a/n: This is my submission for @calltothewild ‘s writing challenge ;)
Word count: 1.5k
Commoner!tom AU
“I want to show you something”
Being born in a royal family had its pros and cons, mostly cons. Since the beginning of learning your fathers trade you hated it, the constant meeting of suitors and other people from other kingdoms. But the only thing you ever loved was knowing that your father trusted you, that you would be the best queen the kingdom will have, and he was completely on board with you not searching for love like most princesses.
It was just another normal day in the castle, the hustling and bustling of the servants preparing for another idiotic and self-obsessed prince. You had no choice but to conduct this meeting because your father was visiting another kingdom for official business, but as the future queen you had to do what’s best for your kingdom and its people. The meeting began as usual with the two of you walking in the corridors of the massive castle and the prince trying to impress you with the number of battles he led, instead of talking about the actual matter at hand which was talking about the betterment of your two kingdoms.
“So as you can tell I led the tropes and to victory.” He bragged as you rolled your eyes, and suddenly one of your servants came up asking if you needed anything at all, cutting off the boasting bastard. “Hello? Can’t you see we’re having a serious conversation?” He barked at her, making her flinch. The behavior enraged you, the servants at your palace were never treated as servants and certainly not with this rude behaviour. She began walking away when you called out to her, “Yes I do need something, can you please call the guards to escort the prince and his entourage out of the castle please?”
“Yes, your highness.” She bowed and left, making the prince turn to you with rage written all over his face.
“Excuse me what do you think you’re doing?” He asked. You took a deep breath before you could begin, “You can excuse yourself! You have no right to talk to her like that!”
“She’s just a servant!” He cut you off.
“Maybe for you, but in this kingdom and in this castle everyone is treated equally, and because of your attitude I have decided to cut all ties with your kingdom.” You informed sternly.
“My father will hear of this!” He huffed and left. “Yeah? I’ll make sure of that!”
--
If your father was in the kingdom you’d never leave, but since he wasn’t you took the opportunity to just wander around the market, talking with the people, making you beloved and respected. Even though you denied your mothers request of having the guards come with you she insisted, for your sake of your safety.
More than any place you always loved visiting the flower market, the various lilies and orchids seem to brighten up your mood, making you feel relaxed. Walking through a certain cart of neatly arranged flowers caught your attention, and you were greeted by a boy with brown curls who was about your age, and extremely handsome.
“Your majesty!” He bowed in respect as you caught him off guard, “How may I help you?”
“You can call me Y/n,” You laughed, “and you're the florist, what do you think I should get?” Without hesitation he smiled and began to pick up the flower in front of him into a bouquet, “Here you go.” He said, handing over the assortment of flowers to you. Looking at it you were blown away with the colors as well as the scent, “Thank you, they look absolutely wonderful!”
“But they are nothing compared to you, your majesty!” He complimented as the tips of his ears turned red as the roses on the cart. You spent the next few minutes talking to Tom about him and his family, when the guards notified you that you have been summoned back to the castle. “I’ll see you soon!” You told Tom as the guards escorted you to the carriage. You were quite perplexed when you were suddenly called back, but all your questions were answered when you entered the castle gates and saw your fathers carriage already waiting meaning that he was back from his business.
As the huge doors of the throne room opened you were greeted by your father, you rushed as embraced him, “I have missed you father!”
“I missed you to my pumpkin!” He smiled.
“How was your trip?”
“It went extremely well, but I heard your meeting with Prince Henry didn’t.” Sighing once again you began, “Father you know how I care for the kingdom and its well being, I couldn’t let us trade with him, he was extremely rude to Maria.” You explained. “Pumpkin, I know that, but you can’t just do that because someone is rude.”
“Yes, I know, but-” All of a sudden you were interrupted by one of the guards.
“Your majesty, you left these in the carriage.” He said, handing over the bouquet of flowers Tom had given you earlier.
“Those are wonderful flowers y/n!” Your father admired the flowers.
“Aren’t they?”
“But do you know what these flowers mean?”
“No.”
“Well the yellow and white roses symbolize friendship, where as the hidden lilies symbolize love, who gave you these?” A small blush crept up for cheeks as your father parted his knowledge of flowers with you. “A commoner gave it to me.” You smiled, fiddling with the hidden lilies.
“Well, it looks like you have an admirer.” As your father left the room, you were confused, ‘did he actually admire you?’ you thought, of course he would, everyone does, but you secretly wished he admired you as your lover. Days go by and you find yourself visiting the flower market quite often than usual, meaning meeting Tom more often and falling harder for him. Tom had all the qualities you ever looked for in a man, kind, caring, gentle; you could go on for hours on how wonderfully amazing he was.
Sitting in your study you were going through some papers when a servant dropped off a letter which was in your name. Which was odd because you never got letters; opening the envelope it was from none other than Tom, which made a wide grin appear on your face as the butterflies in your stomach fluttered. As you read the letter you discovered that he wanted to meet you in a secret location, which was in the countryside.
As dusk fell and the moon light spread all over the the land and the sky, you disguised yourself in order to sneak off and meet Tom. You were never for keeping secrets, but if Tom’s the secret you would definitely keep him all to yourself. When you arrived at said location, it was pitch black and the moon was the only light you saw until you heard the faint rustling of the grass in the field. As the intoxicating scent of Tom filled your nostrils you felt a pair of hands cover your eyes, “Guess who.” He whispered in your ears, sending a shiver down your spine.
“I know it’s you Tommy.” You chuckled, his hands slipped off your face and landed on your hips as he turned you in a swift motion to face him. “I want to show you something.” He whispered due to the closeness, grabbing your hand and leading you deeper in the field as he asked you to close your eyes. “You can open them.” As your eyes fluttered open, you saw the field full of fireflies flying all over, making you feel completely overwhelmed. “Tommy, I love this!” You exclaimed, pulling him in a tight hug.
Pulling away he held your hands in his, as his eyes lit up, he began, “Your majesty, I am no suitor or prince, I have no treasure but you, I will never be able to bring the stars to you, but this is the closest I will ever get to it,” he said pointing at the fireflies, “but right now and right here all I have to say is that I love you and I know you have many wealthy princes lining up for you. Your majesty, y/n you don’t have to reciprocate this feeling, you can throw me in the dungeon if you will, but I just had to say this.” You had been waiting for this moment all your life, waiting to find true love and now you finally have and you couldn’t let him go. So you pull him in and place your lips on his trembling ones. And in that one kiss you felt your life complete, like you’ve found your other half.
“I love you too Tom, and I wouldn’t have it any other way than this!” You laughed, as Tom placed his lips once again on yours and twirling you around. As the days went on, it soon led to your coronation and as you sat on the throne with your parents and Tom by your side, you actually felt content with everything that was everything. And just when you thought things couldn’t be any more perfect, Tom asked for your hand to your father, which he gladly did, because your father knew your choice was the best.
A year later the kingdom witnessed the most extravagant wedding ever and you and Tom lived happily ever after.
The remark only received a giggle from the other party. “I’m not promising anything, Yuta. It will take time.”
Yuta took a final glance. There’s a hint of despair in the way he looked at her. “You packed everything?”
She nods. “I think so. Let me know if I left something. Well, that if you don’t mind. Else, you can throw them away.”
“Alright, I’ll let you know.” He smirked. There’s a pregnant pause before he continues. “I’ll see you when I see you, [Y/N]. Until then, please be well.”
Yuta could see she welled up, holding up her tears. He wished he could hug her and tell her that it will be fine, but that only contradicted the brave front he showed to her.
She finally waves her final goodbye, closing the door. It is a signal for Yuta to finally embrace his sadness. Legs gave in, he immediately crouched down, sighing.
“Damn, who would’ve thought I could fall for someone this much?” Brushing the hair that covers his forehead, he asked himself, with no one to answer.
