Bride.exe | JAYHOON [Hiatus]

5.2: KIDNAPPING THE WRONG PERSON

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In the restroom behind the church, Sunghoon, now adorned in a bridal makeover, stared at himself in the mirror, lost in thought. He sighed deeply, lowering his head, and bit his lip, then glanced back at his reflection with a mix of nerves and embarrassment. The unfamiliar weight of makeup on his face made him shift uncomfortably. His mother had painstakingly applied a deep shade of lipstick to his lips, a color so bold that he found himself constantly checking his teeth to ensure it hadn't smudged. He didn't even know the names of the products she used; the array of powders, creams, and brushes was as foreign to him as the sensation of the dress clinging to his body.

"What am I doing?" he muttered, smacking himself lightly on the cheek, feeling the smooth, powdered skin beneath his fingertips. The unfamiliarity of it all felt like a mask, a beautiful yet disconcerting mask. Yet, despite the discomfort, he couldn't deny the reflection staring back at him was undeniably pretty.

With a final, steadying breath, he took one last look in the mirror, adjusted the wedding gown, and carefully walked out of the restroom. Each step was deliberate, his focus sharp to avoid tripping and arousing suspicion.

The ceremony was about to begin, and Sunghoon knew he had to stick to the plan. He was alone in this, with no friends to call upon for help. His mother's plan was his only lifeline.

He took his place in a corner, surrounded by bridesmaids and cousins, acting the part of a demure bride. The veil thankfully covered half his face, hiding his true identity. Guests came up one by one to congratulate the "bride," and Sunghoon plastered on a warm, though utterly fake, smile.

"Oh god, when will I get out of this hell?" he mumbled under his breath, sighing heavily.

"Did you say something, my son?" a familiar voice whispered, causing Sunghoon to flinch. He turned to see his mother, her smile as fake as his own. "Oh, so you do remember that I'm your SON?" he thought sarcastically.

Shaking his head, he replied, "Oh, nothing."

His mother leaned in closer, her voice a barely audible whisper. "Don't overreact. Just go with the flow, okay?"

Sunghoon nodded reluctantly. "Easy for you to say," he muttered under his breath, adjusting the veil for what felt like the hundredth time.

One of the bridesmaids, a bubbly girl named Hana, noticed his fidgeting. "Nervous, huh? Don't worry, all brides get the jitters."

"Yeah, something like that," Sunghoon replied, forcing a smile.

Hana giggled. "You know, you really have a glow about you, Minjoo-yah. Your groom is one lucky guy."

Sunghoon laughed awkwardly. "Thanks, Hana. That's sweet of you."

As another guest approached to greet them, Sunghoon's mother put on her sweetest tone. "My daughter is super happy about this marriage," she cooed.

Sunghoon mumbled under his breath, "Happy, my ass," but managed a bright smile and a nod.

Just then, Mingyu, their inside man, approached with a tray of drinks. "A toast to the beautiful bride," he said loudly, handing out glasses to the bridesmaids. As he passed Sunghoon, he whispered, "Everything's set. Just stick to the plan."

Sunghoon nodded slightly, his heart pounding. "Got it," he whispered back.

As the ceremony loomed closer, the tension in the room was palpable. Sunghoon's mother gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "You're doing great. Just a little longer."

Looking at the clock, Mingyu stepped forward. "Madam, it's time. Park Dongseok-ssi is waiting outside," he announced.

Sunghoon took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "Alright," he whispered to himself, "let's get through this."