50 | Wedding Stress

***

"It wasn't like a real date." 

After a swift trip to the bathroom, Jessica returned to catch Yuri's response to her query. "Any thoughts on what it might be?" she inquired with a soft chuckle, settling herself in front of the mirror. She reached for the beauty mask procured from the shoot's hairstylist earlier, ready to pamper herself as she awaited Yuri's insight.

"It feels more like an interview," Yuri remarked, his gaze fixed on his girlfriend's reflection. "Lee Soonkyu might be an heiress, but she's also a journalist. I have a feeling Mrs. Kim orchestrated this so she could interview me." He sighed, a sense of resignation in his voice as he processed the situation.

"What the—that's so bad for Mrs. Kim." 

"I know right? Aish, that reporter should write honestly."

"I wouldn't be surprised if she's secretly recording the interview on her phone," Jessica speculated, joining Yuri on the edge of the bed. "Let's just hope she sticks to the truth and doesn't fabricate anything." With a gentle nudge, she motioned for him to offer his arm. "May I?" she requested, giving his right arm a slight pinch. "Any pain?"

"Just a bit," Yuri replied, offering a fleeting smile. "Feels like I'm under medical supervision with you around."

"I've picked up a thing or two about medicine along the way, so I'm not entirely clueless," Jessica explained as she deftly wrapped his arm with the sleeve strap. "I reckon you'll need this for another couple of weeks, then you should be good to go without it."

"Thanks, Nurse Jess. But let's call it a night, babe," Yuri murmured softly as he settled into bed, Jessica joining him under the comforter. "And thanks for setting Yoona up on that date. I don't think I'd survive without them around."

"I trusted you, but I had my doubts about the woman, so I had to take action. I'm relieved it turned out to be the right decision," Jessica replied, nestling closer to him. With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. The gentle kiss Yuri planted on her forehead melted her heart, and she found herself slowly drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Yuri tenderly caressed his girlfriend's hair with his left hand, savoring her beauty as he leaned in to place soft kisses on her forehead. Lost in the moment, he continued this affectionate ritual for the next few minutes until he, too, succumbed to sleep, their peaceful slumber enveloping them both.

***

[Saturday]

While everyone's busy stuffing their clothes into their luggage, Da-On is sitting on the bed, clutching his bear stuff, watching his mother closely. When she finally zipped the luggage close, he opened his backpack and took the paper Yoona had given him a few days ago. 

"Omma, can you sign this with Appa?" he asked as he handed it to her.

"What's this?" Tiffany raised her eyebrows and read the text on it. "What?" she softly chuckles upon realizing it's an approval letter for Da-On's guardian.

"Please? I want to go tomorrow with Yoona Appa and Seohyun Noona." He begs as he clasps his two hands. 

"Did Yoona Appa give you this?" Tiffany could tell by the way the letter was written.

Subject: Permission Request for Kim Da-On to Join Football Game Date

Dearest Guardian of Kim Da-On;

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request permission for your delightful 5-year-old son, Kim Da-On, to join us for an upcoming football game date. The event will take place on Sunday afternoon, following lunchtime. 

Accompanying Kim Da-On will be his caring Noona and second Appa, Yoona, ensuring his safety and enjoyment throughout the afternoon. We assure you that we will provide diligent supervision, ensuring that Kim Da-On is well cared for and that his needs, including food and drinks, are met to your satisfaction.

Please rest assured that this gathering is intended purely for enjoyment and camaraderie. Regardless of the outcome on the field, Kim Da-On will be treated with kindness and respect, and we pledge not to should his favorite team not emerge victorious. It's simply a friendly match between two esteemed teams, and our focus will be on enjoying each other's company.

Furthermore, I wish to emphasize that this occasion isn't solely for our enjoyment; rather, it's an opportunity for you and your partner to enjoy a relaxing time together. We understand the demands of parenthood and hope that this brief respite allows you both to recharge and perhaps even begin preparations for the upcoming wedding, which I've heard is set for June.

We deeply appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to a delightful afternoon together. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

[YoonHyun & Yihyun]

Please sign on your respective names below.

Kim Taeyeon (father)

Tiffany Young (mother)

-

"He did, Omma," Da-On chirped, flashing a winsome grin at his mother.

Tiffany, however, gently redirected him, handing the paper back to her son. "Ask Appa first, sweetheart."

"Okay," Da-On said eagerly as he hastily bounded out of the bedroom, running the hallway while holding the paper securely on his right hand. Descending the stairs, he spotted his father just entering the house. "Appa! I've got something for you!" he called out excitedly, rushing to meet him halfway.

