Chapter 16

Alex adjusted the oversized sweater draped over her frame, her fingers tightly gripping the long garment bag in front of her as she and Chan stepped into the grand entrance of The Shilla Seoul's Dynasty Hall. She was 21 weeks pregnant, and although her bump was still relatively small, it was just visible enough to make her self-conscious. Hiding it had become second nature lately, especially with the wedding so close.Chan, walking beside her with his arm securely around her waist, leaned in and whispered, "You don't have to hold it so tight, love. No one's going to notice." His reassuring smile made her heart flutter, but Alex just huffed, adjusting her grip."I'm just... being cautious," she murmured, glancing around as the venue staff bustled about, preparing for the evening's rehearsal. "The fans are probably watching every entrance to this place."He chuckled softly. "Yeah, but tonight? It's just us and family. No cameras, I promise."Alex nodded, but the nervous energy buzzing in her chest wouldn't settle. Today wasn't just about rehearsing the biggest day of their lives—it was the first time both their parents would see her in person since the pregnancy news. Despite their supportive calls and texts, she couldn't help but wonder how they would react to actually seeing her.As if on cue, the familiar voices of her parents, Elizabeth and William Turner, echoed through the spacious hall."Sweetheart!" Elizabeth's voice carried, warm and full of excitement. Alex barely had time to brace herself before her mother enveloped her in a tight hug, nearly crushing the garment bag between them. "Oh, look at you!" Elizabeth pulled back, eyes instantly falling to Alex's stomach with a knowing smile. "You're glowing, darling."Alex let out a breathless laugh. "Mom, you're squishing the dress."William, Alex's father, stepped in next, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he took a long look at her. "You look wonderful, Alex," he said softly, pulling her in for a gentler hug. "How are you feeling?"Alex glanced at Chan, who stood nearby with an amused grin, and she shrugged. "Tired. Excited. A little nauseous, honestly," she admitted with a chuckle.Chan's parents arrived just moments later, their expressions full of warmth and anticipation. Jessica and Jack Bang approached with careful smiles, and Jessica immediately reached out to cup Alex's cheek. "My dear, you look beautiful," she murmured, her gaze flickering briefly to Alex's midsection before pulling her into a soft embrace. "How are you doing, really?""I'm good," Alex assured her, touched by the concern. "Baby's doing well, and we're... managing."Jack clapped Chan on the shoulder with a grin. "You've got a lot going on, son. But you're handling it well."Before long, Chan's sister, Hannah, and his little brother, Lucas, arrived, and introductions and excited chatter filled the venue. Beth, Kendra, and the rest of the bridal party trickled in soon after, filling the hall with laughter and the occasional teasing remark.Once everyone was settled, Mira, their wedding planner, stepped in, clipboard in hand and her no-nonsense expression firmly in place. "Alright, everyone! Let's get this rehearsal moving so we can enjoy the dinner afterward."Alex took a deep breath, exchanging a look with Chan. "Here we go," she muttered under her breath.Chan grinned, squeezing her hand. "We've got this."After the practice run, everyone moved to the private dining hall for the rehearsal dinner.The private dining hall was elegantly decorated with soft candlelight, floral centerpieces that hinted at their wedding theme, and a long, beautifully set table where their closest family and friends gathered. The atmosphere was warm, filled with the low hum of conversation and occasional bursts of laughter.Alex sat beside Chan, her hand resting lightly over her growing belly beneath the table. She felt a mix of exhaustion and contentment as she looked around the room. Everything was coming together, and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to truly enjoy it.Beth stood first, tapping her glass lightly with a fork to get everyone's attention. "Alright, before we all dig into this amazing meal, I just want to say a few words." She turned to Alex, her eyes shining with emotion. "Alex, you have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I've seen you through the hardest times and the happiest, and I can say with absolute certainty that this—" she gestured around the room, "—is the happiest I've ever seen you."Alex swallowed the lump in her throat, squeezing Beth's hand under the table.Beth continued, looking at Chan with a fond smile. "And Chan, I'll admit I was a little protective at first, but you've proven time and time again that you love her the way she deserves to be loved. I can't wait to see you two take this next step and