Haneul’s POV

What was Jace doing standing up?

I glared at him, but he just smiled at me.

“Sit down.” I heard my mom hiss as she tried to pull him down.

“What? Why? I have something to say.” Jace said.

“Sir, you have an objection towards this marriage?” The priest asked.

Junhyung’s grip on me tightened. I could not tell if he was nervous or angry, or perhaps both.

“Objection? When on earth? I thought you said… we could speak, if we wanted. Did you not say that?” Jace asked.

I get it now. This is the confused Jace. He must have been spacing out throughout the ceremony, thinking of I don’t know what.

“I said, if you have any objections towards this marriage, speak up now or forever hold your peace.” The priest repeated.

“Oh. I… heard wrongly hee..” Jace said awkwardly, his cheeks turning a dark shade of red.

“Shall we proceed on?” The priest asked, looking slightly pissed at Jace who disrupted the ceremony.

“Wait!” I stopped him.

“Let him speak. What do you want to say?” I asked Jace.

I looked at Junhyung, whose expression is much more relaxed now. Maybe this is his first time seeing a confused and lost Jace, therefore he is happy he is not the only one who is embarrassed today.

“Please.” Junhyung said, handing the microphone to Jace.

Jace stepped out of the row and stood in the center, facing the crowd. I could see young girls squealing, but what do you expect? It is Jace we are talking about here.

“Firstly, I’m sorry for disrupting. I was… deep in thoughts.. or something. Sorry.” He said, bowing politely to the crowd, then to the priest.

He then turned to us and smiled.

“I… I just want to say a few things to this couple right here.” He said.

“First of all, congratulations on your marriage. Baby girl, actually it does hurts me to watch you get married. It’s like… I am not only sending my little sister away, but my best friend too. It feels as thou a part of me is gone, but for good. I easily let you come to Korea, because you would come back, I thought. But now, I doubt it’ll be this case. Jace… would be so lonely.” He said.

He laughed awkwardly, but I knew Jace long enough that he was trying not to cry.

“But it’s fine. Jace can always find other entertainment. Jace is very happy at the fact the person you are getting married to is Junhyung, my baby boy.” He said, poking Junhyung’s cheek.

“I believe baby boy would take very good care of baby girl, and vice versa.” He said.

“You know, this couple been through a lot. I don’t know if they are filming a drama or what, but their lives have just been dramatic. But then again, this couple is strong. Haneul is right, you know. They may be meant to be, but just being meant to be is not enough to sustain a relationship.” He said to the crowd.

“And I know there are still many people out there who don’t ‘approve’ of their marriage. But let me tell you, they don’t deserve anyone else but each other. If you witness whatever they have been through, how they fight and argue but make up in the end, how they give each other the push, how they stay by each other when everyone thought it would be the end, you would be so ashamed that you even thought of denying them the opportunity of getting married.” He said.

“They may both behave like nutcases, but they taught me a lot. Baby girl taught me that it does not matter if you’re a guy or a girl, if you love someone, prove it, show it, announce to the world. Baby girl here changed a lot ever since she met baby boy, and I thank you for that, Junhyung. Junhyung here taught me that despite the fact men should be strong and sturdy in front of females, it is okay to be weak. It is okay to lose. In front of the girl you love and love you, it is okay to not to be strong and sturdy, for if she loves you, she’ll hold you.” He continued.

“I know to a lot of people, marriage is not just about love. It is about a lot of other stuff, finance, jobs, families etc. However, this couple here, I truly believe that the only sole reason they got married is because of love. If they don’t get married today, Junhyung may find a better girl, Haneul may find a better guy, but I believe that there would always be something missing in their heart. Like a piece of puzzle that has a chipped edge. The masterpiece may look complete, but only the person who made it know it would never be, no matter how he tries to cover it up.” He said.

He turned back to us, his eyes teary already.

“But you must know, although you guys got married solely out of love, you cannot throw away all the other factors. Baby girl, you rude thing. Please respect your in-laws, and for goodness sake learn to cook a proper meal for baby boy. He’s so thin. Baby boy, I wouldn’t say things like if you make her cry I’ll bash you up because after all these time, I realized it has been Haneul making you cry more than you making her cry.” He said.

Junhyung laughed, so did the others. But Jace is right thou.

“Haneul is a difficult person, I am sure you know it better than I do, but please bear with her. You managed to bear with her for the past few years, I am sure a lifetime is not that difficult after all, right?” He said.

Junhyung nodded.

