It Was Always You // Joo Seokhoon × Bae Rona ✨🌌🌠

3// A Formal Introduction

Year 2026
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul National Cemetery

Placing the bouquet of White Carnations in front of the marble gravestone.

Rona smiles and bows at the picture of the smiling male. Seokhoon could only politely clasps his hands together in the front and step behind a little to give her space.

'It's been such a long time hasn't it..... Appa?'

Gulping down the bubbling sad feeling in her throat, Rona endures the tears that had finally started pooling in her hazel orbs and continues to speak with a shaky voice.

'I apologize.... I wasn't able to come and send you off 3 years ago.'

There was a slight pause in between as she gathered all her confidence.

'I miss you a lot.... Appa. Have you met mom yet? I hope you're happier up there.... You don't have to worry about me now. I'm happy and satisfied with where I am in life... Thanks to a certain someone.'

Reaching her hand out for him, Seokhoon smiles as he attaches their hands together and he walks up to stand beside her.

' Mr. Ha, I apologize for also just being able to greet you now.'

Bowing at the gravestone politely. Seokhoon continues with a respectful tone.

' I'd like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself to you......

As Seokhoon gulped down his slight nervousness, he gazes at YoonChul' s portrait and bows with a complete and respectful 90 degree.

'My name is Joo Seokhoon and I would like to finally introduce myself as Rona's boyfriend.'

Rona chuckles at his actions and finally looks back at her father's portrait.

'That's why I'm saying don't worry about me anymore..... I'm not alone down here. Please do tell eomma so that she also won't be worried sick about me.'

After some little conversations about how her life has been for the last 3 years. Rona stands and extends her hand towards the male.

' Should we go now? '

Scrunching his face and shaking his head, Seokhoon smiles at his girlfriend.

' Go wait for me by the car.... I'm just going to do something here. I'll be quick.'

Confused but choosing to not question his actions. Rona nods and smiles as she walks away to the exit leaving Seokhoon alone in front of her father's grave.

Squatting down and touching the cold marble top of the gravestone. Seokhoon smiles politely and speaks up.

'It's been a long time Mr. Ha....

After his slightly serious and long conversation with Yoonchul.

Seokhoon stands and starts to walk away, until he turns back for the last time and glances at YoonChul's smiling portrait.

' Please do not worry about Rona.... I promise to take good care of her and love her for as long as I may live. Please send my regards to the rest of the adults....and also my mom.'

As he continues his journey back to the exit, Seokhoon smiles in satisfaction as he recalls his conversation with YoonChul just a few minutes before.

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Year 2026
Seoul, South Korea
ShimWoon Art Center × ShimWoon Palace

' Is there anything that you might want to change for the decors and setlist... Ms. Bae?'

Rona shakes her head and smiles at the employees.

After visiting her father, Rona and Seokhoon had stopped by ShimWoon for a brief meeting about the planning of yet a new concert.... But this time it was going to be held during the end of the year.

Rona had decided that she would perform in South Korea for the second time during December. Giving everyone the reason to gather during the Yuletide season.

'Then would Mr. Joo be your accompanist again this time?'

Nodding at the staff charismatically, Seokhoon smirks and replies.

'For Rona... I would be her accompanist anytime she may need me. I'll inform my secretary to change up my schedule for December so..... Count me in.'

Blushing at his straightforward remark, Rona crosses eyes with her boyfriend who had flirtatiously winked at her.

After the small meeting, Rona and Seokhoon had went on a small shopping spree for random clothes and items. Simply spending time together and reminiscing the 'good' memories of the past.

As the sun started to set during the late afternoon. The couple had decided to head to the new ShimWoon Palace where they were given a tour of the new and luxurious apartment complex.

Spending the rest of the evening with Jenny and Mari. They had ate dinner and exchange little gifts with the mother and daughter duo.

It was suddenly so natural, that the Hera Kids had now visited Mari occasionally in groups or sometimes individually.

After the tragedies and traumas that took place 3 years ago. Majority of them had looked up to Mari as the remaining mother figure who usually nagged at them for their health and called them up for the most random conversations.

'Thank you for today Aunt Mari.... I'll surely eat these for my last day well.'

Rona comments as she held the small packed lunchbox that Mari had cooked up for her.

Mari smiles and slightly frowns as she glances at the couple who had moved towards the door of the Penthouse.

' And where do you think your both going? '

Seokhoon turns and replies cluelessly.

'We're heading back to the hotel...?'

As if on cue, Mari lays her hands on her waist and with her motherly and stern expression waves her hands around.

'I'm not allowing you both to just drive back when it's already so dark outside.'

Turning her attention to the maids, Mari orders in her typical boss tone.

'Prepare 2 rooms and fresh clothes for our guests. They'll be staying here for the night.'

Seokhoon interrupts the elder female and speaks with his boyish smile.

'There's no need to prepare 2 rooms anymore auntie.... I'll just share a room with Rona.'

There was a awkward silence for a few seconds until Jenny smiles and nods answering instead of her mom.

'Of course, I'll ask them to prepare the main guest room instead.... Come on, I'll show you to the room.'