become parents." She lifted her glass. "To Alex and Chan.""To Alex and Chan!" the room echoed, raising their glasses.Chan smiled, his dimples deepening as he leaned in to whisper to Alex, "She's not wrong, you know."Alex rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just hope she doesn't start with embarrassing stories."Hyunjin stood next, clearing his throat dramatically and flashing a teasing grin. "Well, now that we're all sentimental, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge that without me, neither of you would look nearly as fashionable on your wedding day."Laughter rippled through the room, and Alex groaned, shaking her head. "Hyunjin..."He held up his hands innocently. "What? I'm just saying, you both owe me a lot for my impeccable taste." Then, his expression softened. "But seriously, Alex, Chan, you guys have something really special. We all see it. And even though I love to make fun of you, I love you both. You're my family." He raised his glass. "And I promise to keep Chan from running off if he gets cold feet."Chan rolled his eyes. "Not happening."Alex smiled, touched by Hyunjin's words despite his usual antics. "Thanks, Jinnie."Dinner carried on with the comforting hum of conversation and clinking silverware as everyone settled into their meals. The laughter was easy, the conversations flowing effortlessly between the families and bridal party. Alex found herself leaning into Chan more than once, comforted by the warmth of his presence and the way his hand rested protectively on her thigh beneath the table.Jessica and Elizabeth bonded over wedding details, exchanging ideas and comparing notes on floral arrangements and seating charts, while William and Jack engaged in a lively discussion about football. Across the table, Beth and Kendra were giggling over some childhood memory of Alex that Alex was too tired to protest.Hyunjin, as expected, took it upon himself to entertain Cassie, making silly faces and engaging in an exaggerated debate with Changbin about who would walk down the aisle with more flair. "Listen," Hyunjin said, holding up a fork like a microphone, "Cassie and I have a routine planned. She throws the petals, I do a little twirl, and boom! Iconic."Beth shook her head, grinning. "Hyunjin, I swear if you twirl down that aisle, I'm disowning you as my unofficial brother."Chan chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I'd pay to see that."Alex, nibbling on a piece of bread, shook her head. "You guys are ridiculous."As the night wore on, Alex found herself growing tired, the events of the day catching up with her. She leaned into Chan with a quiet sigh, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "You okay, love?" he murmured, his thumb rubbing small circles against her hand."Mmhmm," she nodded, her eyes feeling heavy. "Just tired."His eyes softened. "Let's head up soon, yeah?"Dinner wrapped up with a few more toasts, laughter echoing in the private room as everyone made their way out toward the elevators leading to their rooms. The hotel had set aside suites for their entire group, a floor reserved just for their families and the bridal party.Alex walked hand in hand with Chan through the grand hallway, the quiet between them feeling peaceful after the lively dinner. As they reached her suite, she turned to face him, eyes heavy with affection. "Tonight was perfect," she whispered.Chan smiled, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "It was. And tomorrow's going to be even better."She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her forehead against his chest for a moment. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed her, and she let out a soft sigh. "I love you," she whispered.Chan kissed the top of her head, his voice tender. "I love you too, baby girl." He pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up to press a slow, lingering kiss against her lips. The soft warmth of it sent a wave of reassurance through her, melting away the last bits of anxiety lingering in her chest.When they parted, Chan rested his forehead against hers. "Get some rest, yeah? You and baby need it."Alex smiled softly. "I will. You too."Reluctantly, she stepped back, unlocking her door and giving him one last glance. "Goodnight, love.""Goodnight," he murmured, watching as she disappeared inside.Inside her suite, Alex barely had time to slip off her shoes before there was a knock at the door. She sighed, knowing exactly who it would be. "Come in," she called, tugging off her oversized sweater and tossing it onto the nearby chair.Beth and Kendra entered, their arms loaded with bags from the hotel spa and a few from what looked like the convenience store. "Surprise!" Beth grinned, kicking the door shut behind her. "It's mini spa night and bachelorette time!"Alex blinked at them, exhaustion tugging at her