Nichkhun’s action shock her just like when he confessed to her at the studio. His eyes... His seriousness… His affection... It all startles her, leaving her speechless and staring into his eyes. For a second, her heart surrenders to him but she did not. Taeyeon moves her right hand away from his. Nichkhun quickly grabs her hand and place it at the center of his chest where his heart rest. Feeling his hearting beating against her palm makes her dizzy and fluster.

            “Do you believe in love at first sight?” Nichkhun asked. Taeyeon hesitates to answer him. “At first I don’t. I thought it was just a silly saying from the older generation. But after I met at the hospital, seeing how you comfort Jessica, seeing you doing your best to cheer her up. I could not help but fallen in love with you.” He chuckles lightly, thinking how a fool he has become. “My halmeoni was right, love can happen at any time and at any place.” He said, without taking his eyes off her. “Every time I see you, my heart beat nervously and happily fast.…Can you feel it?” He asked. Taeyeon nod lightly. “You are the first woman to make me feel this way… the first to make me fluster and unable to stop thinking about you…If you give me a chance…I promise I will make you the happiest woman on earth.”

            The two stands on the dance stage with couple circle pass them. The music ends. Everyone stops. Taeyeon still did not give him an answer. She pulls her hand back and takes a step away back. Nichkhun saddens yet tforce a weak smile on his face as look into her eyes.

            Taeyeon inhales and exhales softly. She closes her eyes for a second then turn around with her back facing him. “Please stop. If you keep saying sweet things to me, I don’t know how much longer I can reframe myself from falling in love with you more.” She walks away. Nichkhun watches walks back to the table where other girls laughing and drinking. He sighed weakly before he walks to the groom side and sit at the same table as Donghae and Krystal. Their kids are obediently eating at the table.

            Donghae gives him a pat. “Don’t worry. She will give in one day.”

            “She’s very strong. I feel like I won’t have a chance at all. She does not like me.” Nichkhun said low self-esteem.

            “I can assure you that you will have a chance.” Said Krystal with confidence. “You can’t see it, but I can.”

            “I hope so.” Said Nichkhun. He turns his head to the left and looks at Taeyeon sitting next to another man and happily chatting with him.  

            Hai Yang put down the fork and walks over to Nichkhun. “Appa Nichkhun, why are you sad?” Hai Yang asked.

            Nichkhun smile as he carries Hai Yang onto his laps. “You will understand when you are older.”

            “I want to be like you appa Nichkhun.” Said Hai Yang with wide smiles.

            Donghae wraps his right arm around Krystal's waist. “I want one more child. I just got betray by my own son.” He whined.

            “You still have two more.” Said Krystal.

            “Yun-Duo loves you more.” Said Donghae, looking at his second son who is focused on eating his food.

            “What about Hana?”

            Donghae looks at Hana playing with her food. “She is an angel for sure, but I still want one more.” He pouted.

“Maybe next year or two.” Said Krystal, giving him a soft kiss on the lip. Donghae couldn’t help but smiles.

            Hai Yang walks back to his seat. Taeyeon, sitting across from the groom side, glance at Nichkhun. She sees his drinking one glass of wine after another.

            Leeteuk follows her eyes and sees a man sipping on wine. He looks back at her. “Do you know him?” Leeteuk ask.

“He is the groom best friend.” Said Taeyeon with another glance at Nichkhun and caught him looking at her. She looks away quickly.

            “He is Nichkhun Horvejkul.” Said IU, looking at Nichkhun.

            “A wealthy man.” Sooyoung added.

            “Nichkhun Horvejkul, the CEO of Seoul Hospital and a few other companies?” Said Leeteuk.

            “Yes.” Yuri confirmed with nods. “A very powerful and rich young handsome man.”

            “Sadly, he is only interested in Taeyeon.” Said Hyoyeon.

            Leeteuk is a little jealous, seeing Taeyeon shyly blush. He pats her head lightly and smiles.

            Taeyeon grabs his hand and move it away from her head. “I’m not a little kid.” She said with a pouting face.

            “You are still a little kid to me.” Leeteuk continued to .

