11

Jin was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, when his mother called him from the kitchen. "Hey, Jin, can you come here for a minute?"

He sighed and put down his phone. He knew what this was about. He was getting married and his mother was obsessed with every detail of the wedding. She had been nagging him to help out with the preparations, but his mind was elsewhere. Words of Min-ho echoed in his mind. Why did he agree to this wedding so soon?

He walked into the kitchen and saw his mother holding a stack of magazines and brochures. She smiled and gestured for him to sit down at the table.

"Look, Jin, I need your opinion on something. Which color scheme do you think is better for the reception? Pink and gold, or blue and silver?"

Jin looked at the pictures and shrugged. "I don't know, Mom. They both look fine to me."

His mother frowned. "Come on, Jin, don't be so indifferent. This is your wedding, after all. You should be more excited and involved."

Jin rolled his eyes. "Mom, I'm happy, I really am. But I don't see why I have to care about the color of the napkins or the shape of the cake. It's not like it matters."

His mother gasped. "How can you say that? Of course, it matters! Everything has to be perfect for you. You deserve the best wedding ever. Are you not happy in marrying Namjoon?"

"No amma, its not like that...it's just...I...", Jin wanted to tell his mother the truth but he knew it won't end well...the drama, the whole drama of putting career before marriage, postponing the wedding...urgh...he was kicking himself for not having the guts to tell everyone that he wants to postpone the wedding.

Jin shook his head. "Mom, you're being too dramatic. It's just a wedding. It's not like it's the end of the world."

His mother looked hurt. "Jin, I'm not being dramatic. I'm just trying to make sure everything goes smoothly. You know how much stress I'm under. Your father won't understand a thing, he is too simple for that and Hoseok and Jimin are busy with florists, photographers and picking your outfits. Now you are the groom. I need you to tell me specifically what you want. Everything has to be as per your taste."

Jin felt a pang of guilt. He knew his mother was working hard to make the wedding a success. She had spent hours on the phone with vendors and caterers. She was also visiting dozens of shops, and salons. She had made countless lists, budgets, schedules, and invitations.

Jin smiled, "OK, Mom, I'm sorry for being rude. I'll try to be more interested in the wedding stuff."

His mother brightened up and hugged him. "Thank you, Jin, that means a lot to me." She handed him a magazine and said, "Now, let's look at these pictures again. Which color scheme do you like better?"

Jin took the magazine and pretended to study it carefully. "Well, Mom, I think pink and gold would look nice."

Jae nodded, "I think so too."

She took out a pen and wrote down pink and gold on her notebook. "OK, that's settled then."

Jae looked at her watch, "Oh, we have to hurry up. We have an appointment with the salon in an hour."

She grabbed her purse and keys, "Come on, Jinnie, let's go." She dragged him out of the kitchen and towards the door.

Jin groaned inwardly. "This is going to be a long day."

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Meanwhile, Hoseok and Jimin were at the boutique store. They were checking out suits for themselves and the grooms. After all, they are the best men. They waited as the designer went in to choose their suits. Hoseok called his brother - Jin who was busy shopping with his mother for the wedding. "Hyung, where are you? You need to be here to take a look at the wedding suit."

"Urgh...where do you think I am Hoseok? I am with amma looking at flowers for the centerpiece."

"Ohh, when will you be here?", Hoseok asked worriedly.

"As soon as she cuts me loose", Jin groaned as he continued, "look just give me an hour okay?" He hung up the phone without waiting for a response.

Hoseok looked at Jimin who was on the phone with his brother. "Joon hyung will be here in 10", Jimin said as he hung up the phone.

"Jin hyung will be late. He is with maa", Hoseok affirmed.

"Hello, Mr. Kim. I'm here to try on the suit for the wedding," Joon said as he entered the boutique. 

"Ah, yes. You must be Namjoon, the groom. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage," Mr. Kim said.

"Thank you very much," Joon said as he looked around. "Where is my brother?", he asked the man. "Oh Mr. Jimin and Mr. Hoseok are in the changing room to check their suits."

