this one..."
"...you loved the moment you saw yourself."
Yerin looked back into the mirror.
She couldn't deny it.
She did.
Very much.
One of the assistants stepped forward carrying a delicate cathedral veil.
"May I?"
Yerin nodded.
The veil was carefully placed into her hair.
The moment it settled behind her...
Do-hyun forgot to blink again.
Sophia noticed.
This time...
She smiled knowingly.
"So?"
She asked quietly.
"Should we continue looking?"
Do-hyun answered before Yerin could.
"I don't think we'll find anything better."
The words slipped out naturally.
He hadn't planned to say them.
Yerin looked toward him.
"...You decided that quickly."
He smiled.
"I've been wrong three times today."
"I don't think I am this time."
She laughed softly.
"...I think you're right."
Sophia clapped her hands together happily.
"Wonderful."
She turned toward the assistants.
"Prepare the measurements."
"And reserve Aurora."
The boutique immediately became busy again.
Assistants hurried away carrying measuring tapes and notebooks.
Sophia looked toward Yerin.
"Congratulations."
"I believe..."
"You've just found your wedding dress."
Yerin gently rested her hand against the satin over her heart.
Somehow...
Among dozens of beautiful gowns...
She had found the one that finally felt like her.
And when she looked toward Do-hyun once more...
He was still looking at her.
Not because he was supposed to.
Not because the staff expected him to.
But because...
For the first time...
He couldn't imagine anyone else wearing that dress.
Yerin noticed his gaze.
For a second, neither of them said anything.
Then she looked down at the gown, suddenly aware of how closely he had been watching her.
"...What?"
Do-hyun blinked.
"Nothing."
"You're staring."
"I know."
She raised an eyebrow.
"At least you're honest."
He smiled.
"I've been trying."
Yerin looked away, hiding a small smile.
Sophia watched them from a short distance before deciding not to interrupt.
Instead, she gestured toward the jewellery consultant.
"Let's move on to the final part."
Yerin looked up.
"The jewellery?"
Sophia nodded.
"Your gown is settled."
"Now we need something to complete it."
The jewellery room was quieter than the main showroom.
Soft lights illuminated several glass cases arranged around the walls.
Inside them were necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hairpieces and wedding bands.
Yerin walked slowly beside Do-hyun.
She stopped in front of one display.
A delicate diamond necklace rested against black velvet.
It was beautiful.
But the moment she imagined it with Aurora...
Something felt wrong.
"Too much," she murmured.
Do-hyun looked at it.
"I agree."
She turned toward him.
"You do?"
"It would compete with the dress."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"That's what I thought."
Sophia nodded approvingly.
"Exactly."
She moved toward another display.
"What about pearls?"
Yerin looked over.
A simple pearl necklace and matching earrings rested inside a cream-coloured case.
Her expression softened.
"I like those."
Do-hyun studied them.
"They're simple."
He nodded.
She looked away before he could notice the faint warmth in her cheeks.
After several more options...
They finally narrowed everything down.
The pearl earrings.
A delicate necklace.
A simple bracelet.
Nothing excessive.
Nothing that distracted from the gown.
Sophia carefully arranged the pieces beside a photograph of Aurora.
She stepped back.
"Perfect."
Yerin looked at the arrangement.
For the first time that evening...
Everything felt real.
The dress.
The jewellery.
The wedding.
All of it.
She quietly exhaled.
"That's it."
Sophia smiled.
"Then we have our bride."
Yerin laughed softly.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for that sentence."
Do-hyun glanced toward her.
She looked at him.
He smiled.
And somehow...
That made the weight of the moment feel lighter.
The final decision was the wedding rings.
Sophia brought out several small velvet boxes.
"This one is rather important."
Yerin and Do-hyun sat beside each other at the consultation table.
The first pair was elegant.
The second was more detailed.
The third was simple platinum.
Yerin immediately reached for the third.
"I like these."
Do-hyun looked at them.
"So do I."
She picked up the smaller ring.
It was smooth and understated, with a tiny diamond set inside rather than on the outer surface.
Yerin turned it between her fingers.
"The diamond is hidden."
Sophia smiled.
"Yes."
"It's meant to be something only the wearer knows is there."
Yerin looked at Do-hyun.
"I like that."
He nodded.
"Me too."
She glanced at his ring.
"Does yours have anything?"
He picked it up.
"The engraving."
She looked closer.
Inside the band was a short inscription.
Nothing dramatic.
Just a small date.
The date of their engagement.
Yerin's expression softened.
"They match."
"Exactly."
For a moment...
They simply looked at the rings.
Not the expensive stones.
Not the craftsmanship.
Just the meaning behind them.
Two rings.
Two people.
One decision.
Do-hyun picked up Yerin's ring.
"May I?"
She hesitated for half a second.
Then held out her hand.
He gently slipped the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
Yerin looked down.
Then smiled.
"Perfect."
Do-hyun looked at his own ring.
Then at hers.
"Looks like we finally got something right."
She laughed.
"Finally?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"You're the one who rejected three dresses."
"Because they were terrible."
"One of them looked like a wedding cake."
"You laughed!"
"I was supposed to."
"You were not."
He smiled.
"Fine."
She shook her head, laughing.
For a moment...
They forgot that they were standing in a bridal boutique.
Forgot the wedding.
Forgot their families.
Forgot the expectations surrounding them.
