/A Perfect Day for A Love Declaration/ Day Twenty
a perfect day for a love declaration
day twenty ★ when everything will be alright
The elevator opened with a ‘ping’ as I reached the top floor of Shim Incorporation’s Founder and CEO. I gripped my bag towards me, taking a deep breath as I stepped outside the elevator and into the hallway. A pretty lady dressed in stylish corporate black nodded towards me and I walked towards her. “I’m Im Yoona. I arranged for a meeting with President Shim this morning.” I said, (thankfully) my tone even and clear.
The lady nodded her head once and pressed a number on her phone. “Yes, a Miss Im Yoona is here, sir.” She announced, taking a short look at me from head to toe. I felt uncomfortable under her gaze but shook it off as she nodded once again and put down the phone. “President Shim will see you in a moment. Please take a seat.”
I sat silently into one of the chairs in front of the lady, and looked around me tentatively. The room was clean and stark white: White tiles, white walls, white chairs. If not for the dark colored ceiling and table where the secretary sat, I would have thought that I was in a mental institution. Not another moment later, a door opened and a pair of men came out. One of them I instantly recognized as Yuri’s father since I had met him before at Yuri’s coming out party. The other man, however, was tall, robust and had a stern face - exactly how I pictured Changmin’s father to look like.
He looked at me as he shook hands with Mr. Kwon, and my hands immediately clenched on my knees. I dared to look back, even though my heart was already drumming in my ears. Calm down, Yoona. I took a deep breath and stood up just as the men started moving towards the elevator.
“President Shim. Mr. Kwon. Good morning.” I greeted, bowing to them.
“Miss Im, it’s nice to see you again,” Mr. Kwon said, bowing as well. Changmin’s father said nothing but bowed as well. Mr. Kwon shook my hand firmly, smiling. “I’ve heard from my wife that the food your service is preparing is perfectly exquisite. I hope I’ll be able to get a sample tonight at the rehearsal dinner.”
I smiled back, bowing once again in thanks. “Thank you for your kind words, sir. I’m sure you’ll be able to eat some tonight.”
“Wonderful,” he nodded, then turned back to President Shim, “Well then, Mr. Shim... after tomorrow’s festivities we’ll finish the merger and join our businesses together. I’ll see you tonight at the dinner.”
“Yes. See you tonight,” Changmin’s father replied, his eyes wandering towards my tense figure for a moment as Mr. Kwon entered the elevator. Once the doors closed, he turned back to me. My hands felt clammy instantly but I held my ground and looked back at him.
He watched me silently for a moment, before turning to his secretary. He motioned at her and she nodded, standing up to walk past us towards another room. He started to walk back towards his office, then stopped halfway to look back at me again. “Miss Im Yoona?”
“Y-yes.” I said, my throat tightening for a split second. He smirked slightly, and nodded his head.
“Come in. We should talk.” With a slight tilt of his head, he motioned towards the office and I followed him. Inside, the room was of a darker color - plain walls, sturdy furniture, a bountiful bookcase and no pictures. Changmin’s father walked towards his window, his hands on his back as he surveyed the view. I stood anxiously a few feet from his desk, waiting for him to speak again.
“So you are Im Yoona.” He started, not turning to look at me (thankfully). “The girl who almost derailed my otherwise perfect son from his future in this company back in college.” He scoffed, shaking his head - taking a few steps back towards his desk to sit on his chair. I held my breath as he finally looked at me again with his dark eyes.
“I am Im Yoona, sir.” I said slowly, straightening my back. I ignored his comment about Changmin’s almost ‘derailment’ and instead continued, “I was your son’s classmates in college, yes.”
“Hmm,” he murmured, motioning for me to sit down. I did on one of the dark chairs in front of his desk, and tuck my legs under the chair. “And what do I owe the pleasure of your asking for my time?”
I breathed deeply. “I wanted to correct any misunderstandings you might have considered of me and Changmin.”
