SuitfitCupid Collection

An Inevitable Change of Heart

Prompt:

 "So many of my smiles begin with you."

(Lighting Up Your World - Janet Suhh)

It was the reception of Ri Jeong Hyeok and Yoon Seri's wedding. Only family and some close friends were invited to the wedding which the couple personally decided on.

One table was assigned to Jeong Hyeok and Seri's family, Seri's brothers included. They were finally getting along as they saw a change of heart from her second brother. Other tables were allotted to Jeong Hyeok's company five and some officials, to Seri's choice employees, the North Korean ahjummas and their families, a few people from the NIS who stuck by their family and helped them along the way, and some were given to relatives only their parents known of.

The program went by smoothly. People were mingling with each other as the couple began greeting the visitors per table. It was the part of the wedding reception wherein they socialize with each and the couple.

The two of them divided their attention to the visitors. Yoon Seri greeted some relatives she never met. Ri Jeong Hyeok went to the ahjumma's table whose table is near the entrance door and thank them for coming.

"It's nice to meet you. Thank you for being here."
"Thank you for traveling far just to come."
"Thank you for accepting our invitation."
"Thanking for giving and spending a few hours of your time."

All of the thank you lines from the couple were almost the same and they continuously acknowledged the presence of their visitors separately. Smiles were exchanged between the people. Laughter was heard as the visitors got to know each other.

The aura of the room then changed when the door opened. All eyes were on her as she walked in gracefully and everyone could hear the click-clack of her high heels. It was Ri Jeong Hyeok's former fiancé- It was Seo Dan.

Seo Dan sets his eyes on Jeong Hyeok who were talking with the ahjummas. She smiled and nodded like it was her way of congratulating him. Her eyes then landed on Seri and greeted her the way she greeted Jeong Hyeok. The couple did send her an invitation anyway. They were just not expecting her since she's abroad.

Jeong Hyeok looked at Seri and gave her a notice-like gaze that he will handle it. He led Seo Dan to one of the tables behind to let her eat a meal and somehow talk.

"Dani, uhm... thank you for being here. Uh, we were actually not expecting you since you went back to Russia, but it seems like you got the invitation." Jeong Hyeok started, who is still in shock with his ex-fiancé's presence.

"Of course, I'll be here. I wouldn't miss your wedding. If only I was able to get a flight a little bit earlier, I would be honored to attend the ceremony and witness you and Seri being married." Seo Dan sincerely said but Jeong Hyeok still felt awkward.

"If you don't mind, could I talk to Seri later after I eat? I would like to congratulate her personally, too." Seo Dan asked permission from Jeong Hyeok.

"Oh. Ah, of course. I think she is glad seeing you here."

Jeong Hyeok didn't leave Dani while she was eating since some eyes were still fixed on her. The visitors were also surprised to see her there.

"Can I ask you something?" Dani broke the silence after some minutes.

"Hm."

"What does Seri have that I don't?" Jeong Hyeok was startled by Dani's question.

"Wh-what?" He nervously responded.

"Hey, no pressure. I just want to know. Just relax." Dani assured him that there's no grudge with that question she asked and that all hard feelings are gone.

"Uh... Well... I... I actually can't find a term for it but Yoon Seri... She changed me. She got rid of the distant Ri Jeong Hyeok. She... she brought out the best version of me." Jeong Hyeok started to smile, thinking of the impact Seri gave on his life.

Seo Dan attentively listens to his story and doesn't say a word.

"Hmm. You know my story. My life was on full reset when my brother died. I sacrificed my dreams just to fulfill my father's wishes. It's like the dreams and happiness that I was getting before also died with my brother. I was living differently. I was not living my life. I had a mindset of, as the remaining son of the family, I should obey my parents. But Yoon Seri changed that."

"I don't know how but I began smiling again when Seri came into my life. Ever since my brother passed away, I don't recall when was the last time I felt happy, content. I don't remember when was the last time I smiled genuinely. It feels that I was slowly finding myself again- the Ri Jeong Hyeok who was pursuing a career that he loves. I was following again what my heart is telling me to do. Yoon Seri helped me with everything. She's the reason why I am smiling again, why I am happy again."

Seo Dan was smiling at Jeong Hyeok who was tapping the spoon on the table as he was answering. He didn't even look at Dani while saying those words. His eyes were fixed to the spoon, thinking how Seri gave him the happiness and contentment he was looking for.

"Ri Jeong Hyeok, I am saying this from the bottom of my heart, I am very happy for you. My heart is deeply happy that you see your life with someone you love. I wish nothing but the best for you and Yoon Seri." Their eyes met as Dani got some tears in her eyes.

She smiled at Jeong Hyeok and said, "Well, I'm done eating. I should go and congratulate the bride."

As Dani was standing up, Jeong Hyeok spoke, "Thank you."

Dani beamed and looked at him. She then shifted her glance to Yoon Seri, who was also looking in their direction.

"Yoon Seri!" She waved at her as she calls and walks towards her, leaving Jeong Hyeok at the table.

Seri glanced at Jeong Hyeok to sense his expression. Jeong Hyeok turned his head and was able to lock his eyes with Seri. He nodded at his wife, a sign that the conversation he had with Seo Dan went smoothly and it is safe for her to talk with her. It was a look that Seri knew that everything will be okay.