29 - Past and future

The grand ballroom is dazzling with chandeliers casting golden light over elegantly dressed guests. This charity gala exudes luxury, with attendees engaged in conversations, crystal glasses shimmering in their hands. The murmur of voices, the soft clinking of champagne glasses, and the distant melody of a string quartet fill the space. Yet, my mind is miles away—specifically, knee-deep in wedding details.

Do I remember to tell the baker that I hate marzipan? Oh god, what if the cake is covered in it?

I exhale sharply, shaking the thought away. At least I am here with Jungkook. And as I catch a glimpse of our reflection in one of the ballroom's tall mirrors, a smirk curls onto my lips. We are, without a doubt, the sexiest couple at this gala.

Jungkook notices my expression and leans down, his breath warm against my ear."Enjoying the view, baby?" he teases, a cocky smirk playing on his lips.

I turn to him with a feigned thoughtful look. "Oh, absolutely. But I am actually admiring myself" I reply, biting back a grin.

Jungkook lets out a deep, amused chuckle, shaking his head. "I should've known. My fiancée, the most humble woman alive." He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my fingers.

I tilt my head up and, instead of answering, lean in and kiss him—gently at first, then letting it linger just enough to make his smirk fade into something softer, something deeper. When I pull away, he is staring at me in that way that makes my knees weak.

"You win" he murmurs, still holding my hand.

We reach for two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter's tray, but just as I lift mine to my lips, a familiar figure steps into view.

Soyoon.

My stomach tightens involuntarily, though I keep my face neutral. She looks poised as always—her dark green satin gown drapes elegantly over her frame, her hair in a sleek updo. She is not the kind of woman who ever seems rattled.

"Jungkook," she greets smoothly, then nods towards me, "Y/n."

"Soyoon" Jungkook acknowledges, his voice even.

She offers a polite smile. "I've been meaning to congratulate you both. I heard you're getting married?"

Jungkook's grip on my waist subtly tightens as he nods. "We are. Thank you"

Soyoon gives a small nod, almost to herself. "That's wonderful. Really." Then, after a pause, she continues, "Since the divorce, I've thrown myself into work completely. The company has grown significantly, and I've expanded our influence internationally. I travel a lot these days—mainly between Paris and New York. It's been... fulfilling, actually."

I study her carefully. There is no bitterness in her tone, no underlying tension. Just a woman who has moved on, the same way Jungkook has.

She exhales lightly, then steps a fraction closer to him, making my chest tighten. But her next words make that tension dissolve entirely.

"I'm happy to see you like this, Jungkook. While we were together, I never saw you this way. I never saw what you looked like when you were in love. But now... it's obvious."

For the first time, a genuine smile curves her lips. "Be happy. Both of you."

And just like that, she turns and walks away.

A beat of silence passes before Jungkook and I both let out a breath we don't realize we are holding. He turns to me, his eyes warm as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. His lips press against my forehead, lingering there for a moment.

"That's it," he murmurs against my skin. "It's over. The past is finally behind us."

I nod, feeling the weight lift from my chest. "And the future is ours."

And as I lean into him, champagne forgotten in my hand, I know—with absolute certainty—that it truly is.