            “You two…. Seriously.” Sunny sighed hopelessly.

            Nichkhun jealously watches from his seat across the room sitting across the stage. His right-hand rolls tightly into a fist. The jealousy continues to build inside of him as he stared at Leeteuk continues to give Taeyeon a light pat on the head. Nichkhun grabs the glass of wine and chugs it. He grabs the wine bottle and pours more into his glass before he chugs it quickly again. Donghae took the bottle away from him.

            “Drinking does not help.” Said Donghae. “Why don’t you go talk to her again?”

            “She does not like me. Not even a little bit. I am no one to her…just a stranger.” Said Nichkhun in a sad tone. “Every time I approach her, I am the one that watches her walks away.”

            “Let me tell you a secret. A girl says one thing but does another thing. If she looks into your eyes and tells you she does not like you, yet she hesitates and shed tears, then it is a lie.” Said Krystal.

            “Ah, now I understand.” Said Donghae, nodding his head as she looks at him.

            “Shhh…. We were different.” She said. She gives him a serious quick look.

            “I seriously don’t know what else to do to make her fall in love with me.” Said Nichkhun.

            “Give her time. She needs time to think. It does not mean you stand still and do nothing. You need to exist in her life. Make her miss you. Make her remember you.” Said Krystal.

            “I…”

            Taecyeon walks over to the table where Nichkhun and Donghae are sitting. “I need to talk to both of you now. It’s urgent.” Said Taecyeon with a serious look.

            Just from his worried facial expression, Nichkhun can predict what Taecyeon wanted to say. Both stand and follow Taecyeon out of the venue. Siwon glance to the left and sees them leaving. Taeyeon’s eyebrow narrow, her mind fills with worries as she watches Nichkhun walks out of the venue with Taecyeon and Donghae.

            The three of them walks to the end of the hall and stop.

            “Taecyeon, what happen?” Donghae asked.

            “I receive information from my colleagues that I have asked to keep an eye on when unknown activities happen. They have discovered Doojoon here in Korea from the camera. He was spotted at the shipyard two nights ago along with big shipments. An unknown person was at the shipyard, making exchanges with him.”

            “Were you able to locate where the shipment is?” Donghae asked.

            “No, but we are on the search for the products. There was no record of the shipment. I investigated the ship. It was not registered. But we were able to track down the person that approves the shipment.”

            “Unregistered shipment usually takes one to two weeks in close distant. He was in Bangkok a week ago. He must have this plan out before the bombing.” Said Nichkhun.

            “The bombing was just a diversion?” Said Donghae. “Risking someone else life just to ship a bunch of illegal things here?”

            “Not just here. They made a couple shipment internationally. France, Germany, And Italy might be the next destination.” Said Taecyeon, worriedly. 

            “If I’m not wrong, there will be a few more shipments to here.” Said Nichkhun in a serious tone.

            “I have a few men on the lookout. If there’s any illegal movement, we will arrest them at the spot.” Said Taecyeon.

            “You mention that you were able to track down the person that approves the shipment. Who was it?” Nichkhun asked.

            “Choi Dae-hee. There was a bribery between him and the captain of the ship. The money was no direction from his account but the second person. Dae-hee happens to have transfer that same amount to him before the second person transfers the money to the captain account. The captain is arrest and held at the Seoul Department. He refused to leak any information to us. So, we have cannot arrest Choi Dae-Hee.”

            “Samchon? No wonder he is not here tonight. Why is he involved with them again? What benefit does he get from them? We need to tell Siwon.” Said Donghae.

            “Not now. After the wedding is over.” Said Nichkhun.

            “Don’t worry, I have notified my upper about the situation. They will let the France, Germany, and Italy investigation department know about this.” Said Taecyeon. He looks at Nichkhun, “There is another news. Seunghyun has escaped.”

            “Bwo!” Donghae looks at him in shock. “How? When?”

            “Just a few days ago. It happens during his transportation to the next prison.” Said Taecyeon.

Nichkhun’s eyebrows narrow together as he stares at the open space. “I have a feeling his on the way here to Korea.”