“And what misunderstandings would those be?” He asked, smirking from the side of his mouth. I could myself shrink into my seat as he continued. “You... are simply an acquaintance as far as I’m concerned. As long as Changmin is marrying to someone of his rank, I won’t concern myself of you or anyone else.”
His words stung but I was determined not to let the distress show on my face. I folded my hands on my lap and raised my eyes towards him.
“I’m sorry, sir but Changmin is very special to me. I would never want to see him jeopardize his future or happiness. And I would never get in the way if I thought things are as they should be...” I bit my lip, steeling myself to be strong. “But your son is miserable, and he’s-he’s my friend.”
“Friend? Really? You think of him as a friend?” He laughed a dark kind of laugh. It sent cold shivers down my arms at the sound. “Who do you think you’re talking to, Miss? I am not a simpleton,” He barked, standing up and towering over me. I gripped my hands on my knees and said nothing. Meanwhile, he raged on.
“I know who you were to him back then and I know who you are to him now. He almost ruined his life four years ago by buying a ring and planning to propose to you-you of all people! A girl from a nobody’s family.”
Propose? My breath caught in my throat as the pieces fell together.
“He caught me planning something for you that day that he didn’t quite like.”
-
“I loved you each day I was away-- You were never away from my mind.”
I blinked back tears that were starting to form. He was going to propose. Closing my eyes for a moment, I let Changmin’s father’s biting words pass me while I thought of everything that had happened these past years. I thought of Changmin and his words the night before, my heart swelling in joy and sadness. I put my hand on my heart and let out a breath.
“He would have regretted every moment in the future if I hadn’t intervened.” He slammed his hand on his desk, causing me to jump slightly at the sound. “I know my son. How dare you try to lecture me about my son’s happiness!”
“I love him!” I yelled, standing abruptly to face him in the eye. He took a step back in surprise. “I love him very much, sir. I loved him then, and now. I’ll probably love him forever, to be honest - but I didn’t come here to ruin any of your plans for him or your company.”
Breathing deeply, I calmed myself. “I came here to tell you that you don’t have to keep an eye on him any longer because he’s getting married tomorrow and I won’t be there to destroy it for you. You don’t have to send those men around him all time to keep him from me, because I-I’ll stay away.”
He regarded me behind those cold eyes of his and said nothing, sinking back into his seat slowly. I let out the breath I was holding and bowed. “I’m sorry if this meeting has been a waste of time. But now that I’ve said what I needed to say, I’ll leave now.”
Without another word, I turned on my heel and started walking towards the door. Just as my hand reached for the door knob; President Shim - Changmin’s father - spoke again, “You would stay away for him? Do you truly love him this much that you’d risk hurting yourself to see him marry someone else?”
I looked back at him and nodded. He sighed, rubbing a hand on his temple. “Why?”
“Because.” I sighed, my shoulders slumping slightly as I opened the door a crack. I choked back a sob as I swallowed my pain.
“I love your son....” I put my hand over my heart. “And his happiness matters more to me than my own.”
I tapped my foot impatiently, checking time on my watch and cursing Kibum silently for being late. I was standing (and looking ridiculous in a white tuxedo) inside the dressing room of the place where I had my groom’s attired fitted for the wedding. Kibum was my best man and naturally had to fit his suit as well before the wedding; however he was nowhere to be seen.
I tried calling him for the nth time and received another busy tone. I groaned, rubbing my temple with my fingers. “I’m going to kill him when he shows up.” I said, shaking my head as the tailor re-appeared to adjust a sleeve.
“Hey, Changmin.” Donghae greeted, waving slightly as he sauntered into the room. He put down his bag and nodded towards the tailor. He took Kibum’s clothes from the rack and headed towards a fitting room.
“Kibum couldn’t make his fitting today, but since we were the same size - he figured I would take his place in the mean time.” He explained once he got out of the room and faced the mirror.