Joon nodded, "Okay, well let me try on mine". Mr. Kim led him to a separate fitting room where the suit for the groom was hanging. It was the classy black suit with a white shirt and a silver tie. Joon took off his clothes and put on the suit. He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He felt happy and nervous at the same time. He couldn't wait to see Jin in his suit.

He walked out of the fitting room and saw Jimin and Hoseok coming out of theirs. They looked dapper in their respective suits. "Wow, you guys look amazing!" Joon complimented them sincerely.

"Thanks, bro. You look stunning too!" Jimin said. Hoseok nodded silently. He couldn't take his eyes off Joon. He felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He had been in love with Joon for years, but he never had the courage to confess his feelings. He knew it was too late now. Joon was going to marry his brother, Jin. He tried to act normal and smile, but he felt like crying. Mr. Kim asked them if they needed any adjustments to their suits.

"No, they fit perfectly," Jimin said.

"Yeah, they're great," Hoseok said.

"Hey, let's take selfies", Jimin cooed.

"Really Jimin? Aren't you tired of selfies?" Joon said.

"No, never. Now hush and Hobi come here", Jimin pulled Hoseok wedging him near himself and Namjoon.

"Okay now one with the groom-to-be, Hobi stand with Joon", Jimin chided.

"Jimin-ahhh, no its okay, its already getting late. I should call Jin hyung", Hoseok tried to reason but Jimin didn't budge.

"Hoseok come on, its just one picture", Namjoon said that made Hoseok shut up.

As Hoseok stood awkwardly near Namjoon, Joon suddenly put a hand on Hoseok's shoulder, pulling him close. Hoseok was surprised as he looked at Joon who looked back at him with a friendly smile. Jimin clicked the picture smiling to himself that he realized long ago.

He had noticed Hoseok's feelings for Joon long ago, but he never said anything. He wanted his brother to be happy, but he also wanted Hoseok to be happy. He wished there was a way to make them both happy.

That moment, Jin barged in with two full bags. He looked exhausted and stressed. Hoseok released himself from Joon's embrace and stepped back.

"Sorry I'm late, guys! Shopping for marriage is so tiring!" Jin said. He dropped his bags on the floor and hugged Joon. "Hey, babe! You look handsome!" Jin said. Joon hugged him back and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks, love! You look beautiful too!" Joon said. Jin noticed Hoseok and smiled at him.

"Hey, Hoseok! Well, look at you. You cleaned up nice." Jin asked. Hoseok forced himself to smile back at him. "Thank you hyung," Hoseok said as he stood near Jimin.

Mr. Kim who was witnessing gave Jin the suit. Jin went to the fitting room and within a few minutes came out looking dapper and stunning. He stood next to Joon and held his hand. They looked at each other with love and affection.

"Mochi, take a picture of us together", Joon said as he stood near Jin.

"Ohh...my phone battery is down", Jimin said as he put his phone back in his pocket dramatically.

"Why doesn't that surprise me", Joon rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I will take it", Hoseok said as he took out his phone and pulled few pictures of Joon and Jin.

"You guys look perfect together!" Hoseok added as Jimin made a vomiting face. Jin smiled and thanked him. Joon smiled too, but he sensed something was wrong with Jin. He looked worried and tense. He asked Jin if everything was okay. Jin nodded, but he didn't sound convincing. "Yeah, everything is fine," Jin lied.

He didn't want to ruin the mood of anyone. He loved Joon more than anything, but he also loved his career. He didn't know how to deal with this situation. He felt torn and conflicted.

Joon asked Hoseok to take another picture of them. Hoseok clicked the picture and gave his phone to Jin who who was looking at Joon and laughing. They were having their own sweet moments. Hoseok took a few steps back as he and Jimin stood there awkwardly.

Jimin turned to Hoseok, placing a comforting arm on his shoulder. "Are you sure you are happy with this?" Jimin asked, his concern evident in his voice.

Hoseok smiled, masking his inner turmoil, and nodded. "Yeah, Mochi why not?" he replied, not wanting to burden Jimin with his own feelings. But Jimin knew Hoseok much more than he knew himself. He stared at Hoseok and gave a slow nod.

