.

.

.

Dawns leap by, like promised, Jeongguk stayed ever so true to his words. It was as if he had received a sense of conclusion, a much needed closure. The singer resumed his work life, although kept himself busier to prevent those occasional weak moments.

A fine morning it was, Jeongguk was on his way downstairs to grab a quick bite of breakfast. But, he was welcomed by a startled Jimin the instant he sprung the door to his room.

JM : You scared me!

Jeongguk observed his peculiar formal suit and use of an expensive cologne, as he carried himself outside in the corridor.

JK : Are you going somewhere?

JM : "We" are going down to Busan, and 'we' as in Hoseok Hyung, Taehyung-ie, you and I. Others are caught up with different schedules.

Jeongguk strained his temple to recall if there was a Busan schedule anywhere in the week.

JK : Huh? Why Busan suddenly?

Jimin expected his oblivion. Since, he played a part in that too.

JM : Today... Today is Ha Na's wedding. She asked to keep it a secret till the morning of the event.

From a confusion, Jeongguk's expression turned stern and flustered.

JK : Noona's wedding?! Hyung, I told you we had it all settled that night.

Anticipating the younger's disbelief and frustration, Jimin softly presented the explanation Jeongguk was missing.

JM : I know. But, she didn't call off the wedding. Everything continued to progress as planned, precisely without your knowledge.

Jeongguk, for a second, felt his senses shutting down. He remained still and shook his head to snap out of it.

JM : I still wanted to tell you, but she sounded so firm and sincere, I couldn't just drop her request. Hyung is sorry, Jeongguk-ah.

He chuckled bitterly, a hopelessness characterizing his demeanor.
How every single person worked against him; it was ridiculously disgraceful. How, despite it being exceedingly difficult for him, he was trying all the more hard to keep his words to Ha Na and respect the distance. How he had swallowed the sour potion of right morals, just for her sake. Nevertheless, it was not enough. It was all to no avail.

He was crestfallen at the sheer disrespect his desperate efforts were shown. He felt repulsed. He felt defeated.

JM : You are coming with us, right?

Jimin's nudge stirred Jeongguk awake from his confound and overwhelmed daze.

JK : I received such a terrific invitation. Of course, I should go. Give me ten minutes.

With that, the youngest walked back into his room. Jimin rubbed his forehead, anticipating the weight of his exasperation throughout the day.

Inside the room, Jeongguk located the invitation card that had first delivered the news about Ha Na's marriage. The card lying around at a careless crevice of his study, he picked it up and read the names and date. It matched.

He scoffed with a bitter disdain and crumbled it in his fist. In utter ire and vex, the singer hurled it in the bin, and walked towards his wardrobe.

During the entire communte of five hours, Jeongguk did not utter a single word. Traveling by road, the ambience inside the vehicle was awfully silent and sombre.

The others beside Jimin had faint idea about the whole situation, and felt inadequate to console the youngest. Jimin, being the only one most acquainted, also remained silent-feeling remorseful about keeping Jeongguk in darkness. He did not dare to fire up the flickering embers of Jeongguk's indignation; letting him be. The latter dejectedly fixed his gaze outside the window, holding tight on the chaos of spiraling emotions tangling and detangling under his formidable tranquility.

.

.

Ji Won: Ay, you all are here!

Hoseok : Oh, Noona! When did you arrive?

Ji Won : Not long ago. Just back from the waiting-room. White must be her color, Han-ie looks absolutely breathtaking!

Jeongguk immediately took a step back from the gather and began walking towards the bridal ward. Jimin, taking his leave from others, followed Jeongguk.

JM : Jeongguk-ah, stop! What more do you want to do?

Jeongguk forcefully got turned by Jimin, the former looked at him in the eye. Jimin noticed the pain reflecting from those eyes. It was not anger. But, an unfathomable pain.

JK : Hyung... I feel like I can't breathe. I really need to see her once.

Jimin yielded to the younger's soft and laden voice. He let go of his arm and nodded with an air of understanding. Jeongguk walked along the straight and empty corridor, while Jimin sighed long staring at him. Even his walk characterised a peculiar despondency.

Noticing a mild commotion at the distance, Jimin followed quickly towards Jeongguk's rescue. His parents, just leaving the room, had thwarted Jeongguk's approach.