I stared at him in surprise, blinking for a while before snapping out of it. He smirked in my direction as he fitted Kibum’s jacket and turned sideways. “Wow, I look so much better in a suit.” Donghae said, grinning and winking at himself in the mirror.
“Good for you,” I replied, sarcastically and he laughed.
“How are things with Yoona?” He asked suddenly, adjusting the lapels of the suit’s jacket. “We broke up a few days ago, you know. I thought you’d have known by now and went after her.”
I shook my head, staring at myself intently on the mirror. “I didn’t know you two broke up, and I wouldn’t have done anything if I did.”
Donghae raised an eyebrow at me. “Dude, what is wrong with you?” he said, shaking his head. “You’ve been in love with her since practically forever. I’m not stupid to not see that plain fact. Exactly how many times do you have to hear people tell you to go for it?”
This time it was my turn to laugh out loud. “Probably a million more times,” I said jokingly, “or if my father ever tells me the same thing.”
“Man, you’re just the perfect son aren’t ya?” He said, sighing exasperatedly. I shrugged.
“I love my father.” My tone was hinted with resentment but it was true. I let out a breath. “It sucks, I’m telling you. But I understand my responsibilities to my family and-Yoona deserves better anyway.”
“No,” Donghae said softly. I looked at him curiously. “She deserves you. It’s always going to be you.”
I decided not to reply and for the rest of our time at the tailor’s, we didn’t say a word. It was already past lunch when we left, and I had only a few hours to get back to some paperwork I had left for the firm before getting ready for the rehearsal dinner. Donghae walked silently beside me as I approached my car, before suddenly speaking just as I opened the door.
“Promise me something, Changmin,” He said, pulling on the strap of his bag. His tone and expression was serious and I stood, waiting for him to continue. “Promise me that if your wedding doesn’t go through tomorrow - you’ll run after Yoona and marry her - like you planned to from way before.”
“I’m definitely going to kill Kibum when I see him.” I said under my breath, rolling my eyes. Donghae shrugged, smiling slightly before becoming solemn again.
“I’m serious, Changmin. Promise me you’ll finally take your shot.”
I considered his words, and thought of Yoona (“I don’t regret everything that’s happened. I don’t regret... because I love you too.”) - of her smile, her laugh, her tears. I nodded, smiling. “I promise.” I said, “But promise me this - if the wedding does come through, you have to take care of her for me.”
I held out my hand to shake his. He stared at me for a moment before shaking my hand. “A pact between men,” he said and I laughed.
Donghae is a good guy, after all.
“Yoona!”
It was late in the afternoon, and the air was cold. I was just about to enter my apartment when a voice called for me and I froze when I instantly recognized whose it was. I turned slowly to face Yuri, who was panting and whose hair was in disarray from running. She stopped a feet or two away, a hand on her hip and the other fanning herself. “It’s good that you’re here. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Why?” I asked, wrinkling my brow in confusion. I took note of her attire and considered it to be indoor clothes and not fit for the weather at the moment. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your rehearsal? It’s already five in the afternoon.”
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around me. I stood, shock still, at the sudden movement and remained silent. I was frozen to my spot when her arms loosened and she stepped away, grinning from ear to ear.
“I’m so proud of you.” She said, wrapping her hands around mine. Yuri had tears in her eyes, and it made me wonder what exactly she was talking about.
“What? Yuri, are you alright? You should get going. You have a rehearsal.” I said, shaking my head and removing my hand from hers. I ran a hand through my hair and pulled my jacket a little closer to my body. “You’ll catch a cold if you stay outside for too long in this weather.”
“I’m going to the rehearsal, yes. Oh but-” Yuri said, not really minding the iciness of the air and hugged me once more. “Everything will be alright.”
“Yuri... what are you talking about?” I asked, relaxing into her hug without meaning to. She pulled away and shook her head, winking.
“You’ll see.” As quickly as she had come, Yuri turned and bounded away - laughing, skipping then shouting to repeat her words: “Everything will be alright.”
I couldn’t help but smile back, just a little bit.