Yuta walked to his bathroom, thinking that he would cool his head by taking a brisk shower. He took off his shirt, pausing in front of the sink before he entered the shower booth. He stared at his own reflection, blankly. No thoughts, head is empty. He just needs his time to process and to cope with his own heartbreak.
There are few objects that don't belong to him, and by then he noticed that she forgot to visit the bathroom when she cleared her stuff, leaving her toothbrush behind. He curled one side of his lips up, sighing regretfully before throwing the toothbrush to the trash bin nearby.
This is so I can forget about her faster.
Yuta taught to himself, before spotting another foreign item.
A pair of rose gold stud earrings. Yuta knows his pieces of jewelry because he never took off his. The simple design of the earrings is also a bit too plain for his liking, and the owner of them is no other than the person who just left this place.
He grabs it, about to throw them away. But hesitates, gripping the earrings inside his palm.
Yuta looks at the earring once more.
Maybe, just maybe, this is the only part of you that I could keep?
–
Days pass per normal for Yuta. Except that the people around him notice that he’s anything but it.
“You alright, bro?” Doyoung tapped his shoulder, waking Yuta from his daze.
“What do you mean?” Yuta leans to the wall, inhaling his IQOS.
“I don’t know man, you’re off these days.” Doyoung took a sip of his grapefruit drink. “It seems like you have something on your mind. Have you talked to [Y/N] about it?”
Ah, so she hasn’t told him.
Yuta thought to himself, not responding to Doyoung as he drew out a translucent smoke.
“She might not be the best at giving advice, cause even she had a hard time figuring out herself. But I promise she’s a good listener, I’m sure she'll be able to give you some sort of comfort.”
Yuta just nodded to his statement.
He nodded because he himself knew how comfortable it was to be around her.
–
Yuta holds grudges. It was hard for him to admit it at first, but eventually, he accepts the annoying part of his personality. Fast forward five months after she left, Yuta still refused to go out. This clearly weirded everyone out since Yuta is the social butterfly. For him to reject their offer to visit the bar after office makes the lines on their foreheads more apparent than ever.
Yuta just needs some time, alone. He doesn’t know for how long, but what he knows is that he’s just not in the mood to put on a fake happy smile when his own heart is like a shipwreck.
So he spent another night in at his apartment, opening a bottle of rye whiskey. Truthfully, Yuta prefers sweeter booze –something that is more fruity like his usual Cassis Orange. However these days, those cocktails couldn’t shred his woe. He needs something stronger. He needs to be able to feel the burning sensation on his chest, replacing the pain of his heartache.
He went off to flump into the leather couch, putting down the glass of whiskey. He grabs the remote, browsing through the Netflix catalog. He stops, at one move named Kimi no Na wa.
He probably already watched this for million times. He loves this movie. Not only because of the well-executed animation and storyline, but it also reminds him of home.
And it painfully reminds him of her too. How she loved anime, and how her eyes glimmered every time Yuta told her a fun fact about Japanese culture.
“Did you know there’s a trivia behind her name?”
“Who? Mitsuha?”
Yuta nods, “Her name means three leaves. Funnily enough, it started from her grandmother, Hitoha which means one leaf. And you guessed it, her mother’s name, Futaba, means two leaves and her little sister, Yotsuha, is four leaves.”
“Whoa!” She shrieked excitedly. “That’s cute!”
Yuta laughed at the sight of her getting excited over something simple like this. It’s nothing much for a Japanese man like him, but for her it’s something new and Yuta finds it very adorable.
If she was still here, he would cross his arm over her shoulder. Cuddling her.
But right now, all he could do is to rest his arm on the backrest of his couch. The only warmth that he could feel is from the whiskey.
Unable to focus on the movie, so he diverted his attention to see his phone.
Oh, how he regrets it.
He saw her social. She was with a group of people that Yuta knew from that party. But his finger reactively clicked on one of the tagged name’s profiles.
Just to see him posted a photo of her. It was a candid photo, the person captured in the picture seemingly asked the photographer to stop. Her hands were blurred because she attempted to cover her mouth.
But she wasn’t quick enough to stop the photographer from capturing her smile. A smile so bright Yuta knew he wasn’t able to create. A smile that Yuta definitely misses.
The agony he felt amplified once he read the capture below the photo.
“I was yours, before I knew; and you have always been mine too.”
Yuta rolled his tongue over his front teeth. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way, not when he is the one who let her go. But he is pissed, throwing his phone away.
He moves his palms to cover his eyes, resting his head. He lets out another sigh, but no matter how much he exhaled, no matter how much alcohol he drank, the rain cloud seems to follow him around.
“Fuck this shit.” He hummed to himself.
He took his phone again, this time opening a different app. It took him a bit longer this time, but at least whatever he was doing, managed to put a smile on Yuta’s face.
He then proceeds to dial a number.
“Hello, Doy? I’ll take a week off. I’m flying to Osaka tomorrow.”
–
“How could you come back home without noticing us?”
Yuta puts down his bag, worn out from the flight, “I can’t even visit my own home now, Nee-san?”
“What I meant was,” His sister crossed his arm. “Last time you visited Osaka, you’d stay at the hotel because you wouldn’t stay long. Mostly due to your business trip. What makes you suddenly miss home?”
“I just feel like taking some days off, Nee-san.” He replied without looking at this sister, busy unpacking his stuff. “Also, Imouto has been texting me, telling me to bring her some signed goods from TVXQ.”
“Well if you said so,” Her sister knows how stubborn Yuta is, so she decides that she won’t press him further. “Come down when you’re ready. If only you told us you were coming earlier, mom would’ve cooked us Nabe. But we don’t have the ingredients, so you have to settle with curry tonight.”
Yuta finally looked back to smile at his sister, “Curry sounds great, Nee-san.”
–
It’s great to be home, Yuta thought to himself.
The familiar road. People talking in his mother language. Food that is catered to fit his taste buds. He loves Korea, and everything it has to offer, but nothing could replace home.
“My, Yuta is that you?!” An elderly woman called for him, snapping him from his day daze.
“Oh, Baa-chan!” Yuta subconsciously lets out his signature radiant smile. “How are you? I hope your back is fine now.”
“Oh, you’re as sweet as I could remember, Yuta!” She giggled. “You never visit your home, this Baa-chan misses you a lot, you know? I don’t know how to use… what do they call those these days? Line?”
Yuta laughed. “Yes, Line, Baa-chan.”
“Right, I can’t contact you! You should come home more often. I could write you a letter but I don’t know your address in Korea.”
“I miss you too, Baa-chan. Sorry, I promise to visit again.”
Baa-chan sells taiyaki in his neighborhood. Yuta is her regular customer, and she has witnessed how much Yuta grew from a small boy who aspires to be an Ultraman to a successful businessman he is right now. Yuta settled on the bench in front of Baa-chan’s store, filling her with the missing information pieces where Yuta finally left home for his career.
“Now take this,” She offered him a bag of taiyakis.
“Oh, no Baa-chan. Let me pay,” He rustles his pant pocket, trying to find his wallet.
“My dear Yuta!” She pushes the paper bag to him, “This is a gift from me, as a thank you for visiting this old lady. Next time, bring your friend here so they can pay instead. Baa-chan wants to see your friends, I want to make sure they are good people.”
He lets out a soft chuckle. Baa-chan is always kind, and it touches his heart. Yuta treats her like she’s her own grandmother. “I’ll note that, Baa-chan.”
He waves goodbye to her and marches his way to a nearby park. The park used to be so big for the small Yuta. He used to think it would take forever to catch a ball that flies after his friend kicked it too high. But now that he’s a full-grown man, he even wonders how the hell he was able to play soccer with his friend in this field.
He sits down at the bench, taking a bite of the fresh taiyaki. Baa-chan’s taiyaki is the best. It might be a biased opinion, but every bite is like a memory lane for Yuta. The irreplaceable taste of childhood.