"What is it?" Taeyeon crouched down, extending his hand to receive the paper. "I knew your Yoona Appa would give you this," he chuckled softly once he had checked the letter.

"You already know?"

"He mentioned about it that they're going on a group date. I guess our Da-On is part of it, isn't it?"

Da-On's face lit up with a cheerful smile. "Yes. So please sign it, Appa, so I can return upstairs and ask Omma."

"She already knew?" Taeyeon asked, rising from his crouched position and making his way to the sofa to retrieve a pen from his messenger bag.

"Yes, and she asked me to give this to you first," Da-On shared, watching as his father signed the paper above his own name. "Thank you, Appa!" he exclaimed as he eagerly retrieved the paper and hurried back upstairs.

Meanwhile, Yoona and Seohyun who are making their way downstairs almost bumped into the young boy.

"Whoa! Be careful, Da-On!" Yoona exclaimed, advising the young boy as he nearly dropped his luggage, narrowly avoiding a potential accident.

"Are you two going to come back for the rest of the belongings?" Taeyeon inquired, noticing they were each holding two pieces of luggage.

"Yes, they're in a box, Oppa. We'll return after dropping off the clothes at the mansion first," Seohyun replied, offering a brief smile.

"Bro, thanks for signing the paper," Yoona said with a wink as he made his way outside.

"What is it?" Seohyun quickly caught up with him, her curiosity evident in her voice.

"It's a permission request for Da-On's parents," he said, a hint of amusement lacing his words as he giggled softly.

"Tsk, we can just personally ask for that."

"I already told Hyung about it before Da-On handed him the paper."

"That's thoughtful of you," Seohyun replied, opening the trunk and carefully placing her two pieces of luggage inside. Yoona followed suit, stowing his own luggage alongside hers.

"You guys ready?" Yuri asked, approaching them as soon as he stepped out of his car.

"Absolutely, Oppa!" She exclaimed excitedly.

"Yihyun has already packed too, let's wait for the Kims before heading out."

"Yes," Yoona affirmed, closing the trunk before heading to the driver's seat, while Seohyun settled into the passenger seat beside him.

Meanwhile, Yuri returned to the van, with Jessica seated next to him. "I can't believe you girls are finally moving out," Yuri remarked, a hint of sentimentality evident in his tone.

"It's best to do this earlier, especially since Tiffany's getting married. The new environment will give her the right mindset to think and prepare for the wedding," Jessica explained, shedding light on the reason for their decision to move to the mansion a bit earlier.

"They have a wedding planner, right?" Yuri furrowed his eyebrows, expressing concern.

"Yup, but it's still up to her and Taeyeon to decide on the wedding theme, the design, and to choose the dress and tuxedos. Having this extra time will give them the freedom to really personalize everything. They're meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow, so I'm sure they already have some ideas to share and discuss with the coordinator," Jessica explained to her clueless boyfriend, letting out a sigh afterward. "Why do I sound like I'm the one getting married instead of my best friend?" she added with a wry smile.

Yuri softly chuckled. "Soon, babe," he murmured, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek, his smile sweet and affectionate.

"I'm just so excited for Tiffany. She deserves all the happiness in the world. And this wedding could be a dream come true for her. Aigoo, one of my friends is getting married! It's quite surreal because back when we were living in hiding, I never imagined this day would come. Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?" Jessica felt a rush of emotions, but she managed to suppress them with a smile.

"Definitely," Yuri replied softly, gently tucking his girlfriend's hair strands behind her ear before they shared a tender peck.

Just then, the door opened, and Yihyun entered the van, taking the seat behind the couple all for herself. "They're coming, Oppa," she informed them.

Yuri smiled briefly at her and looked outside the window to see their driver coming to their van. As their driver reclaimed the driver's seat, the Kims came out with their luggage and stuff. Bodyguards are also helping them stuff it on their camp truck. 

"Let's go!" Yuri declared the moment his friends stepped into their truck.

"Dejavu." Jessica remarked.

"He did it when we went on our trip, Unnie." Yihyun giggles.

"Ah, indeed." Jessica playfully pinched Yuri's cheeks and the latter smiled proudly.  

***

"Filling the 16,000 square foot home are seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, luxurious living rooms, and a spacious contemporary kitchen diner. Outdoor lounges and dining areas extend the practical living space, and with a relaxed indoor-outdoor flow you guys can move freely between the two."

The view is truly magnificent, captivating everyone personally as they explore every corner of the mansion while attentively listening to the lady who has been tasked with explaining every detail. From the grand chandelier to the sleek furniture, the spacious kitchen area, and the expansive living room, every aspect exudes modern elegance, leaving everyone enamored with its charm.