            “Not that early. All police have been notified about his escape. We strictly mobilize all police and soldiers to guard and be on the lookout at the border of North Korea, shipyards, and airport.”

            “Are you able to locate him?” Nichkhun asked.

            Taecyeon shook his head.

            Nichkhun’s hissed lightly, “I’m sure he will come looking for me.”

            Taecyeon and Donghae look at Nichkhun with worries…worries that he might do things that will put him at risk.  

            Krystal exit the venue, looking to her left than right. She sees him at the end of the hall and walks up to them, “Guys, Siwon and Jessica is about to cut the cake. It’s time to go in.” She said as her eyes glide to Donghae and see the worried look on his face. “Something happen?”

            Donghae walks up to her with a smile. “No.” He shakes his head lightly. “Let’s go in.”

            “You’re hiding something from me.” She insisted.

            Donghae smiles through the worries. “I am not. Trust me, it’s nothing important.” Said Donghae, wrapping his arm around her. He walks her into the venue first.

            “Nichkhun, don’t do thing rashly.” Said Taecyeon.

            Nichkhun nod. The two of them walk back into the venue and stop by the door as Siwon and Jessica get ready to cut the cake. Taeyeon glance over and sees Nichkhun standing by the wall.

            Sunny turn her head and caught Taeyeon looking at Nichkhun worriedly. “You should give him a chance if you're worry about him.” She Said. “If you keep pushing him away, one day you will regret it.”

            Taeyeon looks away and stares blankly at the table. The sound of the champagne lid pop startles Taeyeon. She looks up and sees Jessica pouring the champagne onto the glass with Siwon.

            “May I have all single ladies at the center of the stage please.” Said the MC.

            Jokwon got up and ready to go to the stage till Hyuna and IU pull him back.

            “I’m sorry. It’s for ladies only.” Said Hyoyeon with smiles before she stands up alone with other girls at the table.

            Taeyeon was the only one still sitting. Leeteuk looks at her with soft smiles, “You should go up there.” He said.

            Taeyeon shook her head no lightly, “I think it’s better if I just sit here.” She said.

            “Why? Afraid to catch the bouquet.” Said Sunny.

            “I’m not that lucky.”

            “You never know.” Said Leeteuk. He stands and grabs Taeyeon hand. He walks her over to the center of the stage with Sunny.

            “Wait, I don’t—” Taeyeon tries to go back to the table but Leeteuk refuse to let go of her hand. He shoves her to Sunny. Both now stand among the group of ladies waiting to catch the bouquet. Kris watch Jessica from below, watching Siwon walking up to Jessica, holding onto her hands and smiling. The jealous boils inside of him as he grit his teeth and forced himself to accept the truth.

            “Are you ready?” Siwon asked.

            Jessica looks and smiles at him. She nods lightly. Siwon hand Jessica the bouquet. She turns around with her back facing the ladies and throws the bouquet up in the air. All the ladies stand with their hands in the air. Taeyeon secretly tries to move back.

            “Taeyeon look up.” Said Leeteuk loudly.

            Taeyeon did and sees the bouquet falling toward her direction. Her hand reaches out and the bouquet falls onto her hands. She is in shock seeing the bouquet. All eyes on her. The ladies clap their hands. Jessica turn around to see the result and was surprise her bouquet landed on Taeyeon’s hands.

            “Oh my gosh.” Jessica gasp.

            “Jessica, you throw pretty far and very accurate. I guess the next person to get married, the next bride-to-be is her.” Said Siwon with smiles.

            “I can’t believe the bouquet fall into her hands.” Said Jessica.

            Leeteuk walks up to Taeyeon, “Told you.” He said, patting her head lightly. “I wonder who the lucky man is.”

            “Stop joking around.” Taeyeon said as she pouted at him.

            Nichkhun jealously watches by the door. “Taeyeon, is he the one you like?” Nichkhun whispered inside his head.

            Jessica walks up to her and embraces her. “Never would I have expected the next to get married would be you.” She said as she looks at her.

            “Let me predict your future husband. A handsome, very good-looking man like me.” Said Leeteuk with confidence.