The dusk is near, and there is no child laughter at these hours since all of them have their curfews. With nothing to keep him entertained, he unlocked his phone, casually browsing through his social before pausing his munching at one post.
“Can’t believe this man asked me to spend the rest of my life with him while I’m about to throw the trash away. I hope your future daughter will experience a much more romantic proposal, you weirdo.”
Involuntarily the red bean paste from his bread squirted out, due to the fact Yuta unconsciously squeezed them. Was it out of anger? Out of disappointment? Or out of regret?
His blood is boiling, and with nobody around, nothing stops him. Yuta is usually calm, but right now he just wants to transfer the excessive anger somewhere. Heck, the tree next to him can be his punching bag.
My mom always told me to finish my meal so you’re not leaving until you eat everything.
But right now, Yuta is unable to take another bite. He even forced whatever he had left on his mouth down to his throat.
Why did I let you go?
He scoffed, mocking his own thought, “Damn, what a pathetic person you are, Yuta.”
-
Your first impression on Yuta is probably how strong his aura is. His gaze is sharp, complemented with a well-chiseled jawline. So you would never think that the same person has a sensitive soul. Ever since his trip to Japan, the Nakamato residence in Seoul is always decorated with fresh flowers, handpicked by Yuta himself. This is his way of finding peace. He always wanted to have a pet, but his busy schedule makes him unable to own one. Instead, he’s been paying more attention to greeneries in his home. He said it was a therapy for him, and having a living plant makes the place alive, so he claims.
The bell on the door jingles after Yuta pushes the door open, cueing the staff who were busy arranging a bouquet to greet him.
“Welcome to Paradise!”
Yuta nods at the staff, telling her to continue with her arrangement and let him browse the flower catalog by himself.
Soon after, the bell jingles once more —only to reveal a young man with a sparkly eyes.
“Sorry, __! Taeyong left his apron behind so I have to make a visit to Kitchen Beat first.”
The person at the counter chuckled, “Don’t sweat it, Mark. We’re not that busy today anyway.”
“Let me put my bag first, then I’ll help to cut the stems of the carnations—“ Mark’s eyes grow bigger once he sees the familiar figure. “Yuta-hyung? Ah, I mean, Sir!”
Yuta turned at the sound of his name. “Oh, if it isn’t Mark!”
“Didn’t expect you to come here, Sir.”
“You can talk to me comfortably, Mark. We’re no strangers.” Yuta smiles. “Fancy seeing you here, too. Are you part-timing here?”
Mark nods. “Other than my job as an English tutor, working here actually calms me down. Maybe the flower gives the peaceful atmosphere?”
Yuta hummed, agreeing with his statement.
“Also, I can rest a bit because working here is not as busy as working at a cafe.” Mark continues, “Though we’re going to be busy pretty soon since Jaehyun-hyung ordered so many orchids for his wedding. Man, not just any orchid! If only he knows how difficult it is to obtain—“
Mark stopped at the sight of Yuta’s awkward face.
“Shit, Mark, how could you forget that he was your Noona’s ex-lover.”
He whispered to himself, but the store was fairly quiet with only faint instrumental song in the background —enabling Yuta to listen to each of his words clearly.
Your noona.
“Mark, go change to your uniform.” A female voice breaks the tension, flinching Mark who reactively gives Yuta a deep bow afterward.
Yuta definitely needs time to process what just happened. Pressing his lips together while occasionally biting the skin.
“A cheerful young boy, isn’t he?”
Yuta woke up from his daydream following her calm voice. “Mark is energetic, and I love how positive his energy is. Though sometimes, that can cause him to be slightly dense, too.”
Yuta couldn’t help but to let a single soft chuckle.
“So please forgive him, yeah? I’m sorry I couldn’t help but to overheard your conversation. Don’t take it to the heart, Mark was probably too excited. He didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I know. No offense is taken. I just need some time to digest it.”
“Take your time,” she continued with her bouquet, tying up the ribbon as the final touch. “Though, if I could suggest, I think our daffodils are very pretty today.”
“Daffodils?”
“Yes, the yellow ones on that corner,” she pointed at a bunch of yellow flowers. “I’ll help you with a bunch. It’s on a house, as an apology from making you uncomfortable just now. Are you going to put it on a vase like the usual or are you going to give it to someone?”
Yuta widened his eyes, quickly shook his head, “Oh please no need, I’m not offended by all means.”
“As the owner of this shop, I insist, Sir.”
Yuta hesitates, but eventually gives in. “The usual. Actually, a single bloom is fine. I would feel bad, you know, if you're going to give me a bunch. Business is still business after all.”
His remarks only caused the other party to scoff, “Our business is doing well, Sir. So please don’t fret on it. Anyway, it would mean a different thing if I don’t give you in a bunch.”
“Different thing?”
“Ah,” She closes her mouth with her hand. “Don’t mind too much on it.”
-
After spending the whole day outside, all Yuta needs is a refreshing shower to wash down his sweat. He placed his new floral arrangement on his dining table, before taking his shirt off when he walked towards the bathroom. He threw his shirt to the laundry bag, and unlocked his phone, ready to play his shower playlist.
Bunch of daffodils?
He suddenly remembered how the florist mentioned the different meaning of daffodils. He quickly changed the tab, typing the question on Google.
Smirk appeared on his face, after so many days shied away from the surface.
“Rebirth and new beginnings, huh?” He said to himself. “How cheeky.”
He puts down his phone on the countertop, resting his arms at the sink before looking at himself in the mirror.
Yuta is determined.
He picks up his phone once more, dialing a number.
“Doyoung, do you know the best hair salon here?”
A/N: We’re back with this!! I’m so so excited to continue this hehe~ To be honest... continuing this series gives me a lot of anxiety. What if the audience don’t like it? What if the one who loves Interlude won’t like my approach on continuing the story in Yuta’s POV? At some point it was difficult for me to write this, but as I persistently write this, it became more and more enjoyable and eventually those thoughts don’t appear as much!
Another thing to note, to prevent any confusion, the reader for Prelude will be ___ instead of the usual [Y/N]. [Y/N] belongs to Interlude! So think of her as another character for Prelude!
Also again, I’d like to remind you guys again since there’s only three additional songs, this would be a mini-series instead of a full series like Interlude. But hopefully, you would still give Prelude tons of love too!
“Just by your existence, you already shine radiantly like this.”
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Read Interlude: No More Drama
Tag list: @justineasian @elauniesdream
A/N: I started Interlude: No More Drama series back in March, and I never knew that the series would go this far. Prelude: After Story is a mini-sequel that I actually didn’t plan –since I started to write Interlude during the Neozone era and I didn’t know how they would bring the repackage album, but truthfully I’m very proud of where it is. I think it is quite interesting to see things from Yuta’s POV!
I hope you’re not bored at this, but I wish I could convey my gratitude better. I already wrote my thank you during the end of Interlude, but I’d like to say thanks again. Really, receiving warm messages especially during the current world situation does brighten up my day. So I hope that my writings could help to entertain you, to make your day (no puns intended hahaha).
This marks the end of Interlude: No More Drama and Prelude: After Story series! I personally think this is a milestone for me as a writer (especially this is one of my first published work). In the future, I would probably go cringe when I re-read this when I’m able to write a better story, but nevertheless this is the first stepping stone and it doesn’t change the fact that I will always feel proud of this. I really like how the story unfolds and how the character develops, and I think this is the perfect closure to end the series.
Thank you for loving them, and enjoying the ride with the characters!
Much love,
Dee
The same reaction, always, whenever Yuta received a guest.
You took a moment to admire his house. It’s late, but after stepping inside, you are greeted with the large window –displaying the amazing view of the cityscape.