"The home's private infinity pool offers a spot of outdoor luxury, where one can take exercise or indulge in relaxation. Alternatively, a bank of sun loungers fills the large poolside deck, where days can be spent basking in the sunshine." The lady continued as she welcomed them to the poolside. 

"Omma, can we swim?" Da-On got excited when he saw the infinity pool.

"Honey, you don't even know how to swim yet." Tiffany said with an amused smile.

"But I can when it's just 2 feet." He replied with a pout earning smiles from everyone. "And I think I need a lifebuoy." 

"We'll buy later then because after we unpack, we'll celebrate tonight." Taeyeon assuredly says, giving his son a gentle rub on his head.

"Yay!" Da-On's mood lit up automatically and Tiffany couldn't help but nudge her fiance.

"Let's move upstairs." The lady declared and everyone followed her in suit to check the bedrooms.

"A gorgeous bedroom suite for each room, furnished with a modern four-poster bed, incorporates a lounge area with neat armchairs and glass coffee tables. Rich-toned wood paneling creates an eye-catching feature of the headboard wall, a shade that is carried through into the bed throws and the dressing table."

"Dang, so each room feels like another home." Seohyun remarked because it was unexpectedly bigger than the one in Yuri's villa. 

"Exactly." Jessica couldn't help but sat down on the bed and started moving up and down. "And the beds are so comfortable."

"I guess we just all need to sign the contract now before we start choosing our rooms. It has seven bedrooms so Yihyun is owning her room now." Taeyeon mentions as he smiled at the latter and she shyly smiled at him.

"Thanks, Oppa." Says Yihyun as her cheeks blush.

"And this means, I'm finally owning a room with my girlfriend." Yoona grinned mischievously earning laughs from his friends excluding Seohyun who rolled her eyes in annoyance.

—

As soon as the signatures were secured for the mansion's contract, everyone went out to get their luggage and bring them inside the mansion besides Da-On who stayed in the living room, watching the inviting infinity pool outside. The weather is so great that he is so eager to swim already but he is afraid to out there alone, he needs company.

"Wait for a while, we'll go to a pool party later, honey." Tiffany told his son as he passed the living room and followed Taeyeon upstairs.

"Da-On, why don't you watch cartoons first?" Yihyun approached the young boy so she could open the large TV screen.

"Thanks, Yihyun Noona."

"You're welcome, Da-On." She smiled sweetly at Da-On before she headed upstairs.

Da-On changed the channel, finally settling on an anime show that caught his interest. Clutching his beloved bear stuffed toy, he nestled into the sofa, fully immersed in the vibrant world unfolding on the screen. Meanwhile, the rest of the household buzzed with activity as they unpacked their belongings in their own rooms.

However, as the minutes ticked by, fatigue began to weigh on Da-On. With a contented sigh, he surrendered to drowsiness, sinking deeper into the cushions. Soft snores escaped his lips, a testament to the moment's tranquility amidst the bustling household.

***

The pool echoed with the joyful squeals of the girls, the playful splashes of Mr. Butter, the family dog, and the contagious laughter of Da-On. Meanwhile, the boys tended to the sizzling grill, expertly cooking up a variety of meats including succulent beef, savory pork, and plump shrimp. Amidst the culinary preparations, they skillfully crafted side dishes and delectable dumplings, infusing the air with enticing aromas.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. With their new home as the backdrop, they reveled in the youthful energy of the night, eagerly looking forward to more adventures, games, and laughter to fill the remaining hours.

"You know who's absolutely ecstatic right now? Da-On and Mr. Butter," Yoona observed, a smile playing on his lips as he glanced over at the joyful scene unfolding in the pool. Despite having already crafted twenty dumplings, he remained undaunted, his hands swiftly working through the remaining batch with determination.

"It's unbelievable they never taught Da-On how to swim, especially with Sunshine Village's beach so close by," Taeyeon remarked, her lips curling into a smile as she observed her son's gleeful laughter. It was a heartwarming sight, watching him react with pure joy as Mr. Butter leaped into the water, sending playful splashes his way.

"I've heard the ocean there can be treacherous. There have been cases of drowning," Yuri mentioned as he carefully transferred the freshly cooked pork into a container, his expression momentarily somber before returning to the jovial atmosphere around him.

"Whoa, who spilled the beans, Hyung?" Yoona's surprise was evident as Yuri unexpectedly revealed the information.

"One of the villagers." 