            Yuri fake coughs a couple time, “You, handsome. Glad I was not eating or drinking. I would have choked.”

            “I’m quite good looking.” Said Leeteuk. He looks at Taeyeon, “Aren’t I?”

            Taeyeon smiles and nods her head lightly.

            The music plays again, more upbeat this time. Nichkhun continues to look at them with jealousy. A waiter walks by with a tray filled with glasses of wine. Nichkhun stops the waiter and grab two glasses of wine from the tray. The waiter bows his head before he walks away. Nichkhun chug a whole glass of wine and then another . Two glass was empty in less than fifteen second.

            “Drinking will only make you more sorrow.” Said Taecyeon with a smirk.

            Nichkhun places the glasses on the table. “You should worry about yourself. Look who is standing among the single ladies catching the bouquet.”

            Taecyeon takes a deep look the group of ladies at the stage and sees Yoona standing there among other single ladies. He immediately walks over to her. Nichkhun chuckles lightly before he follows Taecyeon. On the way there, Nichkhun grabs another glass of wine from a waiter tray.

            “Yobo, why are you standing here among the single ladies?” Taecyeon asked in an unhappy tone. “Don’t tell me you wanted to catch the bouquet? You’re married.” He complained. “You’re my wife.”

            “I didn’t catch the bouquet. Taeyeon did. I just wanted to join the fun.” Said Yoona walking up to Taecyeon. “I did not forget that I’m Mrs. Ok.”

            Taecyeon still has a disturbing look. Nichkhun stop. Taeyeon turns her head and meet Nichkhun’s eyes.

            “Stop frowning already.” Said Yoona wrapping her arms around his left arm. “By the way, why did you take so long to answer the call?” She asked.

            “My junior called and inform something important. I had to give him some advice.” Said Taecyeon, hiding the truth.

Siwon walks over to Nichkhun. “Saw you guys leaving early. Did something happen?” He whispered.            

“Taecyeon had a new information about Doojoon from his colleagues.” Said Nichkhun in a low tone, not too loud for others to hear. “Planning to tell you later after the wedding. Didn’t want to let it ruin your night.”

Siwon nodded.

“Seunghyun has escaped.” Said Nichkhun.

Siwon turns his head and looks at Nichkhun in shock. Nichkhun nods his head lightly to confirm what he said was real.

            Jessica notice Siwon’s strange and surprised look, “What are you two talking about?” She asked.

            Siwon smiles, “Nothing. I was just asking him about something.” He said. He looks down and sees Nichkhun holding onto an empty glass. He decided to change the topic. “How many have you had?” He asked.

            “A few.” Nichkhun answered.

            “Drinking by yourself is no fun. I’ll drink with you.” Said Siwon happily with his left arm across the shoulder

            “Wait, did you drive here yourself?” Taecyeon asked, looking at Nichkhun.

            Nichkhun nod than looks at Taeyeon again.

            “Don’t worry. I’ll have someone to bring him home. Or else, I’ll book you a room here for the night.” Said Siwon with his left arm around Nichkhun shoulder. He looks at Jessica, “Why don’t you girl talk? Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Donghae, and I will go have a few drinks.”

            “Don’t drink too much.” Said Jessica with warning eyes.

            “Why don’t we drink together?” Hyoyeon suggested.

            “Yeah, it will be more fun if we all drink together.” Said Sooyoung, excitedly.

            “Party time!” Jokwon shouts excitedly as he walks up to them.

            “Do you want me to carry that for you?” Leeteuk asked as he looks at Taeyeon.

            Taeyeon shook her head lightly, “No. It’s not that heavy.”

            “Wow. I would never expect a paper human to say those word.” Leeteuk said, in a lighthearted tone.

            “I’m not that light. Stop calling me paper human.” Taeyeon pout again.

            Nichkhun jealousy continues to boil as he watches her comfortably talking to Leeteuk.

            “You will always be the paper human to me.” said Leeteuk, the back of her head.

            Siwon glance at Nichkhun and sees the jealous and fury face. “Come on.” He said, dragging him to the table first. “I’ve leaving first thing tomorrow morning.”