“Then after you exchange rings, I’ll say a few more words then announce your union.” The priest drawled, motioning to Yuri and me standing beneath his feet. I fought to stay awake throughout the rehearsal, while Yuri seemed to have her head in the clouds.
“And then we end the ceremony with a kiss, and voila! You are pronounced man and wife.” He said in a flourish, coaxing Yuri and I to come closer together. I rolled my eyes, rooted to my spot and (thankfully) to my surprise, Yuri stayed on hers.
“Thank you, Father.” She said, happily - clasping her hands together and grinning from ear to ear. Yuri winked at me before turning to face Sooyoung who was laughing at her upbeat mood.
The rehearsal ended with that and as our parents talked to the priest, I sat down at one of the pews and sighed deeply. Kibum sat next to me a moment later, clapping my shoulder in greeting. He arrived late for the rehearsal and so I couldn’t kill him for telling Donghae about the almost proposal. I was prepared to wipe that smug grin off of his face when he suddenly pulled me into a hug.
“What the hell.” I exclaimed, pulling away abruptly. I bowed three times to the cross and then turned back to a laughing Kim Kibum.
“Don’t mind us, everybody!” He called, waving off the curious stares we received from my parents and Yuri’s, the priest and of the girls (Yuri, Sooyoung and Yeonhee were huddled at a corner, shaking their heads at us). Kibum ruffled my hair excitedly and continued grinning like a crazy person.
“Don’t look so distressed, Shim. Lighten up!” He said, leaning back against the pew.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m getting married to someone I don’t love. I think I’m allowed to be a little bit distressed.”
“Everything will be alright, Shim.” Kibum reassured me, giving me a side hug and winking. I only rolled my eyes at him again.
“Really?” I deadpanned.
Kibum nodded. “Really.” He stretched his limbs (arms and legs) and sighed contentedly. I couldn’t help but smile back a little bit.
“Everything will be alright.”
- - NOTE: First update of the year, and this fic is ending. ;~; No worries. It will be a happy ending. ♥ Let me know what you think!
day twenty ★ when everything will be alright
The elevator opened with a ‘ping’ as I reached the top floor of Shim Incorporation’s Founder and CEO. I gripped my bag towards me, taking a deep breath as I stepped outside the elevator and into the hallway. A pretty lady dressed in stylish corporate black nodded towards me and I walked towards her. “I’m Im Yoona. I arranged for a meeting with President Shim this morning.” I said, (thankfully) my tone even and clear.
The lady nodded her head once and pressed a number on her phone. “Yes, a Miss Im Yoona is here, sir.” She announced, taking a short look at me from head to toe. I felt uncomfortable under her gaze but shook it off as she nodded once again and put down the phone. “President Shim will see you in a moment. Please take a seat.”
I sat silently into one of the chairs in front of the lady, and looked around me tentatively. The room was clean and stark white: White tiles, white walls, white chairs. If not for the dark colored ceiling and table where the secretary sat, I would have thought that I was in a mental institution. Not another moment later, a door opened and a pair of men came out. One of them I instantly recognized as Yuri’s father since I had met him before at Yuri’s coming out party. The other man, however, was tall, robust and had a stern face - exactly how I pictured Changmin’s father to look like.
He looked at me as he shook hands with Mr. Kwon, and my hands immediately clenched on my knees. I dared to look back, even though my heart was already drumming in my ears. Calm down, Yoona. I took a deep breath and stood up just as the men started moving towards the elevator.
“President Shim. Mr. Kwon. Good morning.” I greeted, bowing to them.
“Miss Im, it’s nice to see you again,” Mr. Kwon said, bowing as well. Changmin’s father said nothing but bowed as well. Mr. Kwon shook my hand firmly, smiling. “I’ve heard from my wife that the food your service is preparing is perfectly exquisite. I hope I’ll be able to get a sample tonight at the rehearsal dinner.”
I smiled back, bowing once again in thanks. “Thank you for your kind words, sir. I’m sure you’ll be able to eat some tonight.”