limbs, but a small smile crept onto her lips. "Guys, I'm literally about to fall asleep standing up."Kendra plopped down on the plush bed, unpacking face masks and lotions. "Exactly why you need this. We're not letting you stress about tomorrow, so just sit back and let us pamper you."Beth wiggled a DVD case in front of Alex's face. "And we brought the classics," she declared, waving a copy of 27 Dresses and The Proposal. "Rom-coms and relaxation—it's a tradition."Alex rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, but no karaoke," she warned, flopping onto the bed beside Kendra.Kendra smirked. "No promises."Beth kicked off her heels and settled on the other side of Alex, opening a pack of chocolate-covered almonds. "You have to admit, tonight was pretty amazing. Your parents and Chan's parents were adorable, and everyone's so excited for tomorrow."Alex nodded, peeling off her socks and wiggling her toes in relief. "Yeah, it was... surreal, honestly. Seeing everyone together like that, knowing tomorrow is the day." She rested a hand on her small baby bump, her heart swelling with emotion. "I still can't believe I'm getting married and growing a human at the same time."Kendra nudged her lightly. "You're a badass, Alex. And you looked so happy tonight. Chan couldn't take his eyes off you."Beth sighed dreamily. "He really couldn't. You guys are the actual definition of goals."Alex blushed, shaking her head. "You two are so sappy."Beth tossed a pillow at her. "Let us be happy for you, geez!"Kendra passed Alex a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon. "Alright, bride-to-be, time to relax. Let's do face masks, watch some movies, and pretend like we're not all going to be crying messes tomorrow."Alex smiled, leaning back against the pillows. "That sounds perfect."The three of them settled in, laughter filling the suite as they applied face masks and picked at snacks while the rom-com played in the background. As the movie played on the screen, the warmth of the moment wrapped around Alex like a blanket. The combination of Beth and Kendra's constant chatter, the soft glow of the hotel lights, and the comforting weight of her growing baby bump made her eyelids grow heavier by the second.Beth, noticing the way Alex's head had started to tilt slightly to the side, nudged Kendra and whispered, "I think she's out."Kendra smirked. "Told you she wouldn't last past the first thirty minutes."Alex stirred slightly at their voices, her fingers lazily tracing small circles over her stomach. "M'not asleep," she mumbled, though the sluggish tone of her voice betrayed her.Beth laughed softly. "Sure you aren't." She gently pulled a blanket over Alex's legs, tucking her in like she used to back in their college days. "Get some rest, Al. Tomorrow's a big day."Alex let out a soft sigh, the faintest smile on her lips. "Love you guys," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper."We love you too," Kendra replied, smoothing Alex's hair affectionately. She glanced at Beth with a knowing look before they both settled in beside her, their own exhaustion catching up to them. The trio had been through so much together, and now, here they were—on the eve of Alex's wedding, her dream finally coming true.Beth and Kendra exchanged soft smiles, watching their best friend drift into a peaceful sleep. "She deserves this," Beth whispered, her eyes shimmering with emotion.Kendra nodded. "Yeah, she really does."The room fell into a comfortable silence, the occasional sound of the movie playing in the background. The weight of the day settled over all of them, and soon, Beth and Kendra found themselves dozing off too, the three of them curled up together on the plush hotel bed like they had so many times before—only this time, tomorrow would mark the beginning of something entirely new.Alex woke with a start, her hand immediately flying to her stomach as the familiar nausea rolled through her in waves. The room was still dim, soft morning light filtering through the heavy curtains, and the faint sound of Beth's soft snoring filled the air. Kendra stirred beside her, groaning as she stretched, but Alex didn't wait—she was already pushing off the bed and rushing to the bathroom.She barely made it in time, gripping the cool porcelain of the toilet as another wave of sickness hit her. "Ugh," she groaned, resting her forehead against her arm. Her entire body ached with exhaustion, and the excitement from the night before had quickly been replaced by the gnawing anxiety curling in her stomach.Behind her, she heard Beth's sleepy voice. "Alex? You okay?"Alex lifted a hand weakly. "Just peachy," she mumbled.Kendra appeared in the doorway, her hair a tangled mess, but concern clear on her face. "Morning sickness again?"Alex nodded but she couldn't get any words out.  