            “That fast?” Nichkhun asked.

            Siwon nod. “Jessica wanted to leave as soon as possible. She wants to move to France.” He said. “It’s better that way. We would have to leave sooner or later.”

            Nichkhun sign. “I’m happy for you Siwon.” He said with a forceful smile.

            Siwon pats his shoulder. “Cheer up man. You will find yours soon.” He said.

            “Siwon, be careful when you are in France. The talk earlier had to do something with France Germany, and Italy.” Nichkhun warned.

            “I will.” Said Siwon. He grabs the glass from Nichkhun and put it down on the table.

            The group walks over to the groom and bride’s table. Siwon holds the bottle of wine up in the air and signals the waiter to bring more over. The waiter did and leave it on the table before walking away. Donghae, Krystal, Kris, and Tiffany join as well. Jessica stood beside Siwon. He reaches for her hand and holds it tightly. Kris glances down and sees how tightly their hands intertwine. He jealously and unhappy looks away.

           Siwon pours the wine into the glasses. Everyone grabs one.

            “Toast!” Siwon shouted.

            They all hold up their glass. “Chughahae Siwon and Jessica!” They shouted before they drink.

            Siwon pours more into the glasses. Jessica couldn’t help but shed happy tears as she looks at every one of her friends and sister.

            “Thank you all for coming tonight. I’m going to miss you all. When you girls are free, come to visit me in France.” Said Jessica, as tears whelm around her eyes.

            “You bet we will. You better come back and visit us.” Said Yuri.

            “I will.” Said Jessica with smiles. “And I hope I hear good news too when I come back.” She glances at Taeyeon.

            “Her?” Leeteuk teased. “Don’t worry. If nobody wants her, I’ll marry her.”       He put his arm across her shoulder.

            “Whoa.” Said Seohyun and Tiffany.

            “As if I want to marry you.” Said Taeyeon, jokingly.

            “You two look like one of those fighting couples.” Said Jokwon, teasingly. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you two end up together.”

            “Right.” Leeteuk agreed with a smile.

            Nichkhun unhappy take another long sip from his glasses then pour more wine into his glass while the group chats and laugh together. Taeyeon secretly glances at him from time to time, wanting to tell him to stop but afraid to give him a misleading thought. She remains quiet in worries. A few went dancing.

Jessica walks over to Tiffany. She takes a seat beside her and holds her right hand, “Unnie, I can’t be beside you after tonight. You have to take good care of yourself. Call me if you miss me or needed someone to talk too. I will always be available.” She said.

Tiffany smiles softly with a slight nod. “You take good care of yourself as well. France is not like here. A new place. A new start with a new life.” she said in a soft and calm tone. “Remember what I say to you earlier in the waiting room.”

Jessica nod. Tiffany cup the left side of her face gently, “I’m going to miss you.” Said Tiffany.

“I’m going to miss you too. I’m going to miss omma and appa. I’m going to miss everyone.” Said Jessica through light tears. Tiffany gently wipes her tears away.

Siwon walks to Jessica and places he right hand across her shoulder. “I promise to take very good care of her. I won’t let anything happen to her.” Said Siwon with confidence as he looks down at Jessica. “I won’t let her shed any more tear. I promise I will cherish and make her happy.”

“You better keep your words. If you don’t, I will report you to unnie, omma, and appa.” Said Jessica is a joking threaten.

Siwon kneels onto his right knee with his right hand raised up in the air. “I, Choi Siwon, promise to take care of Jessica Jung for the rest of my life. I promise I will cherish her, love her, and make her happy. If I break my promise, let lightning strike—.”

Jessica immediately covers his mouth with her hand. “I believe you.” She said with sweet smiles.

Tiffany smiles, seeing Jessica happy and in good her.

