“Where’s Yoonsan?” I flinched at my mother’s tone and her grip on my arm. Well, on the bright side, if I pass out from the blood, at least I’ll be in a hospital.

“H-he had an important meeting.” I stuttered out. Her grip tightened and I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out.

“Liar.” She hissed out. “Your brother told me he’s with a friend from France. A model.” She yanked me closer to her.

“I’m going to tell you this once, so listen. You will not become a mistress. You will do all you can to show that that you are the fiancée, you will be his wife and she’s a nobody! If not, I will take away everything you’ve ever worked hard for. Do you understand me?” I couldn’t stop the tears that were falling down my face, nodding my head.

“Yes m’am.” I sobbed out. She pushed me away from her, causing me to crash into the wall.

“Your father and I are leaving now. You and San better be ready for tomorrow.” And with that, she left.

I stayed there, cradling the arm that she grabbed. I tried to fight back the tears but the fear that had been instilled in me from her words, made it difficult. As if I stood a chance against Colette. If Yoonsan were to choose who he wanted to marry, it’s obvious he’d marry her. I saw the way he looked at her. He has feelings for her and this arrangement is the only thing keeping them apart. And now, my education was on the line, again. My mother sticks to her words and whatever she needs to do to keep me from going to college, whatever strings she has to pull, she will.

“Don’t give them the satisfaction.” I lifted my head and saw Moonkyu oppa standing a few feet away with a bored expression.

“Huh?”

“Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you cry. That’s what they want.” Moonkyu oppa said. He pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on and walked over to me.

“Let me see your arm.” I lifted my arm towards him, looking away in case there was blood. “You’re fine, no blood.” Moonkyu oppa let go of my arm and I hugged it close to me again.

“H-have they left yet?” I let out a breath of relief when he nodded his head.

“Let’s go before your friend beats me up. I know he wants to.” Moonkyu oppa walked back to where the others were and I hurried to catch up to him.

When we got to the room, Kidmon oppa was on the phone again and he sounded upset.

“Are you ready to go, Eunjungie?” I smiled at Hojeong oppa, nodding my head.

“Yes oppas, I’m ready. I’m sorry I’ve been such a handful.” I bowed to them.

“Yah, don’t be ridiculous! We’re just happy you’re okay.” Sungwoon oppa flicked my shoulder, laughing and I couldn’t help but laugh along.

Kidmon oppa dropped me off at home but I had to assure him and the others that they didn’t have to come in and take care of me. I just wanted to be by myself for a while. I needed to think about what my mother told me. I sat down on the couch, too lazy to go up the stairs to my room. I guess I had dozed off because when I woke up, I was in my room. I looked around, a little confused. I checked the time on the clock by my bed and saw it was 9 p.m. My only question was how I got to my bed.

“San, you seriously need to talk to her. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you two have been. Or that you’ve been spending time with Colette. Not that there isn’t anything wrong with you hanging out with her, but be careful.”

“I know, noona. I just, I’ve been stupid. If she’s awake, I’ll talk to her.”

“And if she isn’t?”

“Then we’ll talk tomorrow, for sure.” Why is Sooyoung eonni and Yoonsan outside of my room?

“Okay. Be careful with that tray. I need to go. Nayoung is blowing up my phone. This date is making her nervous.”  A few moments later, the door to my bedroom was opening, causing me to squint at the light from the hallway.

“Oh, you’re awake.” I nodded my head. I moved to sit up but Yoonsan quickly put down the tray he was holding on the foot of my bed and moved to help me sit up. I didn’t fight it like I usually would. I actually liked how he was helping me. I kind of missed him even if he never left, but I missed us talking and how we used to be. I know it sounds lame but we’ve basically been together for 8 months and him not talking to me for a few weeks made me sad.

“Thank you.” I quietly said, hugging Lady close to me. Yoonsan moved to get the tray and brought it closer. I saw a plate of food and a glass of water. There was even a little note. I reached for the note.

“Miss Eunjung,

I hope you feel better. I hate seeing you so down and in pain. It’s like seeing my little sister like that. Make sure to get plenty of rest and to eat up. Don’t worry, Colette has nothing on you ;) kekekekeke”

I giggled at the note, feeling a bit better. I folded it again and placed it next to me. I looked up and saw Yoonsan standing there, a bit awkwardly and I couldn’t help but giggle. He’s never looked so awkward before in my room. I folded my legs to make room for Yooonsan. I patted the spot, smiling as he awkwardly made his way to the bed, sitting stiffly on the edge.