JM : Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jeon. It's been a long time.

Mrs.Jeon : Oh, Jimin-ah, so good to see you made it.

JM : Yes, in fact everyone's here. The guests are waiting for you at the entrance.

Reminded of the vacant reception area, Mrs.Jeon led Mr. Jeon to receive the guests. But before, they walked away, the father sharpened his voice to Jeongguk.

Mr.Jeon : Remember that it's her wedding today.

Jeongguk projected zero expression to his father, pricked simply at the word that everyone annoyingly fixated. A piercing silence later, Jimin, with an awkward assurance about Jeongguk, formally gestured the couple away from him.

Walking with the parents, Jimin looked back to see Jeongguk entering the room with a little hesitation.

A camera flash went off the instant he carried himself inside the ward. The wedding photographer in the middle, their sights were hindered initially. Sensing the presence of another guest, the professional moved out of the way finally revealing the serene sight of Ha Na before Jeongguk.

For a second, he seemed to have forgotten all his worries and hurts. The creamy subtle makeup with just the right amount of tint, brushing her cheeks. The hint of pastel colors glittering at the right places. The hair tidied in a well-crafted bun, with a few intentional strands softly swaying as if performing their own little recital.

The careful assortment of ivory and pastel pink spray roses was lazily clutched in her hand as she fixed the side of her dress, still unaware who had entered. The ambient reflection of the whites seemed to have brightened her face. As if taken special care to compliment it, everything felt right. It was perfect.

She looked surreal.
Almost too painfully magnificent.

Breathtaking indeed, Jeongguk silently wondered in the enchantment. From a serenity, the chaos set in once again, as he heard Ha Na's comment. She was now looking at Jeongguk. Her words appeared like a response to the photographer's that Jeongguk didn't even register.

Ha Na : He is my younger brother.

As if that dispelled Jeongguk's trance, the peace and pleasance from his face subsided once again. Now loomed over by affliction and leaden murk.

Photographer : Oh, please join the bride then, I will take some pictures for you.

Jeongguk and Ha Na shared a moment of wistful stare in hush. The former, in his quietude, charismatically walked towards Ha Na, hands tucked in pockets. Releasing the suit button, he sat beside her on the decorative sofa.

JK : You look beautiful.

Jeongguk's seeming compliment had every drop of angst and spite brimmed in it. She was prompted to look at him, while he ever so sternly looked ahead at the camera.

It was only after the shutter flashing at her, that she was startled to look ahead as well. The photographer captured a few more careful ones with his commentary to refine their expressions, until he got a perfect click. He, then, respectfully vacated the space to spare them some 'family time' in private.

But, the moment the door closed behind the photographer, Jeongguk stood up and walked away. A sense of urgency gripped Ha Na into making her speak eventually before he left.

Ha Na : Thanks for coming today.

Jeongguk's steps halted, he turned around to face her.

JK : Do you really mean that?

Ha Na tasted every bit of the bitter distrust in his cold tone, yet feigned her innocence nonetheless.

Ha Na : Yes. Eomma-Appa would be happy.

He looked away scoffing at her statement.

JK : Mom-Dad again... Sure, they must be thrilled to have such an obedient daughter...

Something about his sarcastic notes offended Ha Na's sentiments. A crease formed in her temple.

JK : ...who would do anything they ask of her-

Ha Na cut him off sharply, no longer allowing him to spite her.

Ha Na : Jeongguk. I do not have the energy or mindset to argue with you today. I said all I had to say that night. And that's the end of it.

Jeongguk hurtfully gazed at her, finding it difficult to make sense of Ha Na's altruism.

JK : That night. Exactly. I thought we had an agreement that night. A common ground. I thought we concluded it on a completely different note than this. Was I the only one believing it?

Ha Na's silence only fueled his ire and resentment. Her indifference spiked up his eyes with a scarlet hue, as he spoke in a dreadfully gritted pitch.

JK : I kept my promise, didn't I? What in hell will it take to f*cking keep yours?

Even through his wrath, Ha Na kept her voice and mind calm and steady. Ever so nonchalant.

Ha Na : I never promised anything, Jeongguk. You had asked me to make my own choices. Well, this is my choice free from guilt and debt. This is my happiness.