Kendra nodded sympathetically, stepping inside the bathroom and crouching down beside Alex, rubbing gentle circles on her back. "Morning sickness is the worst misnomer ever," she muttered. "It should just be called all-the-time sickness."Alex groaned in agreement, lifting her head slightly to grab the cool washcloth Kendra handed her. "I thought this part was supposed to get better by now," she mumbled, pressing the damp cloth to her forehead. "I'm over it."Beth, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, leaned against the doorframe. "I thought you were feeling better yesterday," she said, concern evident in her voice."Yeah, well, my stomach decided to betray me," Alex muttered before another wave hit, forcing her to lean over the toilet again. She barely noticed the door to the suite cracking open until the familiar voice of Hyunjin filled the air."Alex?" His voice was soft but laced with worry. "I heard you from across the hall."Beth stepped aside just as Hyunjin appeared in the bathroom doorway, his brows furrowed and his lips pressed into a tight line. He took in the scene—Alex hunched over the toilet, Kendra by her side, and Beth looking mildly panicked—and sighed, stepping inside without hesitation.Hyunjin crouched down beside Alex, his long fingers brushing gently through her hair to keep it away from her face. "Baby," he murmured, his voice filled with concern. "You should've called me."Alex groaned, leaning back against the cool tile wall, feeling drained. "It's too early for all this," she muttered, resting her head against Hyunjin's shoulder as he settled beside her, leaning against the wall. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close, offering the comfort she desperately needed."I'm here now," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "You're okay."Beth and Kendra exchanged a glance, both looking relieved that Hyunjin had taken over. "We'll get some ginger tea and crackers," Kendra said, giving Alex a reassuring pat on the leg before she and Beth disappeared out of the bathroom.Alex sighed, closing her eyes as the nausea finally began to subside, the tension in her body easing slightly with Hyunjin's presence. His steady breathing and the warmth of his arms anchored her, grounding her in the moment. "I hate this," she whispered. "I just wanted to wake up feeling excited today."Hyunjin chuckled softly, brushing a few damp strands of hair away from her face. "You will," he promised. "Once this passes, it's going to be a perfect day. You're marrying the love of your life. And, let's be honest, you get to see me in a suit, which is a win for everyone."Alex managed a weak laugh, tilting her head up to look at him. "You and your priorities," she teased, though there was genuine affection in her voice.Hyunjin smirked, squeezing her gently. "What can I say? I'm a gift." He sobered a little, gazing down at her with quiet concern. "We've got some time before you need to get ready. Do you want to try and get some more sleep?""Yea...I want to wake up and pretend this never happened."Hyunjin nodded and, without another word, gently scooped Alex up into his arms. She let out a tired sigh, resting her head against his chest as he carried her effortlessly out of the bathroom and into the dimly lit bedroom. The sound of his steady heartbeat beneath her ear was comforting, grounding her as the exhaustion from the morning's nausea settled into her bones.He lowered her onto the bed with the utmost care, tucking her beneath the soft hotel blankets as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. "Better?" he asked softly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.Alex gave him a small, sleepy nod. "Mhm. Thank you, Jinnie," she murmured, already feeling the pull of sleep.Hyunjin sat on the edge of the bed, watching her with an expression so tender it made her heart ache. He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. "You scared me a little," he admitted in a whisper. "I don't like seeing you like this."Alex opened her heavy-lidded eyes, offering him a soft, reassuring smile. "I'll be okay. Just tired. And... maybe a little anxious."Hyunjin's grip tightened slightly, his thumb running over her knuckles. "I know. But you don't have to do this alone, you know? Me and Chan—we're right here. Always."Her eyes fluttered closed again, and a content sigh escaped her lips. "I know."After a beat, Hyunjin moved to lie beside her, curling his body gently around hers without hesitation. His arms wrapped securely around her waist, and his chin rested lightly against the top of her head. "Sleep," he whispered, pressing a feather-light kiss to her temple. "I'll be right here."Alex melted into him, the warmth of his embrace chasing away the remnants of nausea and anxiety that had lingered in her chest. The slow, steady rhythm of his breathing lulled her into a shallow but welcome sleep.