He took off his suit, throwing it to the armchair. “Please be comfortable. Sorry for the sudden invitation, I realized I might be slightly pushy now that I've started to sober up. I can’t believe I let a woman drive me home.”
You giggled softly. “Please, gender shouldn’t prevent you from driving safely. Anyway, you have a very nice place.”
He scoffed. “It’s humble, but I like this place. The view is very charming from here. Well, sit down, I’ll grab our glasses and some ice.”
Of course, his apartment is anything but humble. You quickly scanned the room as you make your way to where he pointed his couch is. There are weird ornaments as a part of the house decorations here and there, like a vase with Japanese ceramic technique with a single dark crimson rose and few decorations of octopuses —you never knew how those could blend in together. Nevertheless, it has its own charm and the place screams his personality.
“Here,” He passes you a glass that is filled with caramel-colored liquid. The sound of the ice touching the glass snaps you from your daydream. “It’s Hibiki 12. I hope you don’t mind whiskey?”
You accepted the glass with both of your hands. “I’m good with anything. Out of curiosity though, do you always have a Japanese liquor on hand?”
A wide grin appears on his face, showcasing the perfectly aligned teeth. “To be precise, I always have Hibiki around because they are easier to drink. I managed to snatch a bottle of champagne and bourbon, though. Do you prefer those instead?”
“Would never refuse an invitation for a bottle of good quality champagne.”
“Seems like you’re a heavy drinker, Miss. I must say I think I’m pretty good at handling my alcohol, but I want to make sure there’s no accident tonight.”
You slightly flinched at his last sentence but managed to control your expression.
“Ah, I think just normal? I could manage if we could keep the pace slow –though I’m pretty sure that’s not what you wanted tonight.”
Yuta smirked, taking a seat on the floor across you. You followed him, taking a seat near him since it would be rude for you to remain seated on the couch while the house owner is being casual and sitting on the floor.
“Actually, not really.” He said while twirling his class, taking another sip. “I was thinking of taking it slow tonight.”
You shifted your stare to see him. “Is that so.”
While you thought it was quite careless for him to invite a stranger –technically you are up until the car ride where you briefly introduce each other– to his house, you’re not the one to talk since you also waltzed into his apartment without any second thoughts.
Both of you don’t mind the silence, as he continues to spin his middle finger around the rim of his glass. Either the alcohol starts to kick in, or he is consumed by his own thoughts. His cheeks start to flushed like cherry blossoms, and his mind is in a daze.
“I–” Yuta finally breaks the silence. “Was thinking a lot about my own feelings. On the contrary to my look, I think I’m actually the type of person who feels a lot. Most of the time I decide things based on my feelings.”
You didn’t respond, so there’s a momentary pause before he bridges his story together. You didn’t respond because you didn’t pay him any attention, but you just feel like right now what he needs is to let out his feelings, bare to the table.
“When I received my invitation, I feel like the ground below my feet shattered. But at the same time, it would be rude of me to reject it when she was so excited about her wedding. I was thinking how could this person be so dense to invite me that are still wallowing in sorrow?”
You took another sip of your whiskey, keeping your mouth shut while listening to his story.
“As I entered the venue today, each and every of my step seems harder. Like, I was regretting saying yes to her invitation.”
He then looked down at his almost empty glass. “Then I saw her face. And it feels like... all the answers that I’ve been looking for was there. That today was the day where I truly feel thankful that I made that decision. I’m glad she looked happy,”
He took another sip, finishing whatever left on his glass. “I’m glad that I could end this and make it into a proper memory.”
There it is.
The man in front of you smiled when he reached the end of his sentence. But you can see how that smile was wrapped in sadness.
You know by the way he talks, he is a man full of passion. His directness that is sometimes always too spontaneous. But it’s not the blazing-type of passion. Maybe because of his past, there’s always a trail of woe that surrounds him. That keeps him from burning his surroundings.
Like a blue flame.
“I’m sorry, it must be weird to suddenly listen to my sad story,” He said as he rises up. “Let me refill your glass. Should we take other liquor? I was thinking of switching it up to wine. I didn’t lie when I said there’s no more regret, but in order for me to truly accept it, I guess I kinda need to feel my feelings? I need something to dull the pain.”
“I thought you only stole bourbon and champagne?”
“You can’t call it a Nakamoto residence without a vast amount of alcohol gallery, you know?”
Finally, a hint of delight starts to replace the somber mood. “Again, I’m a guest so I’ll take anything. For your reference, though, I’m more of a red wine person.”
He curls his lips upwards, chiseling his well-structured cheekbones, “Got it. Also, please be more comfortable. I’m the one who suddenly invites you, after all.”
As he walks toward his wine fridge, you reactively rise up, about to offer your help. You’ve been sitting on your feet for quite a while, and your legs are definitely not ready for the sudden movement. You almost slip to the ground, but as if it was a shoujo manga, Yuta manages to catch you.
“Careful!” He said as he holds your upper arm, preventing you from falling.
It feels like the universe planned this all along, as cliche as it might sound.
You get to see his face, up close. The way his eyes pull you in, glistening from the alcohol that he had consumed.
It would be a lie if you told him that you’re not attracted. How could you not? The man in front of you is obviously good looking, but his demeanor, the way his voice travels through the air.
It was all just too alluring.
You avoided of the what-could-have-happened-next scenario by breaking the eye contact, looking away. It is a different case for Yuta. Because the sight of your neck, now burning in the vibrant pink flush is like an open invitation for him.
And he is not Yuta if he is not a decisive person.
He leans in, giving you a soft kiss on the lips. A kiss you didn’t see coming, but most definitely sending electrifying feels to your spine. A kiss that is mixed with the bitterness from alcohol. Yet Hibiki is sweet, so you long for more, kissing him back in the process.
The kiss that was started gently, suddenly rises up as both of you wanting for more. He dives in, checking if you felt the same way. You reciprocated, biting his lower lips. Asking him to pace up the speed.
You thought he would gladly eat you. To your disappointment, however, he separates his lips from yours.
“Are you fine with this?”
His whispers are gentle, yet able to give you goosebumps. He knows, that even under influence he should earn your consent before moving on to the next step. That surprises you because you thought the alcohol would turn him into a beast. But Yuta remains as a gentleman.
So you shyly give him a nod of approval, much to gain his wonderful smile. He leans forward to kiss you, but this time in a much more aggressive manner.
As he trails his lips to your neck, soft moans escape from your lips.
“Wait,” You stopped him half-way, which he only responded with a confused face. “Can we, uhm, perhaps move somewhere else? I… never done this… so I don’t know if I’m doing this right,”
Seeing how nervous you are, and the way you panicked over this, Yuta couldn’t help to chuckle softly.
“Of course, that is rude of me,” He kissed your temple, followed by gentle strokes on your head.
“Come.”
He stands up, offering his hand in which you immediately accept. He guides you to his room. His room didn’t shy away from being loud, some might even perceive it as odd since he opts to choose eccentric pieces to decorate his sanctuary. But everything seems to mesh well together with his plain beige wallpaper. There are a few unfinished canvases at the corner, most notably a painting of roses.
You were busy admiring his room to realize that he was waiting for you at the corner of his bed. Arms wide open ready to embrace you.
You giggled at the scene, but then you remember that you fall into his arms means it won’t stop at just there.
“Can I... use your bathroom first?”
You can feel the heat collecting on your cheek. You were embarrassed to ask such a question, but Yuta understands where you are coming from in a heartbeat, and you are glad for that.
“Please,” He said, gesturing to you to find his bathroom. “But once you’re done, we’re not stopping, yeah? I think I’ve been good for being patient, don’t you think?”
You smiled at his remarks. “I’ll be quick.”
You practically skipped your way to the bathroom. You checked yourself, at least making sure you smell pleasant. Then before leaving the bathroom door, you took your time in front of the sink. Contemplating with yourself in the mirror.
