The Light of Dead Stars | KSJ

16

You wake up the morning after the wedding feeling like you've woken up from a really good dream. The messages of your family and best friends complimenting how good you looked and that you and Jin really looked like a couple - but not without the occasional snide remark - remind you that last night really did happen - you wore a stunning dress, ate the most delicious things you've ever had, danced to Park Hyo Shin's angelic voice, and shared a kiss with your husband like you both meant it.

Everything was amazing except for that last part, really, not so much because you didn't like it but exactly for how much you did. And now you're trying to recall how it was before you cared this much, before you decided you liked his attention, before you realized you liked having him close, and you'll go back to being that person.

You'll do what you used to do and not let them mean much. This is where you're good at - convincing yourself that everything is okay. It's how you cope and ironically, how you choose yourself. Otherwise, it's just gonna be a heartbreak that you'll have a hard time getting over, and you don't know if there'll be another person through and at the end of it all, reminding you that you're still someone that another one could love.

You shake away all the thoughts. It's a new day, and you'll just savor the remaining week you have left in this beautiful country.

Turning to your side, you're surprised that Jin is still asleep. He's breathing deeply, looking peaceful and handsome as always, and you can only imagine just how tired he is for not being up early as usual. He doesn't flinch even when you get off the bed and not-so-quietly fix up to head to the kitchen.

There are still some leftovers on the counter, and you initially planned on just having them for dinner when Geonhoo and Ji-hoo arrive with their mom, whining for some pancakes.

"I'm not good at making those. Maybe someone here knows how," Sejeong says.

"Oh, I do!" You offer. "I love making pancakes. What do you two angels want?"

"Nutella!"

"Chocolates!"

"Strawberry!"

"Peanut butter!"

The little ones yell more things and Sejeong tries to control them and say you can only make them one type. They pout at you and you laugh at how they know exactly to get what they want.

"Okay, what about a platter? I can make different ones and you can choose what you want to eat," you say.

They nod happily and you get to work. One of the cooks helps out since Jin's other family members have yet to come down for breakfast, but you say you'll be the one to make it for the kids and for you and Jin.

You talk with Sejeong while Geonhoo and Ji-hoo interject and ask what ingredient you're putting or what you're doing, and you indulge them. You come up with a platter for them with the flavors they asked for - Nutella-filled, buttermilk, chocolate chip, with sides of peanut butter and various types of fruits.

You prepare a less sweet version for you and Jin with his caramel syrup on the side.

"Hmm, smells like a happy morning," you hear his gruff yet excited voice echo through the small kitchen. "Did you make pancakes?"

"The kids wanted some," you smile. "And here's our platter."

His face lights up and he immediately serves himself then puts some on your plate after. You all decide to eat them outside, as Hyo-seop and Jin's parents arrive as well.

It's a fairly laid-back morning, with the weather nice and cool enough to enjoy breakfast on the covered deck. Taehyung and Hyun-a arrive shortly after for a quick meal and a goodbye, as they head to the airport for their South American honeymoon for the next 2 weeks.