"I am doing this for me," the words she couldn't voice out. Ha Na had tested herself, miserably failing. After such deliberate holding back, it took one small moment of weakness and she blinded herself to her own ethics and morals. That night, she breached the lines, she so painstakingly demarcated for herself. At the mere sight of his, she failed.

Despite Jeongguk's withdrawal, Ha Na knew she needed a physical barrier to confine her untamed and wrangling desires. She was not ready to lose her self-respect any more than it was already punctured.

JK : Your happiness... is it Kim Do Hwan?

Ha Na : It's is 'Anh' Do Hwan. And yes, he is my future. Happiness? Sure, that too.

Every passing second, with each word she uttered, Jeongguk's patience was diminishing.

JK : What's so great about him? What does he have that I don't? What is it!

Ha Na flinched at his yell, brimmed with exasperation and a volcanic vexation. But, even against that rage, Jeongguk's eyes glistened with tears. The affliction ever so apparent.

JK : Tell me the reason, so I can understand.

She kept a straight face and delivered a line, she instantly regretted ever darting at him.

Ha Na : His parents didn't adopt me.

Jeongguk was struck motionless for a moment. For the first time, he felt the need to avert his gaze. Something he could not have controlled. A truth that became the source of his hatred towards Ha Na, came to direct its poison in his affections too.

Ha Na stared at her bouquet, feeling a lump in her throat at his bare sight. He looked utterly lifeless and defeated. Or rather that helplessness just robbed him of his ability to be civil, waiting to blow up at the slightest nudge.

Ha Na : I am sorry-

JK : Stop. Stop stamping that measly word to everything!

The fuming rage inside his head overpowered him so much, he physically removed himself from her vicinity. His bodily temperature swelled up beyond the steady range. He closed his eyes, his jaw tightened. Jeongguk leaned forward resting his hands against a wall, plopping his head down. Trying his hardest to align himself. To contain his indignation.

Jeongguk stayed in that distance. He refused to look up at her anymore.

JK : If he is the one of your willful choice, I don't have anything else to say.

Ha Na : Jeonggu-k...

Ha Na's voice twisted in an anguished forbearance. The hurt that she was deliberately causing them both. The hint of hopelessness that now gleamed in his dejected tone, brought immense regret in her heart.

JK : Suit yourself. I don't care anymore.

It was for the best, but having him turn his back on her that way just broke something in her. She felt helpless. She felt defeated.

She felt a sense of non-existence within herself that moment. As if something in her died that day.

Jeongguk rather calmly exited the room, leaving her all by herself. On that long corridor, Ha Na's best friend, Il Pyeong noticed Jeongguk and even attempted to talk as they crossed each other. But the latter passed by as if he didn't even register any presence. Il Pyeong observed a peculiar hollowness in his blank expressions. His eyes were dry, his face pale and sickly. But, he walked in perfect posture, he noted.

Il Pyeong hesitantly kept his steps to the bridal wards, the way he was originally headed to.

Jeongguk felt numb as he entered the decked hall, the white noise zipped silent in his ears. Jimin, with others, at their designated table watched the youngest walk to the front.

HS : Is Jeongguk gonna be fine though? Poor him, he didn't even have the choice to not come today.

They keenly followed his movements from the distance as he sat next to Mr and Mrs Jeon.

JM : He is not, not right now. He clearly isn't.

As he spoke, they noticed Mr. Jeon whispering something to Jeongguk's ear. He nodded to the apathetic remarks of the father. It was as if nothing at this point could further break him.

He had hit his rock-bottom.

Mr.Jeon : No matter how much you want to leave, just stay put till the ceremony concludes. The cameras are here for you, too.

JK : Yes, sir. I will do as you want.

Meanwhile, in the bridal room, Il Pyeong tried to pacify Ha Na's weakened tear glands. She had never seen that image of Jeongguk before. It was just as terrifying as it was heart-breaking.

But she feared herself getting weak, the most. It could shatter, it could ruin everything. It could harm Jeongguk's public image. Ha Na kept whirring these potentialities in her head to keep the desperation in check.

All this while, she kept Il Pyeong in complete oblivion. He knew nothing yet.

Il Pyeong : If you are so unhappy, why are you even getting married? What's the rush?

