THE BOY

C H A P T E R 13 ( THE BIG DAY )

**An Unexpected Invitation**

The morning sun painted the city in hues of gold as I awoke to an unexpected email blinking on my phone. Xiaomi's name in the sender's field puzzled me, and as I opened the message, the words blurred into a surreal invitation to her wedding. The timing struck like a bolt from the blue, the impending date catching me off guard.

In Xiaomi's email, a note caught my attention: "I've been following your vlogs, and I heard you're in America. It would mean a lot if you could attend." The unexpectedness of the gesture was as baffling as it was intriguing. Why would she extend such an invitation, considering the history between us—a history marked by misunderstandings and a shared past that teetered on the edge of discomfort?

Staring at the screen, I grappled with a mix of emotions—bewilderment, curiosity, and a tinge of jealousy. Not because she was marrying someone else, but because the notion of her remarrying itself felt like a tangible manifestation of my own shortcomings. The irony was not lost on me—here I was, struggling to maintain a lasting relationship, while Xiaomi, once my arranged match, was moving forward with a new chapter.

Despite the unexpected nature of the invitation, a certain intrigue seized me. Perhaps it was the allure of witnessing a chapter of my past close and witnessing the beginning of Xiaomi's new one. The decision to attend the wedding became a curious commitment, an exploration into the intricacies of life and love.

As the day unfolded, I found myself standing before a mirror, donning a well-tailored suit. The reflection staring back at me was a juxtaposition of emotions—anticipation mingled with a trace of jealousy. The suit, usually a symbol of celebration, now felt like armor against the uncertainties that awaited me at Xiaomi's wedding.

In the midst of tying my tie, my phone buzzed, and Xiaomi's face appeared on the screen. The unexpected video call added a layer of authenticity to her invitation. "Hey, I hope you can make it. I know it's been a while, but I thought it would be great to catch up," she said, her voice carrying a warmth that transcended the digital divide.

Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving through memories and shared experiences. "Remember that time in Seoul?" she laughed, reminiscing about our adventures. The awkwardness that once lingered between us dissolved into laughter and genuine camaraderie. Xiaomi shared snippets of her wedding preparations, from the floral arrangements to the dress fittings, painting a vivid picture of the impending celebration.

We spoke of life, of the unexpected turns that had brought us to this moment. Xiaomi's voice echoed through the screen, a testament to the resilience of friendships that stood the test of time. "I never thought I'd be inviting you to my wedding," she admitted, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

As the call ended, the decision to attend Xiaomi's wedding became less about obligation and more about embracing the unexpected twists of life. The suit, now worn with a newfound sense of purpose, became a symbol not of defense but of openness to the journey that awaited.

The day unfolded, and while I hadn't physically stepped into the wedding venue yet, the connection forged through that extended video call had already transformed the narrative. The anticipation of the wedding became a blend of curiosity and genuine friendship, a testament to the transformative power of unexpected invitations and the unpredictability of life's intricate dance.