“Yaaaah, you’re acting like you’ve never sat on my bed before.” I giggled, reaching forward to nudge him. He smiled softly, looking a bit more relaxed as he set more on the bed. We were both quiet as I took a sip of water from the glass.

“I’m sorry.” Yoonsan spoke up first. I opened my mouth to speak up but he continued to talk.

“I’m sorry for being stupid. I shouldn’t of pushed you away and acted like I did and I should’ve gone with you to the hospital. I’ve been dumb.” Yoonsan sighed, looking genuinely apologetic.

“It’s fine. I, I guess I understand why you acted the way you did. I just wished you would’ve talked to me about how you felt over the letter. I’m still confused but, we’re not obligated to talk to each other about these things so if you didn’t want to, I understand.” Yoonsan scooted closer and took my hands in his.

“No, no. You’re right, we should’ve talked to each other. It’s not your fault you got the letter. I just, I’ve never done anything like this. It’s just, I don’t know what I’m doing.” Yoonsan admitted.

“And do you think I do? I’ve never had a boyfriend but now I’m engaged and I don’t know how to do all this. But, we’re in this together, Yoonsan. We should have each other’s backs.” Yoonsan nodded his head.

“I know, I know. I’m just…I’m sorry. We’ll talk more, from now on.” Yoonsan promised me. I smiled when he held a pinky up. I giggled, linking my pinky with his and we stamped our thumbs together.

When we unlinked our pinkies, Yoonsan grabbed the tray, putting it on my lap. He got the fork and knife and began cutting the food.

“What are you doing?” I questioned him. He cut a piece of the steak, holding the fork up to me. I tried taking the fork from his hand, only to have him pull it away.

“Nope, I’m feeding you. To make up for everything.”

“Yoonsan, really, it’s fine. I’ve forgiven you.” I sighed when I saw Yoonsan still holding the fork away. “Aish, you’re so weird.” I muttered before opening my mouth. Yoonsan fed me the piece of steak and I rolled my eyes at his smug face. But, I really was thankful that everything was back to normal between us now.

This carried on for while, Yoonsan feeding me. We talked and laughed and I felt ten times better. When the food was done and the tray out of the way, Yoonsan was sitting next to me, my laptop resting on his and my legs. I put on Wreck It Ralph for the both of us.

“Eunjung.” I hummed to show Yoonsan I was listening but I didn’t look away from the screen. Wreck It Ralph is one of my favorite Disney movies.

“Timo hyung told me, about what happened at the hospital.” I looked over at him, a bit confused.

“Your mom. What she said.” I widened my eyes.

“He-“ Yoonsan grabbed my shoulders so I was facing him.

“Eunjung, when I told you that you won’t have to be scared about your education, I meant it. Don’t let your mom scare you because you have nothing to be scared about. I’m engaged to you. I’m marrying you and even though this wasn’t by our choice, I’m still going to honor it.”

“But you and Colette. I see how you looked at her. I don’t want to be the one to be in the way of your happiness.” I whispered, looking down.

“Eunjung, I’m happy as long as you’re happy. Colette, she’s, I did have feelings for her, back when I was in France, but, you and me, we’re engaged.” Yoonsan lifted my head so I was looking at him.

“Eunjng, we’re going to get married. I’ll have your back, just like you have mine. Okay?” I nodded my head, biting my lip to hold back the tears that were welling up. I guess my mother’s words had a bigger effect on me than I thought.

“Aye, I didn’t think you’d get so emotional.” Yoonsan laughed, pulling me into a hug. I lightly hit his back before hugging him back.

“Shut up, this movie gets me emotional.” My voice came out muffled since I buried my face into his shoulder.

I had gotten up a bit early the next morning so I could shower and get myself ready. I had put on a simple outfit but one that my mother would approve of and made my makeup a bit more heavier just to be on the safe side. I bid everyone good morning—I had been the last one to arrive—and sat down at my usual seat, smiling at Yoonsan who pulled my seat out for me. He smiled at me, reaching down to give my hand a light squeeze before sitting in his chair.  