“Wonderful,” he nodded, then turned back to President Shim, “Well then, Mr. Shim... after tomorrow’s festivities we’ll finish the merger and join our businesses together. I’ll see you tonight at the dinner.”
“Yes. See you tonight,” Changmin’s father replied, his eyes wandering towards my tense figure for a moment as Mr. Kwon entered the elevator. Once the doors closed, he turned back to me. My hands felt clammy instantly but I held my ground and looked back at him.
He watched me silently for a moment, before turning to his secretary. He motioned at her and she nodded, standing up to walk past us towards another room. He started to walk back towards his office, then stopped halfway to look back at me again. “Miss Im Yoona?”
“Y-yes.” I said, my throat tightening for a split second. He smirked slightly, and nodded his head.
“Come in. We should talk.” With a slight tilt of his head, he motioned towards the office and I followed him. Inside, the room was of a darker color - plain walls, sturdy furniture, a bountiful bookcase and no pictures. Changmin’s father walked towards his window, his hands on his back as he surveyed the view. I stood anxiously a few feet from his desk, waiting for him to speak again.
“So you are Im Yoona.” He started, not turning to look at me (thankfully). “The girl who almost derailed my otherwise perfect son from his future in this company back in college.” He scoffed, shaking his head - taking a few steps back towards his desk to sit on his chair. I held my breath as he finally looked at me again with his dark eyes.
“I am Im Yoona, sir.” I said slowly, straightening my back. I ignored his comment about Changmin’s almost ‘derailment’ and instead continued, “I was your son’s classmates in college, yes.”
“Hmm,” he murmured, motioning for me to sit down. I did on one of the dark chairs in front of his desk, and tuck my legs under the chair. “And what do I owe the pleasure of your asking for my time?”
I breathed deeply. “I wanted to correct any misunderstandings you might have considered of me and Changmin.”
“And what misunderstandings would those be?” He asked, smirking from the side of his mouth. I could myself shrink into my seat as he continued. “You... are simply an acquaintance as far as I’m concerned. As long as Changmin is marrying to someone of his rank, I won’t concern myself of you or anyone else.”
His words stung but I was determined not to let the distress show on my face. I folded my hands on my lap and raised my eyes towards him.
“I’m sorry, sir but Changmin is very special to me. I would never want to see him jeopardize his future or happiness. And I would never get in the way if I thought things are as they should be...” I bit my lip, steeling myself to be strong. “But your son is miserable, and he’s-he’s my friend.”
“Friend? Really? You think of him as a friend?” He laughed a dark kind of laugh. It sent cold shivers down my arms at the sound. “Who do you think you’re talking to, Miss? I am not a simpleton,” He barked, standing up and towering over me. I gripped my hands on my knees and said nothing. Meanwhile, he raged on.
“I know who you were to him back then and I know who you are to him now. He almost ruined his life four years ago by buying a ring and planning to propose to you-you of all people! A girl from a nobody’s family.”
Propose? My breath caught in my throat as the pieces fell together.
“He caught me planning something for you that day that he didn’t quite like.”
-
“I loved you each day I was away-- You were never away from my mind.”
I blinked back tears that were starting to form. He was going to propose. Closing my eyes for a moment, I let Changmin’s father’s biting words pass me while I thought of everything that had happened these past years. I thought of Changmin and his words the night before, my heart swelling in joy and sadness. I put my hand on my heart and let out a breath.
“He would have regretted every moment in the future if I hadn’t intervened.” He slammed his hand on his desk, causing me to jump slightly at the sound. “I know my son. How dare you try to lecture me about my son’s happiness!”
“I love him!” I yelled, standing abruptly to face him in the eye. He took a step back in surprise. “I love him very much, sir. I loved him then, and now. I’ll probably love him forever, to be honest - but I didn’t come here to ruin any of your plans for him or your company.”