You are about to fuck Yuta.
The words repeated inside your head but soon vanished at the sight of a foreign object. Not that you are used to his apartment, but everything in his apartment was coated with his character, except this dainty jewelry.
It was a delicate, simple rose gold earrings. You noticed that Yuta rocks multiple piercings on both of his ears. But none are this delicate. It seems these were too plain for his liking.
Who am I to judge?
You said to yourself. You literally just know this man tonight and you’d be damned to judge his taste. Who knows, maybe he has those days where he wants to lay low. Whenever he’s going to meet his clients, perhaps? But you feel like keeping such delicate pieces in the bathroom has a potential of him losing it, so you call him out.
“Yuta?”
He hummed as a form of reply.
“You shouldn’t keep your earrings near the sink, you know. You might wash them away by accident.”
Suddenly you can hear his footsteps, rushing. You didn’t lock the door and you are glad that you didn’t because he would probably break the door open. He rushed to grab the pair of earrings, and the color on his face fades away. The smile that once appeared on his face was no longer there.
This gains your confusion. What does a rose gold earring mean to him that he had to act this way?
A rose gold earring.
A painting of roses.
A single rose that was fresh, as if it was treated with the utmost care.
Then you remember that the sight of a rose is definitely not a stranger for you, especially the last three days.
You decorated the hall with roses.
The couple carefully selected the specific color of the roses, making the last few weeks like a nightmare looking out for the vendors.
Of course, you even arranged her bouquet with roses.
“Ah, I just like roses,” She said to you when you asked why she picked roses as one of the main flowers. “As cliché as it might sound, I think roses are one of the most stunning flowers out there. They’re beautiful but surrounded by their thorns so you got to treat them gently unless you want them to prick you. Also, I think it’s because of the roses that we’re back together.”
“Did we?” Her fiancé finally looked at her after busy playing with the ring on her fingers.
“Don’t you dare to forget you add water to my shower gel.”
You could remember the laughter vividly in your head, but the last thing that you would want right now is to laugh.
“I get it.” You tried to act though, but there’s a crack in your voice. “I get that you just told me you were trying to forget about her a few minutes ago.”
You can feel like your vision is about to start to blur, but you took a deep breath to prevent a single tear to drop.
“I’d like to blame it on the alcohol, but I guess I’m at fault too.”
Was it the way he always smiled so brilliantly? His weird and odd taste that makes you furrow your brows the moment you step into his place? The way he comes to your shop every week to buy fresh flowers and look at them so lovingly?
Perhaps, because he could enter your heart so easily. Who knows, you might have already fallen for him the moment he requested for roses the first time you met him.
You get that you only get along well, and what are the chances that these things happen so smoothly? You’re not a princess out of a Disney movie.
He evidently holds the pair of earrings so dearly, and even though you’re not the type of person who puts your feelings on your sleeve, it is inevitable that you felt the sharp pain on your chest.
“I never do this, Yuta. And I don’t plan on doing these things, if that someone doesn’t think about me at this very moment.”
Your words startled him, and before he could speak up, you gave him your last words. “Please, don’t ever take this so lightly, especially to me.”
You walked past him, grabbing your belongings in the living room before walking outside. You are glad Yuta didn’t chase you, because it would hurt your pride if he knows that you cried a river when you walk your way to your car.
--
It’s nearly a week since you closed your flower shop. This is your business and to be frank you are still upset about what happened after the wedding party. The newlyweds paid a hefty amount of money so you can survive a bit without operating. Though, this small shop that is also connected to your home upstairs will need to open soon in order for you to be able to pay your bills. Furthermore, your love for flowers is far too great for you to leave them without any attention.
You closed your shop, telling your customers (especially your regulars) and putting a sign in front of the shop that you will be back after a week of break. You also told Mark that he wouldn’t need to come. He accepted it without pressing for further questions, but it’s so like Mark to make sure you’re alright.
“I’m fine, really. You don’t need to pay for my shift this week either.”
“Are you sure? I was thinking I could give you half of it.”
“No, I wouldn’t feel good taking money without putting any effort into it. But most importantly, you sure you’re fine, Noona?”
You sighed in relief, glad that Mark is well-raised and how he always cares about the people around him. “I’m fine, Mark. I think the wedding frenzy got the best of me, so I was thinking of having a short break so I could have a fresh start.”
“Well, it was overwhelming, not gonna lie,” Mark said as he recalled how he helped you prepare for his brother’s and new sis wedding. “I guess if you say so. Please if there’s anything I could do to help, let me know Noona.”
You replied with a simple yes, throwing your phone to the bed after you ended the call.
The past week, all you’ve been doing is to wake up early in the morning, tend the flowers, eat your breakfast, and go straight to nap. It’s a bad habit, yes, but that is how you cope with sadness.
Sad? Am I entitled to feel so?
You only know Yuta briefly, he is a regular. The fact that you know that he’s a Japanese before he told you so is probably trivial to him.
“We’re out of camellias, I’m terribly sorry sir.”
“Do you know when the next batch will come?”
“Unfortunately camellias are not in season, so it will take a while for us to restock it.”
He sighed, then he looked at his wristwatch. It seems like he doesn’t have that much time to browse the catalog.
“Is there a reason why you’re looking for camellias?”
“Ah, not really. It reminds me of home. I just came back from there last week. I thought of getting roses, but I changed my mind.”
“Home?”
“Oh, sorry. I wasn’t from here. I’m a Japanese, you see.”
“Oh! I didn’t notice.”
He shyly scratched the back of his head, still not used to people complimenting his bilingual ability. You find his reaction charming, unconsciously giggling at it.
“Then, sir, I assume you’re in a hurry. May I give you a suggestion?”
“How do you know I was in a hurry?”
“Well it was easy since you immediately asked for camellia and looked at your watch the moment I told you we don’t have one.”
He lets out a smile. A smile so warm that sunflowers might face toward his direction immediately. “Indeed, I have to meet someone this evening. So your help will actually good for my favor. I was thinking of buying flowers for my dining table, do you have any suggestions?”
Now it’s your turn to smile. “I think buttercups would be perfect.”
—
Yuta has been thinking a lot about what happened last Saturday.
Especially how he should talk to her.
It’s easy to spot her store, Yuta and Doyoung practically passed by it every single morning on their way to the office. The sun hits the flower store perfectly. Not too harsh, just a bask of the golden ray. Usually, he would see how the beautifully bloomed flowers were displayed on the store windows. But it’s already day six and the store shows no sign of operations.
He reads the announcement board in front of the store; “Paradise will be closed for an inventory check. We will be back to serve you next week!”
He feels dejected. Yuta couldn’t just ask Mark for her number, that would have raised so many questions. Yes, Yuta kissed her, but was their relationship that close for him to ask for her number? The fact that both of them are not sober is also a part of Yuta’s concern.
So instead, Yuta planned to visit the florist (especially since he’s been skipping buying flowers for a week —his vase longed to be filled with any arrangement) as an excuse to meet her. But now he even lost that very reason.
He was about to step away before a tune leaked out from the front door.
Someone is here.
Without hesitation, Yuta knocked on the front door. The one inside, however, did not expect any visitor. Yuta can hear how the person inside scrambles their way to open the door.
“Yes?”
She lets out a professional smile, and it fades almost instantly as soon as she sees Yuta standing in front of her door.
“Hi.”
“Yuta!” She closes her mouth, surprised that she shrieked. “Uhm, I… didn’t expect you to come. But our store is currently close, so if you’re looking for flowers, unfortunately we—“
“I want to talk to you.”
Again, it’s so very Yuta to cut to the chase.
“I want to clarify a few things.”
She finally looked at him. She tried to remain calm, keeping the expressionless upfront. But Yuta could see how her pupils were quivering. She was trying to be brave.
