Park Residences

Seoul, South Korea

          He smiled slowly watching his mother and Taeyeon sorting out the dresses in the former’s room. She looked through In Young’ s belongings and felt the joy seeing them bond. He could spend days watching her and not harbor any signs of life.

“What are you doing just standing there?”

Leeteuk was startled by his mother and scratched the back of his head, “I wanted to see her.” Mrs Park laughed and pulled him into the room. She recalled him, in his charming stance, short hair sitting on his slim neck, sun-glazed skin, watching her each day. With the light framing his silhouette, Taeyeon knew, she always felt eyes on her, his presence.

There’s a song. It captures such beautiful bliss. Mr Park saw the way Leeteuk held Taeyeon, with so much affection in his eyes and touch so gentle, so pure. The two were in the study, going through the piano and he had her fingers gliding across each key. Taeyeon sang softly, voice so melodious and the way she looked at him was as if he was the only thing that mattered. He swore he didn’t see her blink, as if she’ll miss a single moment of watching him with her very eyes. As they both leaned in to kiss, he had left them alone in their privacy and smiled towards a picture frame of his late daughter. The beautiful music still plays; with hearts beating to its rhythm.

They saw a ring engraved around her finger and put their hands together. “Nothing could make my life more complete than having this marriage.”

“Oh, mother-“

“I can see it, I see it all. No words were necessary, we approve in a heartbeat.”

“We love you, Taeyeon. Jung Su loves you so much; there is no other woman in his heart than yours. You have our blessing.”

          After all that she has learnt regarding him from his parents, she wiped away her tears and watched Leeteuk standing at the balcony, silently watching over the starry night. It’s a wonder how he stayed so strong despite everything; his feelings never wavered, not for anyone. He respected his elders so well; he listened to them, even if it means being away. He understood the meaning of giving back and patiently waited. The words of Mrs Park ran through her head again and again, “He’ll always come back.”

He turned behind and saw Taeyeon come up to him, her hands wrapping around his neck and she kissed him there. Leeteuk asked, “Dear, what is the matter?”

She looked at him and cupped his cheeks. She felt a little stubble along his jaw and shook her head. “Nothing, ahjusshi.”

He smiled and pecked her lips, “Love you too, Taeyeon.”

The night was warm in the same way he wrapped his arms around her. They confessed daily to make up for the ways they had loved each other too quietly in the past.

          In the morning, Taeyeon waited for him in his home, he had left her a note to briefly visit the Church. His mother personally wanted her to stay and help out the chores thus, Leeteuk abided by it.

It was already too late for lunch and he walked through his room, finding it empty. He looked through all the rooms upstairs, hoping she had waited for him. He turned the handle on a door that had lead to his personal study. Taeyeon was sitting inside, reading a book. She put it down and stood as soon as he came in. He went over to her, not sure if he should touch her. She put her hand on his.

“I was in the cathedral. I lost track of time,” he said. She held his face.

“Is everything alright, dear?” He kissed her fingers, “Of course, love.”

♦♦♦         

          He handed her a rose slowly removing its thorns. They just came back from visiting In Young.

“I wish I could’ve met her.”

Leeteuk smiled and watch her trail her fingers across his.

“She would like you very much.”

“The same way you do?”

He laughed, “Of course.”

Taeyeon turned her body to face him, her s sitting on his chest as his arms wrapped around her waist. She pushed her legs reaching his face to capture his lips. Afterwards, they just stared at each other, bodies inhaling and exhaling onto one another. “Do you know of your defined jawline, the strong line of your nose, the thick lashes lining your eyelids?”

Leeteuk stared back at her, watching how her eyes scan across his face. She had the most beautiful eyes. “Do you know of your ethereal beauty, my love?” he replied. Taeyeon continued to poke his dimples and they sat there for a long time, her head cradled into his neck. She watched him nap on her lap and take in his entire face. She has them memorized and kissed his lips.

Church

Seoul, South Korea

"I do."

With those two words, they were married. They were married at the church where Father Shim conducted their exchange of vows. There were only close relatives that attended and it was a simple wedding. Dong Wook of course became the best man while the maid-of-honour was passed to Tiffany in place of In Young.

Taeyeon couldn’t help but tear up out of happiness and laughed afterwards at the way she held herself so emotionally. The moment they entered the car at the end of it, she immediately hugged Leeteuk for so long. They didn’t say a word. Looking back through all that they've been, neither could hold back a tear. He was happy to be with her, and she, thankful for his love. Leeteuk cried a little and ran his hands through her hair, kissing her crown. They looked at each other, smiling and their hands never left each other.