Breathing deeply, I calmed myself. “I came here to tell you that you don’t have to keep an eye on him any longer because he’s getting married tomorrow and I won’t be there to destroy it for you. You don’t have to send those men around him all time to keep him from me, because I-I’ll stay away.”
He regarded me behind those cold eyes of his and said nothing, sinking back into his seat slowly. I let out the breath I was holding and bowed. “I’m sorry if this meeting has been a waste of time. But now that I’ve said what I needed to say, I’ll leave now.”
Without another word, I turned on my heel and started walking towards the door. Just as my hand reached for the door knob; President Shim - Changmin’s father - spoke again, “You would stay away for him? Do you truly love him this much that you’d risk hurting yourself to see him marry someone else?”
I looked back at him and nodded. He sighed, rubbing a hand on his temple. “Why?”
“Because.” I sighed, my shoulders slumping slightly as I opened the door a crack. I choked back a sob as I swallowed my pain.
“I love your son....” I put my hand over my heart. “And his happiness matters more to me than my own.”
I tapped my foot impatiently, checking time on my watch and cursing Kibum silently for being late. I was standing (and looking ridiculous in a white tuxedo) inside the dressing room of the place where I had my groom’s attired fitted for the wedding. Kibum was my best man and naturally had to fit his suit as well before the wedding; however he was nowhere to be seen.
I tried calling him for the nth time and received another busy tone. I groaned, rubbing my temple with my fingers. “I’m going to kill him when he shows up.” I said, shaking my head as the tailor re-appeared to adjust a sleeve.
“Hey, Changmin.” Donghae greeted, waving slightly as he sauntered into the room. He put down his bag and nodded towards the tailor. He took Kibum’s clothes from the rack and headed towards a fitting room.
“Kibum couldn’t make his fitting today, but since we were the same size - he figured I would take his place in the mean time.” He explained once he got out of the room and faced the mirror.
I stared at him in surprise, blinking for a while before snapping out of it. He smirked in my direction as he fitted Kibum’s jacket and turned sideways. “Wow, I look so much better in a suit.” Donghae said, grinning and winking at himself in the mirror.
“Good for you,” I replied, sarcastically and he laughed.
“How are things with Yoona?” He asked suddenly, adjusting the lapels of the suit’s jacket. “We broke up a few days ago, you know. I thought you’d have known by now and went after her.”
I shook my head, staring at myself intently on the mirror. “I didn’t know you two broke up, and I wouldn’t have done anything if I did.”
Donghae raised an eyebrow at me. “Dude, what is wrong with you?” he said, shaking his head. “You’ve been in love with her since practically forever. I’m not stupid to not see that plain fact. Exactly how many times do you have to hear people tell you to go for it?”
This time it was my turn to laugh out loud. “Probably a million more times,” I said jokingly, “or if my father ever tells me the same thing.”
“Man, you’re just the perfect son aren’t ya?” He said, sighing exasperatedly. I shrugged.
“I love my father.” My tone was hinted with resentment but it was true. I let out a breath. “It sucks, I’m telling you. But I understand my responsibilities to my family and-Yoona deserves better anyway.”
“No,” Donghae said softly. I looked at him curiously. “She deserves you. It’s always going to be you.”
I decided not to reply and for the rest of our time at the tailor’s, we didn’t say a word. It was already past lunch when we left, and I had only a few hours to get back to some paperwork I had left for the firm before getting ready for the rehearsal dinner. Donghae walked silently beside me as I approached my car, before suddenly speaking just as I opened the door.
“Promise me something, Changmin,” He said, pulling on the strap of his bag. His tone and expression was serious and I stood, waiting for him to continue. “Promise me that if your wedding doesn’t go through tomorrow - you’ll run after Yoona and marry her - like you planned to from way before.”
“I’m definitely going to kill Kibum when I see him.” I said under my breath, rolling my eyes. Donghae shrugged, smiling slightly before becoming solemn again.
“I’m serious, Changmin. Promise me you’ll finally take your shot.”