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” I smiled brightly at Mrs. Yoon and my mother—but mainly at Mrs. Yoon since I was still a bit shaken up by yesterday even though Yoonsan had assured me.

“Well, we’re going to meet with the wedding planner and then we’re going to discuss the theme and date and venue. We also need to set aside a day for when we can get your bridesmaids together to look for their dress and yours. Oh and we also need to start the search for your last two bridesmaids.” Mrs. Yoon spoke cheerfully. She seemed genuinely excited about everything and I couldn’t help but get excited as well.  

“Oh, you two are just going to make a lovely couple! Don’t you think, Aera?” Mrs. Yoon turned to my mother, smile still on her face.

“Of course. We didn’t do this arrangement for nothing. But I hope they honor this marriage like a regular couple would. We don’t need any scandals making them or us look bad.” Yoonsan looked up from his phone and seemed like he was going to say something snarky to my mother but I quickly grabbed his hand, silencing him.

“Don’t be silly! Of course they will!” Mrs. Yoon laughed.

After breakfast, I ran into the kitchen to give Sooyoung eonni a hug—I needed it—and then followed after Yoonsan to this car.

“So, today is officially the first day of our wedding planning. Excited?” Yoonsan asked me as he followed behind his mother’s car.

“A little, but what girl isn’t excited about her wedding?” I joked. Yoonsan laughed.

We got to an office building and tried to park as close to Mrs. Yoon and my mother as possible. Yoonsan and I walked side by side, both of us a little excited. I think we were still in a good mood from last night now that the air was clear between us.

“Hello! You must be Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Yoon!” A young girl—she seemed older than me but younger than Sooyoung eonni—greeted us happily when we got to her office on the fifth floor. It was decorated with a black and white color scheme.

“I’m Saralyn Kato, but you can call me Sera! I’m happy you chose me to help you plan this wedding. I will work my hardest to make it to your standard of your dream wedding.” Sera bowed to us and I was surprised by her name.

“Well your reputation as a wedding planner is remarkable. You are obviously one of the best and we will only have the best for this wedding.” My mother smiled.

“Good! Now, if you four will follow me into my office, we can begin. Can I offer you some water? Coffee? Tea?” Sera was very upbeat. It wasn’t so much as perky, the annoying kind, but she was able to keep the environment feeling very up and alive.

“Water for the four of us will be fine.” Mrs. Yoon answered.

“Ice or no ice?” Sera stopped what I guess was an assistant.

“No ice, please.” My mother answered this time. Sera repeated the order to the assistant before leading us to her office.

“Okay, let’s get started. Eunjung and San, correct?” Sera looked at us, smile on her face. Her smile didn’t seem forced, she actually seemed genuinely happy.

Yoonsan and I nodded our heads. Sera laughed. “Don’t be so shy! I won’t bite!” I smiled a small smile, beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. I felt a hand on mine and looked to see Yoonsan looking at me, assuring smile on his face.

“So, what do you two have in mind? You have a date set, correct?”

“Yes, we’re aiming for a September wedding. It’s not too hot or too cold.” Sera smiled at me.

“Awesome!” Her English shocked me. It sounded like she had an Australian accent. “Okay, so that gives a lot we can play with for color schemes and decorations and such. What about venue? Indoor wedding or outdoor?”

I looked to Yoonsan for help but he seemed as unsure as I felt. Did it matter?

“Uh…Indoor, I guess. If the weather gets bad, we won’t be so worried.” Yoonsan looked to me for assurance. I nodded my head, agreeing with him.

“Okay, sounds good!” Sera wrote something down before speaking again but just as she opened , Yoonsan’s phone rang.

“Crap!” He hurried to fish his phone out of his pocket and looked at the screen before getting up. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” He bowed to Sera who bowed back. He was still holding my hand but gave it a squeeze before letting go. He answered the phone just as he was leaving. ‘Bonjour, Colette?’ Was what I heard just as he walked out the room. I didn’t need to look behind me to know my mother was looking at me, I could feel her eyes burning holes into the back of my head but I tried to not get worried. I had no reason to worry.

“So, let’s start looking at colors.” Sera grinned. I grinned back, hoping Yoonsan will be back soon.