They were simply...
Yerin and Do-hyun.
Laughing together.
By the time they finished, evening had settled over the city.
The boutique staff packed everything carefully.
Aurora would remain at the atelier until the final fitting.
The jewellery would be delivered to the Hwang Mansion.
The rings were placed safely into their respective boxes.
Sophia handed Yerin the final appointment card.
"Your fitting is scheduled for three days from now."
Yerin nodded.
"I'll be there."
Sophia smiled.
"And Mr. Choi?"
Do-hyun looked up.
"Yes?"
"Don't forget to breathe next time."
Yerin immediately laughed.
Do-hyun sighed.
"I'll try."
Sophia smiled knowingly.
"I'll hold you to that."
Outside the boutique...
The evening air was cooler.
The city lights had replaced the golden afternoon glow.
Do-hyun unlocked the car.
Yerin stood beside him for a moment.
Neither seemed eager to get inside immediately.
She looked back at the illuminated boutique.
"I can't believe we actually chose everything."
"Me neither."
She looked at her hand.
The new ring caught the light.
"It's strange."
"What is?"
"Seeing this."
She turned the ring slightly.
"Knowing that in a week..."
She stopped.
Do-hyun finished the sentence quietly.
"We'll be married."
Neither laughed this time.
The words felt different now.
More real.
Yerin looked toward him.
"Are you scared?"
He thought about it.
"A Little."
She smiled faintly.
"Good."
He looked at her.
"Good?"
"Because I am too."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Then we're even."
She nodded.
"We are."
He opened the passenger door for her.
"Come on."
She got inside.
Before closing the door, she looked up at him.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For today."
He paused.
Then smiled.
"You're welcome."
He closed the door gently.
The drive back was quieter than the journey there.
But this silence wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
Yerin rested her head lightly against the window.
She looked down at her ring once more.
Across the car...
Do-hyun glanced at her reflection in the window.
He didn't say anything.
Neither did she.
But both were thinking about the same thing.
One week.
Only one week.
When they finally reached the Hwang Mansion, the front lights were glowing warmly against the dark sky.
Do-hyun parked near the entrance.
Yerin unfastened her seat belt.
Before she could open the door...
Do-hyun spoke.
"Yerin."
She turned.
"Hm?"
He looked at her for a moment.
Then said simply,
"I think today was..."
He paused.
"...good."
She smiled.
"It was."
Another pause.
"Good night, Do-hyun."
"Good night."
She stepped out.
He watched until she reached the front door.
Just before entering...
Yerin turned around.
Do-hyun was still there.
Their eyes met through the windshield.
She smiled.
He smiled back.
Then she disappeared inside.
Do-hyun waited another few seconds before starting the car.
Inside the mansion...
The moment Yerin entered...
Her family was waiting.
Ji-hoon looked up from the sofa.
"Well?"
Yerin stopped.
Everyone stared at her.
Mrs. Hwang stood immediately.
"Did you choose one?"
Grandmother Hwang smiled.
"Tell us."
Yerin hugged her handbag against herself.
"No."
Ji-hoon frowned.
"You didn't choose anything?"
She shook her head.
"I chose everything."
His eyes widened.
"Then show us!"
Yerin immediately shook her head.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because..."
She smiled.
"I want you to see it on the wedding day."
Her mother's expression softened.
She understood immediately.
"Alright."
"We'll wait."
Yerin smiled.
"Thank you."
Ji-hoon groaned.
"That's cruel."
She laughed.
"Yes I know but you will still survive."
"Will I?"
"Probably."
He pointed at her.
"I'm remembering this."
Yerin laughed as she headed upstairs.
For once...
She didn't feel like she was running toward something she feared.
She felt like she was walking toward something she didn't completely understand yet.
But perhaps...
For the first time...
She wanted to find out.
Across the city...
Do-hyun stepped into the Choi Mansion.
His mother was waiting.
The moment she saw him...
She smiled.
"Well?"
Do-hyun stopped.
"Well what?"
Mrs. Choi narrowed her eyes.
"Don't pretend."
"Did you choose the dress?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
"And?"
He took out his phone.
A photograph of Aurora appeared on the screen.
His mother stared.
For several seconds...
She said nothing.
Then her expression softened.
"Oh..."
"It's beautiful."
Do-hyun smiled faintly.
"Yerin chose it."
Mrs. Choi looked at him.
"And you liked it?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Hm."
She smiled.
"I knew you would."
He slipped his phone back into his pocket.
His mother looked at him carefully.
"You're changing."
Do-hyun frowned.
"How?"
She smiled.
"You used to talk about this wedding like it was something happening to you."
"And now?"
She looked at him warmly.
"Now you sound like someone who's actually going to it."
He didn't answer.
But the faint smile on his face was enough.
That night...
Two houses fell quiet.
Two families prepared for the same wedding.
And in two separate bedrooms...
Two people lay awake longer than they wanted to admit.
Yerin looked at the ring on her finger.
Do-hyun looked at his.
Neither knew what the coming week would bring.
Neither knew how much their lives were about to change.
But somewhere between a ridiculous wedding dress...
A quiet car ride...
A simple ring...
And one unforgettable look across a bridal boutique...
Something had shifted.
Something neither of them had planned.
Something neither of them was ready to name.
And perhaps...
That was exactly how it was supposed to begin.
...To Be Continued...