"Now that adds up. I reckon Tiffany would've been all over teaching our son to swim if there weren't any risks in those waters," Taeyeon mused, nodding slowly as the pieces fell into place. With the side dishes completed, he made his way over to Yuri by the grill, adding more shrimp to the sizzling array on the right side.

"By the way, I had Mrs. Kim checked out yesterday, and my bodyguard reported that she spent the whole day at home, Hyung. Didn't step out once," Yoona shared casually, his tone nonchalant yet revealing a hint of intrigue.

"Glad she's not roaming around again." Taeyeon softly replied.

"But he also mentioned a doctor came to their home. Is she sick?"

"No, it's father." 

Yuri and Yoona glanced at Taeyeon in surprise. "Really?" they exclaimed simultaneously.

Taeyeon's smile briefly widened as he continued to flip the cooked shrimp. "Yes, really. I found out about Father's diabetes two years ago. His doctor contacted me then and provided all the details about his health. He's been managing well as long as he sticks to his medication regimen. That's why your bodyguard spotted him there; he visits their home every month to monitor his condition."

"I see... Your mother must be under a lot of stress taking care of him," Yuri remarked, empathizing with the situation and beginning to comprehend the shift in Mrs. Kim's demeanor.

"I know, right? And she's taking it out on me," Taeyeon sighed, but his smile returned when Da-On called to him and waved at them. "But I figure she'll tire eventually and lay off us," he added optimistically.

"That smells amazing already, Oppa!" Seohyun's enthusiastic voice echoed from the pool, capturing the boys' attention.

"You girls should hop out of the pool now; it's almost ready!" Yuri replied with a soft chuckle, his words carrying a hint of playful encouragement.

"Tae, honey, could you pass my bathrobe?" Tiffany requested as she swam towards the corner.

Yuri and Yoona exchanged knowing glances and shared teasing smiles, observing Taeyeon's blush at the change in his fiancée's pet name.

"Coming!" Taeyeon replied cheerfully. He brushed off the amused gazes from his friends as he jogged over to the bench, swiftly retrieving his fiancée's bathrobe.

"Mom, I'm not finished yet," Da-On objected, his disapproval evident.

"It's just me, honey. I'll go check on our food," she reassured, offering a comforting smile. "You enjoy the pool first." With graceful steps, she ascended the stairs, accepting the bathrobe from Taeyeon.

"It's okay, Da-On, we're here," Jessica assured, pulling Da-On's lifebuoy closer to her. He giggled as she playfully scooped water with her hand and poured it over his head. Seohyun and Yihyun joined in on the splash fun, and soon everyone was back to enjoying their pool games.

Meanwhile, Tiffany made her way over to Yoona and inspected the dumplings.

"I nailed it, didn't I, Noona?" Yoona asked with a wide grin.

"Absolutely, Yoong," she praised, returning his smile before turning her attention to the side dishes. She wasn't surprised in the least that Taeyeon's side dishes were all superb; after all, he had dedicated time to honing his culinary skills. However, upon inspecting their grilled meat, she found that not everything was cooked to perfection, especially the shrimp. "Honey, not everything is cooked properly." she looked at Taeyeon disapprovingly.

"Really? I thought I had it cooked just right," Taeyeon replied, a hint of surprise in his voice. He inspected the shrimp more closely, holding them up with the tongs. His eyes widened in realization as he noticed the other side was still white. "Looks like I missed them," he admitted with an awkward chuckle.

Tiffany couldn't resist playfully knocking his head, to which he responded by planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I guess you must have been distracted by something," 

"What? No, we were just chatting about you girls. But I'm glad you're checking them," he explained. Tiffany swiftly took the tongs from his grasp to inspect the other meat. Meanwhile, he grabbed a new pair of tongs and joined her, feeling a flutter in his heart as the scolding felt oddly refreshing to him, almost enjoyable.

Yuri and Yoona exchanged quiet smiles of amusement as they focused on their own tasks.

—

While the girls are indulging in the food quietly, the boys are watching them from time to time, adoring their girlfriends enjoying the food they prepare. Their hearts are filled with joy and pride, knowing how happy they are too before their eyes. Yihyun on the side had been noticing it and she quietly took photos of them and Da-On who was sleepy while enjoying his dumplings.

Midway through dinner, Taeyeon felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Excusing himself, he stepped inside the house to answer the call from his prosecutor friend. After a brief conversation, he called for Yihyun, who curiously made his way into the living room.

"What is it Oppa?" 

"Do you remember when your sister called you unannounced?"

Yihyun gasped. "How'd you kn