‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ SIM JAEYUN ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
"Why did you call?" I sat in front of Kang Taehyun. He was dressed formally, probably coming from their office which was close to the cafe where he wanted to meet.
To be honest, I was taken aback when I saw an unfamiliar number on my phone. However, knowing that my phone was also an emergency number for the company I answered it.
And now here I am, in front of Kang Taehyun.
He looked awkward but did not hesitate to answer my previous question, "I just wanted to say sorry for whatever happened in the past."
I stared at him seriously, "It wasn't your fault."
He looked down almost looking ashamed, "Still. I want to say sorry." He said.
I looked at him judging what he was doing. I guess Aera did mean it when she said that Taehyun was an amazing person.
He didn't have any fault, the three of us were just caught in a net that destiny threw at us.
"It's fine. We just both fell in love with the same girl." I chuckled and so did he. "And you just happen to keep her while I failed to do so." I continued which made him look up at me.
As he did, it was then my turn to look down, I couldn't look at him knowing that he may be looking at me with pity.
I didn't need that.
After a long period of silence, I spoke again, now saying what my heart actually feels, "Can you please tell me that she's okay now?"
He was taken aback by my question but answered nonetheless, "She is." He smiled.
I shook my head as I remembered, "She got abused by her parents."
He nodded, he knew that very well. "She's strong. She always has been." He assured me.
"She really is." I couldn't help but agree. Aera is strong.
As we fell into another silence, I took that opportunity to bid farewell. I don't blame him for the pain I felt. But it did still hurt knowing that the love of my life chose the man in front of me right now.
"Another thing before you go." He said, "Here, just to clear everything out."
He slid a black and gold envelope my way before looking up at me with a comforting smile.
I looked at the envelope and asked, "What is this?"
"I want to invite you to my wedding, it's the day after tomorrow." My body froze with what he said. "Only if you want to. I know we're not that close."
I looked down at the envelope.
He's inviting his bride's ex? Someone he knew still loved his soon-to-be wife?
"Isn't this a bit too cruel?" I whispered, suddenly feeling as if I had just lost my voice.
"What?" He didn't seem to hear it, but if I repeated it, it would only make me look like a fool.
So instead I said, "Nothing." With a smile on my face. "I'll see if I don't have any schedule by that day."
"Thanks, man." He tapped my shoulder, "It would be great to have you there."
I smiled even though I feel my heart breaking into pieces from his news, "Congratulations."
"Thank you."
After saying my regards, I quickly went back to the dorms. The guys were in front of the television just watching a movie.
Sunghoon was the first to notice that I was back. He looked at me and asked. "Jake? Are you alright?"
Everyone's attention was then suddenly on me. I went to them with tired eyes.
"What happened? I thought you only hand to go to a business partner, why do you look so miserable." Jay said bluntly.
"Yeah..." I sighed, "I forgot to tell you that the partner company that my parents invested in is The Choi Enterprises."
"Wait," Heeseung said trying to piece everything together,
"Aera and Taehyun's company." Jungwon finished his thought.
Silence towered over us, none daring to speak.
Ni-Ki being the youngest gave in to his curiosity, "Have you talk to her?"
"I have." I nodded, "And I talked to Taehyun too."
I chuckled as I remembered our conversation, I took the invitation from my coat's pocket, "Guess what?"
"What's that?"Sunghoon eyed the classy envelope.
"An invitation to their wedding." I chuckled bitterly.
"What?"
Tears started to flow from my eyes, "She's getting married. They're getting married."
"Jake." They were at a loss for words. Honestly, I was too.
"He asked if I could come." I told them about what Taehyun said, "I don't think I can, Sunghoon."
All he could say was, "I'm so sorry."
"What else can I do, right?" I laughed looking at their worried faces, "Other than be happy." I paused as I felt a knot forming in my throat, "I mean, she's happy. That's all I ever wanted."
I hiccupped as I couldn't keep my tears at bay. I broke down for the nth time in front of them, I feel so weak, "But why does it hurt so bad."
"Six years, and still." The pieces in my heart that I worked so hard to fix still crumbled, "It's still her."
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"Jaeyun, honey are you ready?" I heard my mother's voice from across the room as I fixed up my tie.
I can not believe that I am actually going to this wedding.
"Why the long face, my dear?" Mom spoke with gentleness in her voice.
I shook my head placed on a smile before answering her, "Nothing, mom."
She hummed skeptically but proceeded to smile, "If you say so. Let's go."
As we arrived at the venue, I marveled at the sight of the chapel. I'm surprised they didn't get married on the beach. After all, that was 'their' place.
A place I thought was 'ours'.
We got ushered to the seat and my parents talked amongst themselves and some of their friends from the industry who also came to witness the wedding. The entire time, my gaze was just on the ground.
I felt sick to my stomach, can I really do this? Can I really watch her get married to someone who isn't me? The entourage started and my head stayed low. I thought I could look and watch but my body just won't cooperate.
"Taehyun looks so handsome."