At that moment, Hoseok realized that Jimin was aware of his unrequited love for Joon. The subtle gesture of support from Jimin brought comfort to Hoseok, reminding him that he had a friend who understood him even without words.

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ON THE WEDDING DAY:

As the wedding day arrived, Jin was feeling nervous and excited. He admitted to himself that everything looked beautiful. The venue was none other than Jung Mansion. As they stepped into the backyard, they were greeted by an enchanting sight. The backyard had been meticulously designed and decorated, reflecting the couple's unique style and elegance. The area was adorned with delicate fairy lights, casting a warm and romantic glow. Colorful flowers in shades of pink and gold florals and decor adorned the beautifully arranged arches and walkways, creating a dreamlike ambiance.

In the center of the yard stood a majestic white gazebo, elegantly draped with flowing fabric and floral arrangements. The seats for the guests were carefully arranged in a circular pattern around the gazebo, providing an unobstructed view of the couple as they exchanged their vows. The aisle leading to the gazebo was lined with rose petals, guiding Jin's path to the love of his life.

The priest, dressed in ceremonial attire, stood near the gazebo, ready to officiate the wedding. As the guests settled into their seats, anticipation filled the air, each person eagerly awaiting the arrival of the groom and his best man.

Hoseok was wearing a black suit and a pink tie, matching his brother's outfit. He was the best man, and he had to give a speech at the reception. He had practiced his speech several times, but he still felt nervous. He wanted to make his brother proud and happy.

He saw Namjoon and Jimin standing at the altar, waiting for Jin. He looked handsome and calm, smiling at the guests. Hoseok felt a surge of admiration for him. He went up to them. "Hey, you ready for this joon-hyung?"

Namjoon nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm ready. I can't wait to marry Jin."

Jae walked up to Hoseok and said, "Hobi, go call Jin and tell him we are ready."

Hoseok made his way to Jin's room, knocking gently on the door. Silence greeted him from within. Concern etched on his face, Hoseok called out, "Jin-hyung, it's time. The ceremony is about to begin."

But there was no answer.

Hoseok's heart skipped a beat, worry spreading through his veins. He tried the door, finding it unlocked. Stepping into the room, he searched for any sign of Jin. The room was empty, and an eerie stillness filled the space.

Fear and anxiety gripped Hoseok as he wondered where Jin could be. Thoughts raced through his mind, contemplating the possibilities. Was Jin nervous and hiding? Or perhaps something unexpected had occurred?

Hoseok hurriedly reached for his phone, dialing Jin's number, hoping for a response. He felt something vibrating. His eyes scanned the room that fell on the bedside table. He walked towards it and on it was a note along with Jin's phone. It was a letter for Namjoon. As Hoseok read, it felt like the earth beneath his feet gave away. He slumped in the bed. "Hyung, what did you do?"

Gathering all his courage, Hoseok raced downstairs to the backyard where the guests were eagerly awaiting Jin's arrival. Joon and Jimin stood at the altar, engaged in light-hearted conversation. But Hoseok calmed himself. He approached his father, urging him to come upstairs. Mrs. Jung was talking to the guests when she saw her husband and his son in a tense mood. Sensing the distress, she joined them, questioning what had transpired. Hoseok explained the situation, and a sense of shock and dismay washed over their faces.

Joon and Jimin were witnessing the entire thing. They saw that Hoseok was saying something to his parents who rushed hurriedly inside the home.

Upstairs, in Jin's room, a storm of emotions raged. Mrs. Jung cursed herself, consumed by guilt. "This is all my fault. If only I had controlled him back then, he wouldn't have done this. I am a terrible mother."

"Yes, Jae, it's your fault. I warned you from the beginning. You spoiled that boy, making him arrogant and selfish. Look at the mess you've created," Mr. Jung bellowed, his anger palpable.

"Appa", Hoseok said trying to console his father but the man was beyond angry.

