The Algorithm of Spring

13

The wedding hall gleamed like a palace of glass and gold. Elegant music spilled from the open doors as Maya paused at the entrance, clutching her bojagi-wrapped gift.

Photographs of smiling couples—each framed like a miniature fairy tale—filled the welcome board. In the corner of every image, a small, unmistakable heart icon. Maya recognised faces: college classmates, relatives, old neighbours. All matched. All married.

A rich scent of lilies and champagne permeated the air. White petals carpeted the aisle, spilling over gold-tinted table runners. Above the altar, a stage radiated warmth, framed by draped silk and floating lanterns. Everything shimmered with perfection.

Near the entrance, Min-ji's father beamed as he greeted guests, his usual worried expression replaced with unexpected ease. Maya eavesdropped on her aunt's whispered comment about HarmoniQ covering half the costs, "a true blessing."

"Smart investment," her friend replied. "Though I'm not sure how they afford it, sponsoring so many weddings."

"Who cares? Better than paying ourselves. My daughter's already updating her profile—fingers crossed she gets married before they stop."

A knot formed in Maya's stomach as she navigated the throng. At twenty-nine, Maya felt every glance, every whispered comment. Another wedding, another reminder that time was moving—with or without her.

Women in flowing gowns and pastel hanboks clustered in animated groups, their fabric shimmering as though lit from within. Men wore impeccably fitted suits. Servers glided between them with trays of sparkling champagne cocktails.

A cluster of older women leaned over a shared screen near the bar. Maya caught fragments as she passed:

"I've attended three sponsored weddings this season..."

"My grandson's daycare is half-empty..."

"At least these approved matches are working..."

A screen beside towering roses displayed more HarmoniQ success stories. Ji-ho and Min-young, a Valentine's Day match, wed six months later. Park Tae-hee and Choi Jun-seo, a perfect match, are expecting their first baby.

"Maya-unni!"

Her cousin Ha-eun approached, radiant in a pale pink hanbok. "You came alone?" The unspoken second half of the question—again—hung in the air between them.

"I've been busy with work," Maya said, the excuse worn smooth around the edges.

"You always are." Ha-eun's smile turned sympathetic. "My friend met someone through the app. Three months to marriage. They're expecting. Have you checked your profile? Everyone's on it now..."

Maya forced a smile, avoiding the implicit question of how she'd opted out of something mandatory. "How fortunate."

"It's not too late, you know. Even at twenty-nine—"

The HarmoniQ chime cut through the hall—clean, cheerful, unmistakable. It had become the city's new heartbeat.

"Oh!" Ha-eun brightened, looking around. "A new match! They say it happens at every sponsored wedding—something about compatible singles in proximity." She peered at Maya. "Did you get a notification?"

"I should find my seat," Maya said, stepping away from Ha-eun's expectant gaze.