"He looks so happy too, look at his smile!"
"Wow, the bride looks so amazing."
"That dress!"
I can hear their whispers, how amazing the entourage was. Even my parents were commenting and are both in awe of the extravagant wedding.
I couldn't look. I just couldn't.
The ceremony then started, all those times I stayed still in my seat not saying anything and not even looking upfront. If only I had the option to shut my ears, I probably would have.
"Do you, Kang Taehyun, take Lee Chaerin as your lawfully wedded wife—"
I looked up in front as I heard a different name come from the pastor's mouth. I saw a girl in the white wedding dress with the same figure as Aera but oh so different.
It wasn't her?
"I do," Taehyun answered but all I could think about is the fact that there is a different girl in front of him.
"Do you Lee Chaerin, take Kang Taehyun to be your lawfully wedded husband—"
My eyes wander through the entire venue looking for the girl that I long for.
Then I saw her, wearing a light blue dress with a smile on her face. Her eyes glistening with tears as she watched her best friend place the ring on his bride's finger.
She's not getting married to him?
A jolt of joy rushed through my veins.
I felt like laughing at myself. How I didn't even take the time to look at the invitation. How dumb of me to assume.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," The pastor announced and the crowd burst in applause, "You may now kiss the bride."
As the crowd cheered all I could focus on was Aera. She was there in front cheering and clapping for the newly wedded couple. Her smile shined through the chapel and her eyes carry such light and joy.
I couldn't help but smile. I chuckled again as I thought of all the tears I poured just because of the thought that she was going to get married.
It was dumb of me but it made me realize that I really can't stop loving her. I can bear thinking that she was going to end up with someone that isn't me.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ CHOI AERA ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
"The bride requested for another speech and she told me to call up her husband's quote on quote, first love, and heartbreak." The host of the reception laughed, "Please give it up for Ms. Choi Aera!"
I laughed with the crowd as I slowly made my way up the stage where my best friends were seated. "You've always been great with introduction Chae, thank you for that." I rolled my eyes at her playful which she laughed at.
"I just want to defend myself, I did not break Taehyun's heart—"
"You kinda did." Taehyun cut me off which made the audience laugh.
"Shut up!" I snarled at him and continued, "Anyways, I don't really know how to make speeches during these kinds of events so I guess I'll just say everything I want to say."
I looked at Chaerin who was shinning in her wonderful wedding dress, "First of all Chae, if I were his first, I'm so glad that you are his last and greatest love." I smiled at her, "Thank you for coming into our lives. Thank you for being my friend, thank you for loving Tyun, though I don't get why you do."
I joked and the crowd laughed once again but made Taehyun glare at me. I ignored him and smiled, "Kidding aside, I can see how happy you both make each other and that only makes me even happier. Just know that I love you both so much and would do anything for you guys."
I looked at them grateful to have had them in my life, and now that they are starting such a wonderful phase of theirs I can't help but be proud and emotional, "Thank you for being there through the toughest times of my life. I love you both so much."
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As the evening deepened the people I was mingling with started getting fewer, only some have stuck around for good company.
Suddenly Taehyun appeared behind me and out of nowhere just said, "I'll introduce you to someone."
I smacked his arm and rolled my eyes at him disappointed, "Tyun, it's your wedding. Stop making it my blind date."
"Shh..." He silences me and took my arm towards an unknown location, "You'll like him. Exactly your type." He convinced me.
He took me to the other side of the venue and then yelled, "Jake! Man! You made it!"
The man turned around and I fought every muscle in my body for me not to gasp, collapse, or run. He's here.
And he looks absolutely dashing.
He smiled awkwardly and said, "Kinda had to. It'll be rude to not attend your business partner's wedding, right?"
Taehyun laughed still holding my arm afraid that I might run away.
Jake scratched his neck and said, "Congratulations, dude."
Taehyun smiled cheekily and replied, "Thank you." with a nod.
He then pulled me closer and whispered, "This is the guy I wanna introduce to you." with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
"Why the fuck did you invite him?" I said through gritted teeth not wanting Jake to hear.
He smiled towards Jake who was now looking confusedly at us then turned to me and said, "What's the matter, I thought you moved on?" He winked, "He's absolutely your type, right?"
"Oh, wait I think I hear Chae calling me. You guys can catch up or whatever." He let go of my arm and before I could even say anything he ran towards his bride.
We stood there in uncomfortable silence. That was until Jake decided to break it and start a conversation.
"I thought—"
"What? That Tyun and I were together?" I knew what he was thinking. Maybe he even thought that Taehyun and I would end up together.
Wrong, Jake. Very wrong.
"You thought wrong." I laughed.
He looked down embarrassed, "But you were together before."
"You assumed that we were." I shook my head and he got the message. I never said we were together, but I did let him assume.
It's better that he thought so.
It was easier for him to leave me alone if he thought I was with someone else.l back then.
I smiled at him sadly before deciding to leave, "It's better that way, isn't it?"