I considered his words, and thought of Yoona (“I don’t regret everything that’s happened. I don’t regret... because I love you too.”) - of her smile, her laugh, her tears. I nodded, smiling. “I promise.” I said, “But promise me this - if the wedding does come through, you have to take care of her for me.”
I held out my hand to shake his. He stared at me for a moment before shaking my hand. “A pact between men,” he said and I laughed.
Donghae is a good guy, after all.
“Yoona!”
It was late in the afternoon, and the air was cold. I was just about to enter my apartment when a voice called for me and I froze when I instantly recognized whose it was. I turned slowly to face Yuri, who was panting and whose hair was in disarray from running. She stopped a feet or two away, a hand on her hip and the other fanning herself. “It’s good that you’re here. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Why?” I asked, wrinkling my brow in confusion. I took note of her attire and considered it to be indoor clothes and not fit for the weather at the moment. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your rehearsal? It’s already five in the afternoon.”
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around me. I stood, shock still, at the sudden movement and remained silent. I was frozen to my spot when her arms loosened and she stepped away, grinning from ear to ear.
“I’m so proud of you.” She said, wrapping her hands around mine. Yuri had tears in her eyes, and it made me wonder what exactly she was talking about.
“What? Yuri, are you alright? You should get going. You have a rehearsal.” I said, shaking my head and removing my hand from hers. I ran a hand through my hair and pulled my jacket a little closer to my body. “You’ll catch a cold if you stay outside for too long in this weather.”
“I’m going to the rehearsal, yes. Oh but-” Yuri said, not really minding the iciness of the air and hugged me once more. “Everything will be alright.”
“Yuri... what are you talking about?” I asked, relaxing into her hug without meaning to. She pulled away and shook her head, winking.
“You’ll see.” As quickly as she had come, Yuri turned and bounded away - laughing, skipping then shouting to repeat her words: “Everything will be alright.”
I couldn’t help but smile back, just a little bit.
“Then after you exchange rings, I’ll say a few more words then announce your union.” The priest drawled, motioning to Yuri and me standing beneath his feet. I fought to stay awake throughout the rehearsal, while Yuri seemed to have her head in the clouds.
“And then we end the ceremony with a kiss, and voila! You are pronounced man and wife.” He said in a flourish, coaxing Yuri and I to come closer together. I rolled my eyes, rooted to my spot and (thankfully) to my surprise, Yuri stayed on hers.
“Thank you, Father.” She said, happily - clasping her hands together and grinning from ear to ear. Yuri winked at me before turning to face Sooyoung who was laughing at her upbeat mood.
The rehearsal ended with that and as our parents talked to the priest, I sat down at one of the pews and sighed deeply. Kibum sat next to me a moment later, clapping my shoulder in greeting. He arrived late for the rehearsal and so I couldn’t kill him for telling Donghae about the almost proposal. I was prepared to wipe that smug grin off of his face when he suddenly pulled me into a hug.
“What the hell.” I exclaimed, pulling away abruptly. I bowed three times to the cross and then turned back to a laughing Kim Kibum.
“Don’t mind us, everybody!” He called, waving off the curious stares we received from my parents and Yuri’s, the priest and of the girls (Yuri, Sooyoung and Yeonhee were huddled at a corner, shaking their heads at us). Kibum ruffled my hair excitedly and continued grinning like a crazy person.
“Don’t look so distressed, Shim. Lighten up!” He said, leaning back against the pew.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m getting married to someone I don’t love. I think I’m allowed to be a little bit distressed.”
“Everything will be alright, Shim.” Kibum reassured me, giving me a side hug and winking. I only rolled my eyes at him again.
“Really?” I deadpanned.
Kibum nodded. “Really.” He stretched his limbs (arms and legs) and sighed contentedly. I couldn’t help but smile back a little bit.
“Everything will be alright.”
- - NOTE: First update of the year, and this fic is ending. ;~; No worries. It will be a happy ending. ♥ Let me know what you think!