Destination Wedding

30

The group rode back quietly to the blooming beach resort, contented and sunkissed after a morning of snorkeling. Jeongguk snored softly on Taehyung's shoulder, and Yoongi had passed out with his head resting on Jimin's lap. Hoseok and Jin caught up more on the ride back, while Namjoon marveled at the beautiful family that was forming before his eyes. He felt like a proud father amongst a brotherhood that was fusing together during the most important week of his life. Since the bus ride afforded the group a brief respite and recharging, the seven agreed to freshen up and meet poolside for lunch.

To nobody's surprise, Jimin ordered a family-sized portion of macaroni salad while the rest enjoyed various American snacks. Taehyung excused himself after realizing he forgot his sunglasses, and Jeongguk volunteered to fetch drinks for the group.

At the cabana bar, Jeongguk leaned over the counter to order a round of Mai Tais, but noticed a tall, handsome man to his left, appearing dejected. Maybe a little drunk too, judging by the way he almost slipped off his bar stool. Jeongguk overheard him order another daiquiri in English. Based on the pile of fruit garnishes sitting on a napkin, Jeongguk ventured to guess it was his third or fourth.

Jeongguk cleared his throat, feeling an unexplained need to offer the elder some company.

"Are you from Seoul?"

"Who, me? Yes. How'd you guess?"

"Your accent. It's rubbing off on your English," Jeongguk replied warmly.

"Aha, I've been found out. You don't sound like you're from Seoul."

"Busan. I'm Jeon Jungkook." Jeongguk offered his hand.

"Ah, Jeon Jungook, of Jeon Motors?" Seojoon inquired, accepting the handshake.

"Yes, you've heard of us?" Jeongguk was surprised.

"Of course. Your business is impressive. Self made, right? Is it true you may open a Seoul branch? I'd certainly entertain a cycling license if I could buy from you," stated the elder, a little slurred.

"I'm considering it. Working out the logistics. I didn't catch your name."

"Oh, I forgot myself. Apologies. I'm Park Seojoon."

"Pleasure to meet you, Seojoon-ssi. If you're ever in the market for a bike, please contact us." Seojoon nodded slowly as he was served by the bartender.

"Are you here for the Kim wedding? I haven't met any Koreans here who aren't," joked Jeongguk.

Seojoon huffed. "I guess so. I'm not really sure why I'm here."

"Meaning?" Jeongguk questioned.

"Meaning, my boyfriend invited me out of the blue after he already arrived. He arranged my travel here but since then he hasn't really been in touch. I honestly thought he was going to break up with me before inviting me out. Considered he might even be cheating," Seojoon resigned.

Jeongguk inhaled at the influx of information from the stranger. "Surely it's a good sign if he brought you here, no? I mean, has he cheated before?" Jeongguk internally cringed at the straightforward question that escaped him, but the tipsy elder didn't seem to mind.

"Not that I'm aware of. I met him shortly after a breakup and when everything started, I was sure he only had eyes for me. But he's been really distant since he arrived here. I don't know... but what am I saying? Surely you didn't visit the bar to hear all this. I really apologize. Too many drinks and too many pent-up worries, apparently."

Jeongguk got it, and was unbothered. He always appreciated candidness in strangers. "No worries, Seojoon-ssi. That sounds really stressful. Maybe it'll be a healing trip for the both of you."