A few hours have passed, it was getting late. Guests begin to make their way to the door after saying goodbye to Siwon and Jessica. Kris and Tiffany left as well as Mr. and Mrs. Jung. Thirty minutes till midnight, Nichkhun had already finished five bottles of wine alone. The kids are running around the venue. Siwon is with Jessica. Taecyeon is with Yoona. Donghae is dancing with Krystal.  Nichkhun was alone at the table, glancing at Taeyeon from time to time. He sees her smiles and talking so closely to Leeteuk. IT was unbearable. He could not stand and watch Taeyeon be happy with another man. Nichkhun inhales and exhales a few times before he stands up and quietly make his way out of the venue. Taeyeon looks at the table and sees five empty bottles of wine but does not see him anywhere at the table. Her eyes search around the place but could still not find Nichkhun anywhere in the venue. Taeyeon stands and walks out of the venue in a hurry. Her eyes continue to search the place until she sees him walking out of the venue. She quickly stands and follows him.

            The wedding continues with music, laughter, and dances. Donghae and Krystal say goodbye to the guest on Siwon and Jessica’s behalf. Another hour pass, the last song played. Siwon grabs Jessica—wraps his arms around her little waist and rest his forehead on hers. They slow-dance on the dance stage.

            “What else do you want to do? We still have five hours left before our flight.” Said Siwon.

            “I don’t know. You think for me since you’re my husband now.”

            “Husband?” Said Siwon with a sweet charming smile. Jessica looks at him nervously, worry that he might not like her calling him ‘husband’. Siwon smiles. “I like it.”

            “When we are in France, do you want me to call you husband in Korean, English or in French?”

            “It doesn’t matter. I like it in any language you say. You can even call me by my name.” Said Siwon.

            Donghae, Krystal, and the rest leave the venue quietly, not wanting to disturb the newly wedded couple’s time. The music stop.

            Jessica looks into his eyes. “What is next on the agenda, Choi Siwon? Should we go stargazing? Should we go horse-riding, or golfing?”

            “We can do all if you want too.”

            Jessica jolt wide, “Are you trying worn me out?”

            “You would have a better sleep on the plane if you’re tired.” He said with sweet smiles. “I can be your pillow on the plane if you like.”

            His sweet words make her happy. “Thank you, Choi Siwon.”

            “Can you not add my last name when you say my name. Just Siwon.”

            Jessica put on a pretend thinking face. “Hmmm…..”

            “Please?”

            She smiles and nods lightly.

            “You… you were teasing me?”

            Jessica nods lightly. Siwon steal a kiss from her. She looks at him in shock.

            “Payback for teasing me.”

            Jessica lightly hit his chest. Siwon grab a hold of her hands.

            “Come on, let’s go get change. I have something to show you.” Said Siwon as hold her right hand and guide her out of the venue to their suite. Jessica went to change in the bathroom while Siwon changes out in the family room of the presidential suite.

* * * * *

            Siwon unties the blind around her eyes. He takes her left hand and walks her through the sparklers that stick in the dirt with a small little road to the cushion swing chair set by the pond. Jessica was in a state of surprise as she looks at each sparkler she passed. He guides her to take a seat on the swing chair before he grabs two glass of champagne from the small round table beside. He takes a seat beside her and hands her a glass of champagne. Jessica was still speechless as she looks at him.

            He places his right arm around her—pull her closer to him. “Look at the sky.” He said in a soft tone.

            She did as she was told. 1. 2. 3. One by one, fireworks shot in the sky—colorful fireworks.

            “Oh my god.” Said Jessica in awe. She watches in astound. “how did you….”

            “I plan it. This is our congratulation. One of my gifts to you.” He said as he looks into her eyes. Jessica sweetly smiles. He gives her a peck on her forehead.

            “Can you tell me the other gifts?” She pleads with puppy eyes.

            Siwon shook his head no. “You will have to wait.”

            “But I want to know.”

            “Sorry, yobo.” He said. “Let’s just enjoy this for now.”

            Jessica nod lightly. She looks at the sky again. This time the fireworks are in shape of hearts: small heart, big heart. Different size heart sparkles in the night sky. Jessica takes a couple sip from the glass. A few minutes later, she yawns. Siwon takes the glass away from her and place it on the roundtable. She rests herself in his arms. Siwon watches her fall deep asleep.

 

To be continued……………………..