“If she makes you upset, then come to me. I’ll buy you beer, we’ll talk, and then I’ll send you home to cuddle with her, okay?” He said.

Junhyung laughed, but nodded anyway.

“I give the both of you my blessings, and I hope everyone present would too. Because this couple here, they are the true definition of true love.” Jace smiled.

“And lastly, let me end with something I read. I know you want to see them kiss, but bear with me. They would kiss anyway. I only have now to talk.” He said, talking out a slip of paper from his pocket.

The crowd laughed.

“It’s some poem or quote by some poet. I know I don’t look like the reading kind of person, but I am. I changed it somehow thou~ Okay, here it goes; ‘Even after all this time, the Sun,” He pointed to Junhyung.

“Never says to the Earth,” He pointed to me.

“’You owe me.’. Look what happens with a love,” He pointed his finger at us in a circular motion.

“Llike that. It lights up the whole Skye.” Jace said, smiling at me.

I know he had a little play on words there.

“Marriage is not one plus one equals two, neither is it half plus half equals one. It is one plus one equals one, because while you merge as one, you do not leave anything behind, not a single flaw nor a single perfection. Congratulations to the both of you. I love you.” He smiled.

“And one more thing, Junhyung taught me… that guys can cry too.” He said, tears flowing down his cheeks uncontrollably.

“Jace…” I called out.

Junhyung wiped his tears and pulled him into a tight hug. The three of us hugged while the crowd cheered and clapped.

After Jace returned to his seat, we turned back to the priest, again.

“Anyone else wants to say something?” The priest asked.

The crowd laughed.

“Really? Alright, then forever hold your peace.” He said.

We were handed rings to exchange. Junhyung’s hands were shaking. He almost dropped the ring. I a little by pulling my hand back when he wanted to slip the ring in. His shocked expression was priceless. It was like he would burst into tears and jump on the spot yelling ‘STOP TEASING ME!!!’ Just thinking about it is enough to make me want to burst into laughter.

I slipped his ring onto his finger. He stared at the ring, smiling like a fool.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife!” The priest shouted despite the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr and Mrs…” I cut him off before he could finish.

“Haneul.” I said.

“What?” He looked at me.

“From now on, he is Mr Haneul.” I said, teasing Junhyung.

Junhyung looked at me and then nodded.

“Whatever. I’m Mr Haneul then.” He smiled.

“Just kidding.” I said, gesturing the priest to continue.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr and Mrs Yong Junhyung.” He smiled.

“You may now kiss the….” Before he could finish, Junhyung pushed my veil away, cupped my cheeks and crashed his lips against mine.

“Bride.” I heard the priest continue.

The crowd cheered and went wild at his actions. I could distinctly hear Mir’s screech.

I circled my arms around his waist as we kissed in front of the world. The music started playing. We did not fight for dominance or whatever of that sort. We just kissed, tasting each other, feeling each other.

We pulled apart for air, staring deeply into each other’s eyes.

“I love you.” He said, panting slightly.

“I love you too.” I said, wiping the sweat of his forehead.

For some reason, he was perspiring.

“Look behind.” I gestured him.

He turned and let out a wide smile. Seungho, together with Tae Hyun and Ji Eun were playing the piano. It was more like Seungho was just poking the keys while Tae Hyun and Ji Eun played. Seungho met eyes with us and gave us a ‘your kids’ wink. Junhyung was like a fan boy, clapping and cheering for the two.

After everything calmed down, we were still there, but most people were outside helping themselves with the food.

“Junhyung, why are your cheeks so warm?” I asked, cupping his cheeks.

“I don’t know. I think I’m running a fever or what.” He laughed.

“And you’re laughing?” I asked.

“I’ll be fine. It must be yesterday.” He laughed.

“I think you fried your brain.” I mumbled, feeling his forehead with my palm.

“What did you say?” He grinned.

“Nothing.” I mumbled.

Our families came over and the first thing my mom did was to smack my arm.

“Of all times to use wrong word choices! Do you know how freaked out we all were?” She scolded.

“Sorry. I didn’t expect it to turn out this way too.” I said.

“Congratulations.” Junsung said, stretching out his hand to shake mine.

“Thank you.” I smiled.

They continued talking while Junhyung kept grinning. I was pretty worried honestly. Why is he smiling so much? Is he that happy? Or did he really fried his brain?

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” the MBLEAST boys yelled, throwing Junhyung in the air out of the sudden.

“Oh my god please put him down!” I said hurriedly.