“I’d like to apologize for three things. One, the way I reacted at that time. It was only mere minutes after I said that I’m truly happy for her. As a human being, don’t you think it’s understandable that I reacted that way?”
She nods but remained silent.
“I’m typically an extrovert, but I’m very territorial with my personal space, and I let her go beyond the lines that I created. In a way, she is precious to me.”
This time, she didn’t respond.
“And she would probably always be. But that doesn’t mean I could only have one precious person in my life.”
She furrowed her brows, and Yuta smirked as he continued.
“After that night, I think a lot about my feelings. How I truly felt.” He scratches the back of his head that is not itchy, but because it takes a lot for Yuta to bare his feelings like this while being sober.
“And the answer remains the same. I genuinely feel happy for her. So I thought, it would only be right to properly keep everything away, little by little instead of throwing it away out of anger. Forcing myself to move on from her. Because I, too believe –as narcissistic as this might sound, that I was a part of a chapter in her life that she holds dear too. It might be slow progress, but I will get there, eventually.”
“Secondly, I apologize for not apologizing for kissing you that night. There is no regret, the attraction is mutual anyway.”
She tilted her head, before realizing what Yuta actually meant. “Wait, you knew?”
He chuckles. “Going back to Osaka was the turning point. Probably everything that I need. It forces me to start fresh, exactly like what I did when I first set foot in this country. It let me accept that I’m actually the type of person who feels a lot. Like how I admit that I’m hopelessly romantic.”
The cold atmosphere starts to melt away, with the addition of the sun seeps in between the leaves on the nearby tree.
“So afterward I’ve been looking into subjects that I never knew I would be interested in, for example, flower languages. Might be the very first reason why I came to receive buttercups from this place.”
“So what you said…”
“Well, I guess I can say my third and last apology. I’m sorry that I am a hopeless romantic kind of guy. I’m very direct, people often told me that I intimidate them sometimes just by doing nothing. But it is just my outer shell. I might not be as strong as the way people view me. Now that you know, it might put you off, huh.”
She finally laughs, “Yuta, I am a florist. This is my field.”
As if her laugh is contagious, Yuta too, unconsciously smiling back.
“I guess, it’s been quite a journey. At least for me. Maybe I’m the one who holds onto the feelings, thinking that I should hold into it for as long as I could possibly can. But life doesn’t work that way, you know? And probably the time you gave me daffodils is one of the signs, too. I just brushed them off because of my stubbornness.”
“Maybe, just maybe, I want to start seeing life as it is. To enjoy the present. To enjoy life as moments. To experience the wonderful charm of its magic. One of the magical moments started here, and I love to cherish them while the magic is still here. In fact, it’s been a long time since things are going smoothly for me. So if I can be ever so selfish, would you let me?”
She was stunned by his remarks. Eyes blinking rapidly, completely unprepared for his sudden proposal.
Yuta had expected it. It’s barely a week, and to receive this kind of confession —although not necessarily a boyfriend-girlfriend confession— from a man who just told you his grief can be confusing.
The confused face started to fade, and she left without replying to a single word.
Yuta thought she rejected him, asking him to leave the shop.
Well, you deserve this, Nakamoto.
As he was about to walk away, she came back with anthuriums on her hand. Taking a moment to catch for her breath as she was rushing to grab these flowers.
“This is?”
“You don’t want an answer?”
He shook his head. “It’s not that. I mean, yes I told you I’ve been learning about flower languages but it’s mostly from Google, and I can’t possibly remember the meaning of every single flower?”
“I can.”
“You are a florist, my dear.”
She laughed lightly, a tone that was like jiggles of bells to Yuta’s ears.
“Can you move closer? I want to whisper these words to you.”
Yuta motioned to her immediately, obediently following her request. As her lips almost touch his ear, Yuta can feel his blood rushing to his ears.
She said, gently to his ears. “I hope you’ll be happy today.”
Ever since Yuta moved to Seoul, he would always wait for Doyoung before they go to the office together. Simply because one, Yuta is an early riser and two, they lived in the same building.
Doyoung helped Yuta a lot with his move, which includes finding the best place for Yuta to stay for at least the next three years. Surprisingly, among all of the options that Doyoung has offered, Yuta fell in love with the apartment that was none other than Doyoung’s building.
“Are you sure about this?”
Yuta nods. “I like to keep my place with greeneries. This one faces the east, so I’ll get plenty of sunlight.”
Doyoung rested his hand on his hip, hummed in agreement. “If you say so. The view from here is really pretty, that for sure.”
Yuta and Doyoung friendship are odd. They’re not exactly the closest friends –since they started as colleagues. While Yuta worked with other people aside from Doyoung in the company, he felt most comfortable around him. It’s just the charming point of Doyoung, since he always took care of people around him. Furthermore, Yuta did have a thing with his best friend, resulting in them sharing a fairly good amount of time outside of work, thus making them closer naturally. Though, it’s not like they suddenly could claim as to each other’s partner in crime.
Today was like any other days. Yuta would wait in the smoking area near the parking lot. Yuta usually doesn't smoke in the morning –he said he likes to keep his lungs fresh when he starts his day– but everything changed a year ago. He doesn't really mind though, ever since he converted to IQOS.
“Morning, I hope you’re– whoa!”
Doyoung, who was still half-awake, is now on full alert when he sees Yuta.
“Dude, what a haircut!” He exclaims. “I thought your long hair would fit you best. Pretty jealous with a guy who’s able to tie their hair and still managed to look good, but dang those undercut looks good on you.”
Yuta smiled. “Thanks, bro.” He draws a smoke. “Thought it was a nice change. A new beginning, I guess? Like how someone told me.”
“A new beginning huh?” Doyoung shoved his hand to his pants pockets. “Well, speaking of…”
Yuta hummed at Doyoung, tilting his head because Doyoung is hesitating.
“Nevermind, I’ll talk to you over coffee.”
“Wow, such a joy killer.” Yuta quickly removes the white stick from its cartridge. “Well, let’s go then. I can’t handle cliffhangers.”
–
“Here,” Doyoung passes Yuta’s usual americano while holding his own matcha latte.
“Sankyuu,” Yuta thanked him, purposefully using his Japanese accent. “So, care to continue where you left?”
Yuta could sense that Doyoung stopped sipping his straw. But Doyoung realized that he’s dealing with Yuta here and his best trait is his directness. Though he’s a bit taken aback, Doyoung already expected Yuta to go back straight to the topic.
“Well, the thing is,” He pulled the chair, sitting across Yuta. “[Y/N] asked me if she could meet you.”
“[Y/N]?” Yuta’s eyes widen. Amongst all of the people, her name was the least that he would expect to want to meet him. “Meeting me? Is there anything wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong, but…” Doyoung pursing his lips, noticeably nervous. “Damn it, [Y/N], why do you have to do this to me?” He mumbles.
“Bro seriously, just go straight to the point.” Yuta gives his cup a few twirls before sipping it. “I won’t be offended if that is what you’re worried about.”
Yuta can see how Doyoung’s adam’s apple moves up and down. “She asked me whether she and Jaehyun could meet you to give you their wedding invitation.”
Immediately Yuta halted all of his movements. He has sworn to himself that he tries to move on. At this point he is even convinced that he already does. He never thought Doyoung’s last statement would cause that much pain.
Yuta remains silent, exactly how Doyoung expects him to be. “She did it out of good intentions, Yuta. I mean, I was around when you guys were together and I know it sucks to come to your ex’s wedding, but–”
“We never dated.” Yuta cuts him off.
“Well, whatever you called your relationship back then. At least from my eyes, you guys were happy and regardless of the ending, you did help her out of her slump. And she’s very grateful for that. If it weren’t for you, she probably wouldn't be able to be her complete self again, let alone to be together with Jaehyun.”
“Nonsense.”
