The Nanny- Bangchan

Epilogue: A Second Chance at Love( Part 4)

Aera had been eagerly waiting for her off day, yearning for some quiet time away from the bustling city life. As Aera stepped out into the city, she was greeted by a sea of people swarming the streets. It seemed like the entire population had decided to converge in that very spot, making it nearly impossible for her to navigate through the chaos. The noise, the jostling, and the constant stream of voices quickly overwhelmed her.

Feeling a growing sense of frustration, Aera desperately sought refuge from the overwhelming crowd. Her eyes caught sight of a small, unassuming jewelry shop tucked away between the towering buildings. The shop's sign displayed a sparkling diamond, enticing her to seek solace within its walls.

Hesitant but determined, Aera pushed open the door and stepped into the peaceful sanctuary of the jewelry store. The air was fragrant with the scent of polished metal and the soft melodies of classical music played in the background. The tranquil atmosphere instantly embraced her, providing a much-needed respite from the outside chaos.

As she admired the exquisite displays, Aera couldn't help but feel captivated by the sheer beauty of the sparkling gemstones and intricately designed accessories. Each piece seemed to tell a unique story, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing her to stumble. She quickly apologized and looked up to see a familiar face—Felix's best friend, whom she had met once before. The surprise on both their faces was evident, and Aera couldn't help but blurt out her questions in a mix of shock and curiosity.

"What are you doing here in Korea? Weren't you supposed to be in Australia? And why are you buying a wedding ring?" Aera's voice trembled with a mix of confusion and worry as she couldn't help but wonder if Felix's actions meant he had cheated on his wife, Lia.

Felix was flabbergasted to see Aera there, his eyes widening in disbelief. Caught off guard, he stumbled for words, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "Oh, uh... Aera! It's just... I mean, this ring... It's not what you think. I can't really explain right now. I have to go .Nice seeing you, Aera." He hastily made his exit, leaving Aera standing there, utterly confused.

Returning home, Aera found Chan acting strangely. He seemed distant and tried to avoid any conversation about Felix or the jewelry shop incident. Days went by with tension lingering in the air, and even Jaehyun and Aerum seemed to be avoiding Aera.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Aera confronted Chan. "What's going on, Chan? Why are you acting so weird? I saw Felix in a jewelry shop buying a wedding ring, and since then, you've been avoiding me. Tell me what's happening."

Chan sighed, his eyes filled with guilt. "Aera, I'm sorry. I wanted to surprise you, but everything got mixed up. Felix was helping me with a plan, but it seems he got caught off guard when you showed up. Please, just trust me."

Aera's confusion turned into frustration. "Trust you? How can I trust you when you're not even explaining anything? What kind of plan involves Felix buying a wedding ring? I thought something was wrong, and you didn't care."

Chan's expression softened as he realized the impact his actions had on Aera. "I'm really sorry, Aera. I messed up. Let me make it right.However, to her surprise, Chan started acting strangely, avoiding her and barely acknowledging her presence for days.

Aera's frustration grew with each passing day. Even Aerum and Jaehyun, seemed to be keeping distance with her. The distance between them only deepened her sense of confusion and hurt.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Chan called Aera and asked her to meet him at the beach. He sounded worried, mentioning something about Aerum needing help. Panic coursed through Aera's veins as she raced to the beach, fearing for Aerum's safety.

When she arrived, she scanned the area frantically, only to see Aerum and Jaehyun, All SKZ members, standing by the shoreline, holding a large board that read, "Will you marry me, Aera?" Tears welled up in Aera's eyes, a mixture of relief, happiness, and lingering confusion.

Chan appeared from behind them, his expression mirroring Aera's initial shock and concern. Seeing her crying, he rushed to her side. "I'm so sorry, Aera. I didn't mean to scare you. I wanted to surprise you." He took out a ring and held it out to her. "Will you marry me?"

Aera's tears turned into laughter, a release of emotions that had built up over the past few days. She couldn't believe the twist of events and how it all fell into place. Through her laughter, she managed to say, "Of course, you idiot!" Chan slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced each other, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the beach.

As the waves crashed against the shore, Aera realized that the ring Chan had given her was the same one she had seen Felix buying at the jewelry shop. She couldn't help but marvel at the efforts Chan had put into planning this surprise proposal

In the midst of the romantic beach setting, Chan and Aera leaned in once again, their lips meeting in a sweet and affectionate kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away as they embraced the depth of their love.

As they pulled apart, they found themselves surrounded by the familiar faces of Stray Kids. Hyunjin, mischievous as ever, playfully covered Jeongin's eyes and said, "You can't see this, child." Jeongin huffed in response, playfully rolling his eyes, "I'm not a child anymore, hyungg. I'm almost 30!"

Laughter filled the air as the Stray Kids members playfully bantered with one another, the joy of the moment bringing them all closer together. Aera, touched by their camaraderie, smiled at each member, feeling welcomed into their family.

Felix approached Aera, a sheepish expression on his face. "Hey, Aera, I'm really sorry for not explaining earlier at the shop. Chan hyung here made it very clear that I should keep my mouth shut." He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Congratulations on the proposal. We're all so happy for you guys."

Aera's smile widened, appreciating Felix's apology. "Thank you, Felix. It means a lot. And don't worry about it. The surprise was definitely worth it." She glanced at Chan, who grinned proudly, his arm draped around her waist.

One by one, the members of Stray Kids introduced themselves to Aera, their genuine warmth and excitement evident in their voices. They shared stories, laughter, and even a few embarrassing moments, creating a bond that would only grow stronger with time.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the sky, Aera couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that had led her to this moment. She had found not only the love of her life but also a group of friends who would forever hold a special place in her heart.

With a renewed sense of joy and belonging, Aera looked ahead, her hand intertwined with Chan's, ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives together. Surrounded by the love and support of Stray Kids, they were confident that their journey would be filled with endless adventures, laughter, and the sweetest melodies.

And as the sound of waves serenaded them, they knew that their love story would continue to unfold, intertwining their lives in a beautiful harmony that would resonate for years to come.