 "Don't....Hoseok...", Hoseok halted his steps. There was never a time when Mr. Jung raised his voice at anyone but when he did, it was a message not to be messed with him.

Jae broke into loud sobs, filled with remorse and regret. Joon and Jin walked upstairs to Jin's room where they saw the three of them were sitting in a state of trauma. "What happened Uncle? Where is Jin?"

The three family members exchanged pained glances, unable to utter a word or face Joon's heartbreak. Hoseok approached Joon, his steps slow and heavy, and handed him the letter. Joon looked at Hoseok, then at the letter. It was from Jin.

"Dear Joonie, you know how much I love you. But you also know how much I want my career too. I have been offered a role in a leading movie, and I will be flying off to Mauritius for the shooting. I know we wanted to get married, but I believe in your love for me and I know that you will always love me. Please wait for me, my sweetheart."

Joon stood there, frozen, as he held the letter in his trembling hands. Each word pierced through his heart like a dagger, leaving behind a trail of pain and confusion. His mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of Jin's decision.

Jimin, unable to contain his anger, snatched the letter from Joon's grasp and read it aloud. The words echoed in the room, intensifying the anguish that hung in the air. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to process the reality before him. He had warned Jin not to play with his brother's feelings and Jin did exactly that.

A whirlwind of emotions surged within Joon. Love battled with betrayal, hope grappled with despair. He had envisioned a future with Jin, a life filled with love and commitment. They had shared dreams, made plans, and promised to stand by each other's side. And now, Jin's career aspirations tore them apart.

As Joon's gaze fell upon the words "Please wait for me, my sweetheart," his heart ached with conflicting desires. He longed to hold onto the love they shared, to believe in their bond, but the uncertainty gnawed at him. How long would he have to wait? Could he put his dreams on hold for an indefinite period? Was their love strong enough to withstand the distance and the challenges it would bring?

Jimin, sensing the turmoil within Joon, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Joonie, I can't believe he did this to you. How could he prioritize his career over your love?  I am sorry Joon."

Joon's eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of pain and frustration. He had believed in Jin's unwavering commitment, in the promises they had made to each other. And now, it felt as if those promises had crumbled beneath the weight of Jin's ambition.

Feeling the weight of the moment, the room filled with an uncomfortable silence. Mr. Jung's rage simmered, the disappointment etched deeply into his features. Mrs. Jung wept, her sobs echoing the shattered hopes of a mother. The room was consumed by an atmosphere of despair and broken dreams.

Joon, his voice trembling with a mix of sorrow and determination, finally spoke, "Jin is no longer the person I thought he was. He has chosen his career over our love. I just wish he had been honest with me. And as painful as it is, I cannot force him to stay."

His words hung heavy in the air, a solemn acknowledgment of the reality they now faced. The room fell into an even deeper silence, the weight of the decision echoing within each person present.

It was a moment of reckoning, a moment where the future of their relationship teetered on the edge. Joon's heart wavered between holding onto the love he still felt for Jin and the need to protect his own happiness and well-being.

As the room stood still, the magnitude of Jin's decision reverberated through each soul, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and unanswered questions.

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Jung rose from his seat, his voice laced with fury. "Jin is no longer my son. He is dead to me. I disown him forever. He has brought shame upon our family. I will never forgive him. Inform the guests that the wedding is off."

"No, Uncle. The wedding will happen," Joon declared, his voice resolute, his gaze unwavering.

Shock and disbelief reverberated through the room. Mr. Jung's words rang with finality. "Namjoon, you are like my son. But I will never accept Seokjin back into our home. He is no longer a part of our lives."

"He is no longer a part of my life either, Uncle. If I have your blessings, and if he agrees, I would like to marry Hoseok", Namjoon declared.

Hoseok's eyes widened in shock. Was he just a replacement for Jin? Was he being offered as an alternative? The weight of the moment crushed him, and he couldn't bear the thought. "NO, NEVER.....," Hoseok declared as he stormed away from the room without waiting for an answer, his heart heavy with pain and confusion.

The intensity of the situation hung in the air, the future uncertain, and the hearts of those involved shattered.

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TBC.

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