Doyoung sighs. “You are special to her, Yuta. That wouldn’t change, no matter how bitter you take this news. If you’re uncomfortable I can come with you or I can ask [Y/N] to come by herself. Or would you rather to have her pass the invitation to me so–”
“Fine,” Yuta finally looks Doyoung in the eyes. “But I’m not comfortable meeting her… fiancé yet, so it would probably be best if I could meet her alone.”
A gum smile appeared on Doyoung’s face. “Sure, I’ll make sure to tell [Y/N].”
He finally rested his back on his chair. “Thank you for not making this difficult, bro.”
Yuta raised one of his brows, “Who said so? You’re paying for my coffee, right?”
Doyoung’s eyes grow bigger in disagreement.
–
Thank God Yuta managed to swallow his last piece of canelé —else he would choke after seeing her presence.
She came alone, just as Doyoung had promised. Yuta noticed she kept her hair length just the same. Nothing has really changed about her, except that she looks visibly more radiant.
She quickly spotted Yuta, and immediately pulled the chair in front of him.
“Hi,” She said as she took her seat. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No, not really.”
“Yet you just finished a canelé?”
“You know I’m a fast eater.”
She giggles. “Yes, I remember.”
Ah, her giggles.
Yuta could listen to this the whole day. It’s a strange feeling for him. As much as he loves her laughter, he hated the fact that he’s such a simple man –because he wishes he could listen to her laugh nonstop. That he could be the one that makes her laugh.
“Uhm, so…” Her relaxed demeanor changed into a slightly more skittish posture. “I guess if you agree to be here, it means you know the reason why I want to meet you.”
Yuta parted his lips from his cup. “You could’ve just text or call me by yourself, you know? Our Doyoung looked like a poor rabbit that got trapped.”
He glad he mentioned Doyoung, as it manages to put a smile on her face. “Right, you are a scorpio, to begin with.”
Yuta rested his chin on his hand, unconsciously smiling. He never believes in astrologies, but it’s funny how whenever she mentioned his sign, he would reactively feel giddy as it is the first thing that she knew about him —other than his name and his nationality, of course.
“Well,” She went through her purse. “I was hoping you could come to our wedding.”
Then when the smile gradually fades.
You expected this.
Yuta said that repeatedly in his mind. Yet the pain that he feels on his chest doesn’t seem to subdue.
She’s marrying a Jeong. One of the most desirable bachelors in Seoul. Not only women are fawning over his look, but Jeong Jaehyun is a brilliant, wealthy man. At a young age and to be able to manage Seoul’s biggest corporate, it’s a no brainer that women fly around Jaehyun like he’s a flame to a moth.
Yuta expected the invitation to be grander, but instead, it was stunningly simple. The rose-embossed envelope was dominated with cream tones, and the only noticeable color was the muted rose gold wax seal on the envelope with their initials. Another simple detail that makes the invitation look even more beautiful was the addition of dried flowers in between the stamp and the envelope.
“It’s beautiful,” He flips the envelope to reveal a calligraphy text that reads Nakamoto Yuta. “You’re a creative director indeed, huh.”
She pinches his hand at his jokes, to which Yuta quickly replies with repeated ouches.
“Can I open this?”
She nods, and Yuta carefully opens the envelope to reveal a tea-dyed paper that has floral-details embossed on the corner.
Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.
And the two shall become one.
[Y/N] and Jaehyun invite you to celebrate their love and wedding.
Yuta remains silent as he continues to read the date and the venue, before finally speaking up.
“Dinner, dance, and drinks to follow, huh?”
She held her breath, clearly unable to predict Yuta’s reaction. “Specifically champagnes. Though, I’m pretty sure Johnny’s going to smuggle some whiskey —don’t ask me how.”
The memory of her, sitting next to him while going on a date seems as clear as a day for Yuta. He remembered how the tip of her ears turned red when he held her hands, receiving her smile at the end.
But she never shines as bright as she is right now. The way the stardust on her eyes sparkled when she talked about her wedding.
As painful as it is for Yuta to let her go, it would be even hurtful if he were to steal that happiness away from her.
“I’ll come.” He puts the invitation back to its envelope.
“You will?!” She shrieked, unable to contain her excitement.
“Whoa, calm down soon-to-be bride.”
“Well, I didn’t expect you would… give me an answer this fast.”
“What? Do you expect me to be an asshole? You know I’m a pretty decisive person.”
“I’m aware on how… awkward this situation is. So I expected a lot worse.”
Yuta scoffed at her remarks, cuts her off before she could continue, “Congratulations, [Y/N]. I’m happy for you.”
Yuta saw how his statement caught her off guard, but her eyes slowly softened gradually. “Thank you Yuta. Really, I’m grateful that it was you.”
Yuta did not ask her to further explain her sentence.
“I’m glad it works out in the end.”
–
“Ah, thank you.”
Yuta exited from the back seat of his Uber when the valet opened the car door for him. Although Yuta already owns a car in Seoul, he had a hunch that he’s going to drink a lot today and as a responsible adult, he decided to skip driving.
The wedding venue stretches out to the lobby –and Yuta can already tell that the scale of the wedding is quite grand. The hallway was filled with the wedding decorations, in which the couple tries to keep the ethereal theme intact. A large acrylic box filled with green leaves fillers and giant white orchid greets the guest. On that box Yuta could spot gold letterings that spelled Welcome to the Wedding of [Y/N] and Jaehyun on its full glory.
The more steps Yuta takes to walk to the main venue, the more magnificent the decoration is. Toffee-colored roses bloomed beautifully on the hallway, looking marvelous with the giant pampas in between. Yuta gave small nods in approval after looking at the decor –impressed with the florist who worked on this.
Of course, he could see the pictorial pre-wedding photos of the couple. It seems like there are multiple themes for their pre-wedding shoots –from an editorial-like studio photoshoot to something that goes above and beyond like a shoot in the middle of the desert. Who knows how they were able to pull these off, but knowing the person she’s marrying, the answer doesn’t seem so far off.
However, the very photoshoot that made Yuta stop his step was the simplest theme; both of them laughing in the kitchen. Obviously Yuta is aware that there were probably crews behind the scene, asking them to pretend that they’re cooking –or in this case, playing with their food. But for someone who spent a good amount of time loving this very person, he knows best that the smile on her face is genuine. And the way they hug each other was so full of love.
He bitterly smiled, steps getting heavier as he knows the more he entered, the more pain it is going to be for him.
Why did I say yes?
He didn’t rethink much about his own question when he finally arrived at the main venue. The weather was clear as if nature is giving their blessing to the happy couple. The outdoor wedding was breathtaking, especially on the main wedding arch. The venue itself is already spectacular on its own –beautifully nestled on the bank of the river. Another charming point is the fact that the traditional Korean architecture married very well with the skyscrapers across the river. Additionally, it was even more impressive because the guests are able to soak in the spellbinding view of the sunset.
“Good afternoon, sir.” The wedding organizer greets him. “Are you a part of the bride’s or the groom’s guest?”
“The bride.”
She gave him a warm smile as she received the invitation, confirming his reservation. “OK, please take a seat on the left side. It shouldn’t take long before the ceremony started.”
It was an intimate wedding. Though they were a pair of lovebirds before, it was not enough for Yuta to know every single person on her circle. At least, he was unable to find any familiar face. So Yuta assumed people like Doyoung, Hanbyul, and Mingyu are taking the role of bridesmaid and groomsmen.
He took a glance at the groom’s side, where he spotted Donghyuck who’s glued to his phone. Yuta also notices the people from the last party, was it Sicheng and Taeil? He then saw how Taeyong quickly found his seat, and before long the ceremony was starting.
The officiant leads Jaehyun to wait at the altar from the side. Afterwards, Mark made his entrance, as Jaehyun’s only relative. The groomsmen quickly follow after, including Johnny who’s his best man, escorted the bridesmaids down the aisle.