“Noona, usually you would ask us to throw him higher. Why are you so protective over him today hmm?” Mir asked.

“I… He is… not well!” I frowned as I watch Junhyung wave and grin at me while he was being thrown up in the air.

I knew they would not stop, so I just hope Junhyung would vomit on their heads or something. I looked around, looking for someone I want to see; Jace.

“Where’s Jace?” I asked my dad.

“He went outside.” My dad said.

“YAH YAH! Put him down for a second!” I yelled to the boys.

They almost dropped Junhyung.

“I’m going out to look for Jace, but I’ll be back. You get yourself something to eat and some rest, alright? Tonight will be hectic. You need to rest. Do you get me?” I asked Junhyung.

He nodded and smiled.

“Take care of him for me. I’ll be back.” I said, heading outside.

I found Jace standing at a corner, staring outside. I hugged him from behind, startling him.

“Tsk!” He frowned at me, but was smiling.

“Why are you here? Where is your groom?” He asked.

“Getting tortured by his friends.” I laughed.

“Oh.” He nodded, looking back at what he was looking at.

“Jace, why do you look so sad?” I asked.

“Because my baby girl is married.” He laughed.

“You know nothing between us will change, right?” I said.

“Of course.” He smiled.

“Then why are you sulking?” I asked.

“Because I cannot help but wonder when will we meet again? When will we hang out again? When will we have fun like before again?” He said, looking at me.

“We do it all the time! You know Junhyung is not the forbidding type.” I said.

He smiled at me. His smile told me something was not right.

“Wait, what’s wrong? Are you… leaving?” I asked.

He nodded.

“HOW COULD YOU!? I MEAN! HOW ABOUT TAE HYUN!? JI EUN!? ARE YOU JUST GOING TO LEAVE THEM!?” I yelled.

“Relax girl, please. Don’t get so agitated. It’s not good for you.” He said, calming me down.

“Why didn’t you discuss it with me!?” I yelled.

“Why didn’t you even tell me about it!? Or drop me a hint!” I pushed him.

“I did. But you were too busy to see.” He said, looking sad.

Indeed, the baby, the wedding, Junhyung, everything kept me busy.

“I should have left long ago. I don’t belong here, Skye. I stayed because of Tae Hyun and Ji Eun, and you.” He said.

“And now? Why are you leaving?” I asked, pouting at him.

“Because I don’t have to worry anymore. All three of you have Junhyung.” He said, smiling sadly.

“It’s not the same!” I whined like a child.

“I’ll come back for holidays.” He said.

“I want you permanently here!” I demanded.

“As always, my baby girl.” He pulled me into his embrace.

***

Junhyung did not have the appetite to eat, neither did I, so we both headed home. He was indeed running a slight fever perhaps from the hangover. He needed to rest to be well enough for tonight.

“Is something wrong?” He asked, taking off his suit.

“Junroro.” I looked at him.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, sitting down beside me.

“Jace…” I mumbled.

“What about Jace?” He asked.

“Jace is leaving.” I sighed.

“What!? When!? Why!?” He shouted.

“Shhh…” I covered his mouth.

I pulled him to lie down on my lap. I put a cold towel over his forehead.

“Why is he leaving so soon?” He asked, playing with the frills on my dress, sounding upset.

“He said he stayed for Tae Hyun, Ji Eun and me.” I said.

“And now?” He asked.

“Now we have you. So he can go.” I said.

“Is it my fault?” Junhyung looked up at me.

“Silly or what?” I poked his cheek.

“I feel like my existence drove him away.” He pouted.

“But we can’t be selfish, right? I mean… Jace has a life back there too.” I said.

“And you?” He asked.

“What about me?” I asked.

“When your parents go back… How about you?” He asked.

“My life is here now, Junhyung ah. Don’t you know?” I smiled, twirling the wedding ring on my finger.

“Make Jace stay.” He mumbled.

“I hope he would.” I said, patting his chest lightly.

“But… I doubt. I just hope… he’ll come back often.” I said.

“Make him stay…” Junhyung whined, eyes closed.

“Sleep.” I said.

“Stupid Jace.” He mumbled.

“After all that he said… he’s leaving.. stupid Jace.” Junhyung grumbled.

“Very stupid indeed.” I said.

“But whatever. We’ll talk to him soon. For now, you need to rest. Tonight is the real deal.” I said.

He was already asleep. I leaned back against the headboard, looking at Junhyung who was asleep on my lap, and the ring on my finger. I am married already? To this gorgeous man? Is it real?