She glanced at him, and let the tears flow in silence. Il Pyeong quietly accepted his fate, and periodically handed her tissues and napkins through the process.

He spoke again, once the waters dialed down for a moment.

Il Pyeong : It's not that late- Well, it is kinda late, frankly. But be honest with me, if you don't want this, I will figure out something. I can still get you out of here.

Ha Na finally uttered something, in her coarse and broken voice.

Ha Na : I- I am low on confidence, Il Pyeong-ah. This wedding must happen no matter what. Don't ask why.

The male friend noticed a smudged corner of her eye, that he gently wiped clean with a puckered tissue. As if he was used to this, he continued the conversation without any bother.

Il Pyeong : What does that supposed to mean? What happened all these time in Seoul? (-self-reflects-) It's kinda my fault to completely leave you on your own.

It didn't take all that long, having grown used to the torment. Ha Na settled her tears. She intently stared at Il Pyeong sitting beside her, without words. As if silently contemplating, how far she could disclose her predicament to her only friend. The only person Ha Na could rely on after all the blunders, she had called upon herself.

To lighten the tight ambience that her sustained eye-contact created, Il Pyeong awkwardly commented the cliché.

Il Pyeong : You are not going to confess to me, are you?

Ha Na chuckled away. A hint of melancholy shading it. She didn't look at him any longer. Just in an empty space. Not focused on anything particular.

Ha Na : Il Pyeong-ah, I don't have anyone on my side except you right now.

He had a slight wrinkle of doubt at her vague remark. But, he remained patient for her to continue naturally.

Ha Na : So, I can't tell you anything... (-fumbling with her tissue in her hand-) I am sorry. I am scared I will lose your favor too. And it's too frightening to be alo-ne.

Her voice cracked, as she resisted the choke of emotions. She did not want the tears to break again.

Ha Na : I don't want to be alone.

Il Pyeong raised up from the rest and knealed before her to make her look at him again.

Il Pyeong : Ha Na-ya, that's not gonna happen. I promise, I will be on your side even if the world is against you.

The last sentence resonated in her ears of her own that she spoke to Jeongguk. The exact same words. And how she could not keep them when called in action.

Ha Na : Don't say that. You might regret it later.

Il Pyeong figured any form of resistance would only reserve her more. Hence, he calmly added to it, instead of retorting against.

Il Pyeong : Okay. I will accept the ignorance for now. But, don't ever say that you are alone. No matter what happens, even if you confess a murder-I wouldn't necessarily condone or justify it- but, I have the confidence to stay in your favor. I am forever biased about you, Ha Na-ya. To me too, don't ask why.

After all this time, something finally comforted her. Ha Na smiled and nodded to him.

Ha Na : Thanks, Il Pyeong-ah.

Il Pyeong returned a wider smile and forwarded his hand.

Il Pyeong : It's time. Your dad must be waiting.

.

.

As Il Pyeong carefully guided her through the corridor, he noticed Mr.Jeon was not present at the door to escort the bride.

Il Pyeong : Oh, why is Mr Jeon not here yet-

Ha Na : I just.. Wanted to walk the aisle with Anh Do Hwan-ssi.

Il Pyeong looked at her in a mild fluster. Especially when he remembered Ha Na being close with her father, the out-of-tradition gesture, came across a bit strange.

Nevertheless, he decided to respect her choices and boundaries she clearly had set. Although, it did prick him at the distance she formed, he decided to wait for her to close it too.

Upon reaching the door, Il Pyeong gently gave her hand to the man, in his best appearance and well-designed tuxedo, that clearly demarcated him as 'the groom'. Wishing them a good life ahead, Ha Na's best friend took his leave to be present inside the hall. He did not want to miss the awaited entrance.

With nervous breaths, Ha Na and Do Hwan stood next to each other. Her hand locked in his right arm, she clasped on the bouquet on the other.

Do Hwan : Ha Na-ssi.

Ha Na responded in jitters.

Do Hwan : Are you sure about this?

She forced out a smile of confidence.

Ha Na : Yes. I am.

The handsome figure beside her, passed on a warm smile and nodded as they heard the announcement,

"Please enter, the Bride and Groom."

_________

Things getting messier by the day.