When the flower girl disperses the roses petals and the ring bearer enters, Yuta is unable to focus on anything but the person who is walking right behind them.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Her choice of the wedding gown was the classic white off-shoulder silhouette dress. But the Óscar De La Renta gown is anything but mediocre. The floor-length tulle gown was embroidered with organza threaded flowers, and the veil that she wore that was made out of delicate chantilly lace. When he thought the dress couldn’t impress him further, the custom made veil was dazzled with meticulously embroidered rhinestone embellishments.
As the bride makes her entrance, Jaehyun starts to hold his hand together tighter. It is almost too visible for the audience to see how red his hands are. Jaehyun is a man who rarely wears his emotions on his sleeve, but seeing the love of his life walking down the aisle is enough for him to take off his mask. The thought of making her officially his wife causes him to well up.
All eyes were on her, but Yuta was especially unable to stray his eyes away. The way she walks gently to meet her groom at the other end of the aisle, but at the same time holding her bouquet that is dominated with muted blush orchids that are complimented with white roses nervously.
Yuta is able to catch all of that. However the thing that keeps Yuta’s eyes fixed on her is how even with the sheer veil that covers her face, he could still see how incredibly happy she is.
And the one that is able to put on that radiant smile is no other than Jaehyun.
She finally reached where her future husband is. She faces Jaehyun, and he takes a step forward to lift up her veil. Almost instantly, a single stream falls from Jaehyun’s eyes. She was beyond beautiful in his eyes. And although he was crying, he couldn’t help but to grin widely, exposing both of his dimples.
The sweet scene gained collective awes from the audiences. But Yuta took a deep breath instead so that he won’t stop collecting himself. Preventing him to do something that he would regret in future.
“Dear our lovely guests,” The officiant opens the event. “We are gathered here to celebrate love, the unison of our happy couple, [Y/N] and Jaehyun who are about to become Mr. and Mrs. Jeong.”
He proceeds by addressing the couple, and then comes the time where they exchange their vows.
“[Y/N],” Jaehyun opens up his cue card. “You are, without a doubt, my unconditional love.”
Contradicting the smile that she put on her face, her eyes started to tear up. Jaehyun took another deep breath before he continued.
“Today, I love you completely, as I did yesterday and yes, definitely for another seventy years, and even more. I promise I will provide a safe haven for our family, like what you provided to me. I promise to build a home that is filled with joy, learning, and compassion. There’s no need for you to look for me because I will be there for you, always. I will share your dreams, your joys, and I will be the place of comfort in your sorrows. I promise that you are my once in a lifetime love, because I will always find you in every love song, even in deafening weather, on the smallest things, and my dream is still, and will always be you.”
She wished she could hug the person in front of him after he reached the end of his vow, but she was busy tapping the tissue gently so that the tears won’t ruin her hours-long makeup. The officiant gave her a nod, allowing her to proceed with her vow.
“Jaehyun,”
There’s a crack in her voice, telling the audience that she’s mustering all of her strength to keep herself calm and collected.
“My everything, I give myself today to you to be your wife. I vow to share the rest of my life with you. To speak nothing but the truth to you in love. I promise that I will never give up on you, to respect you as to how you respected me. Building a home together with you seems like a dream, but my dream, too, is always you. Whether it’s through health, or illness, or when all of our hair turns grey and we get all wrinkly –at the end of my life, even when it has passed seventy years, I hope the person staying next to me is you.”
At her vow, Jaehyun repeatedly uses his thumb and index finger to wipe his own tears. He pressed his lips together, and even from far away it is visible that he was doing his best to hold his tears. Crying not out of sadness, but under immeasurable happiness.
After they exchange their rings, the couple look at each other once more. Completely on their own space. Speaking in a language that no other person in the audience could understand, before the officiant pulls them back.
“You may now have your first kiss!”
At the sign, Jaeyun pulls her to his embrace and gently kisses his now-wife. As if they’ve dreamed of this moment to live, they closed their eyes to soak in all the raw emotions they’ve felt for each other. They only realize that the time didn’t stop when the audiences are cheering for the happy couple.
And that is all Yuta needs to confirm his feelings.
Like everything that he’s been holding on, burst open like a bubble. There were no longer lingering feelings. No longer sign of remorse. Everything just made sense. So while people who sat nearby clapped and cheered, Yuta quietly wiped his own tears.
–
The scenery of the brilliant sunset is quickly replaced by the dim lights from the string lights that drape above the venue. While they provided tables for the guest to eat, all of them are currently holding drinks while enjoying the dance floor.
Yuta, on the other hand, decided to step away from the crowd. Distancing himself so that he can have a moment of peace for a second, but just enough for him to see how the happy couple shares their happiness with their friends and family.
“Enjoying the night breeze, sir?”
Yuta was not expecting someone to come see him. After all, the crowd that is acquainted with him is quite minimal in this party.
“Ah, you are–”
“Oh, how rude of me,” She uses her free hand to cover her mouth, before offering it to Yuta. “Hi, I’m __.”
“Yes, the florist. Are you the groom’s guest?” Yuta assumed since Mark is working for her.
She quickly shook her head. “Actually I’m here because I’m in charge of the floral decoration.”
Yuta’s eyes widened. “You did all of these? They’re amazing!”
She smiles shyly. “I’m glad all of the efforts didn’t go in vain. At least, I’m glad to know that you like it.”
“The couple is impressed, too, I bet.”
She nods her head. Yuta took another sip of his champagne before prolonging the pregnant pause.
“Are you OK?”
Yuta cocked his head, asking her to elaborate her question.
“I didn’t mean to pry, but I saw the way you look at them during the ceremony and… you cried.”
Oh?
He didn’t think that anybody would notice. Yuta does not have that much significance as part of the guest. He is not Johnny, being the groom’s best friend, nor Doyoung. He is simply the bride’s ex-lover, and they invited him probably out of guilt and a way of saying their gratitude.
He also didn’t expect a woman would be as equally direct as him while keeping her eloquent speech.
“Well,” He twirls his glass of champagne. “Are you free? Or do you have any other responsibilities after this?”
“Oh, usually I leave after I finish. Usually the W.O. would have their own cleaning team, and I leave the couple to decide what they would do with the flowers. Mark insisted me to enjoy the party, but it’s quite difficult to enjoy the party if I don’t know anyone. You’re a regular in our shop, so out of hope that I have sheer luck, you don’t mind that I approached you first.”
A coy smile appears on Yuta’s face. “Actually,”
He then took a glance at where the main event was. Looking directly on how Johnny forces Jaehyun to drink directly from the bottle, and the way his legs sways left and right before he falls to his wife’s arm. A happy, but drunk chap.
“I happen to know one of the groomsmen. They clearly oversupply their alcohol, let me steal a bottle or two. Would you care to accompany me for a drink?”
Yuta saw how bewildered she is, and unconsciously laughed at her expression. “I guess the tie is not for me, it suffocating. Also, you don’t need to worry about me being drunk-driving, I can also ask an Uber from the groomsmen.”
Yuta could see she nervously looking sideways, probably not sure how to react to Yuta’s invitation.
“There’s no hidden agenda, really. Odd, isn’t it? You are a stranger, yet I feel the most comfortable talking to you. Probably because you are a stranger, I got nothing to lose by telling you anything. You don’t have any prior judgment about me anyway.”
She remained silent, eyes still fixed on Yuta. Silence consumed them, and the only sound that could be heard was the distant laughters from the dance floor.
“Well, I’m not forcing you or anything.” Yuta decided to break the silence away. “But I thought of drinking my woe away, and it would be a pretty sad scene, don’t you think? To drink alone on such a happy day?”
She finally lets down her guard, smiling at him. “My car is not fancy, but I can definitely drive well.”
A/N: They’re finally a married couple :’) One more chapter to go before the series come to an end!
