Chapter 44

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Two months had drifted by since the unexpected encounter with Jungkook at the convenience store, a moment etched into the corridors of my mind. Each passing day brought a subtle reminder, a peculiar resonance that stirred emotions. The meeting was brief, yet its impact lingered—a curious thread woven into the fabric of my thoughts.

Enduring it for seven years, I believed I had mastered the art of resilience. After all, encounters with Jungkook had been like fleeting storms, leaving ripples but never shaking the core. But this time, the resonance lingered, a persistent hum beneath the surface. It wasn't just another storm; it was a melody playing softly in the background, refusing to be drowned out by the passage of time.

This pain, please just end it already.

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"Congratulations, Taehyung," I exclaimed, my eyes dancing mischievously.

Taehyung, expecting a conventional wish, looked at me with mock disappointment. "Is that it? Come on, Scarlet, this is my wedding! I need a wish that's as grand as my love story!"

Undeterred, I leaned in with a sly grin. "Well, Taehyung, may your marriage be as unbreakable as your commitment to securing a PS5 in this era of shortages."

Taehyung's eyes widened, and he gasped dramatically. "Hey now, that's a low blow! But I appreciate the sentiment."

We burst into laughter, the playful banter about his quest for the elusive gaming console adding a delightful touch to the celebration.

As the bride approached, I couldn't resist teasing her too. "Good luck dealing with this one," I said, gesturing toward Taehyung. "I'm still deciding whether to congratulate you or send you a survival guide for living with someone whose love for cars and gaming is unparalleled."

"I might need that guide sooner than I thought."  The bride, engaged in animated conversation, possessed a beauty that transcended mere aesthetics. Her radiant smile, accompanied by the subtle dimples that adorned her cheeks, added a touch of warmth to the room. The brunette locks, elegantly styled, framed a face aglow with happiness and anticipation.

Dressed in a gown that seemed to embody both sophistication and simplicity, she exuded an air of grace. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she spoke, and the genuine laughter that escaped her lips echoed the genuine love she felt on this special day.

The exchange of jokes and laughter painted a vivid picture of joy and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the bittersweet undercurrents I felt beneath the surface. Taehyung's wedding marked a significant shift, and while I was genuinely happy for my friend, I couldn't escape the subtle pang of change in the air. The realization that Taehyung was embarking on a new chapter, focusing on building his own family, stirred a mix of emotions within me. The prospect of our time together dwindling in the face of his newfound responsibilities prompted a subtle melancholy.

No more, cupcake I guess. That's honestly saddening but I believe that would be best for all of us.

Seeking solace, I reached for a glass of exquisite wine, hoping its rich flavors would momentarily whisk away the bittersweet sentiment that lingered in the background.

I found myself observing the eclectic crowd that filled the venue – a tapestry of high school friends, familiar faces, and the boisterous group of Taehyung's former soccer teammates. Their camaraderie was palpable, marked by raucous cheers and laughter that filled the air as Taehyung approached. It was a reminder of the enduring connections he had fostered over the years.

As the third wine glass touched my lips, I allowed its taste to command my senses, momentarily drowning out the hum of conversations around me.

Amidst the blurred vision and muffled voices, I sensed a subtle gaze directed my way. My eyes instinctively scanned the room, attempting to pinpoint the source, but the enchantment of the wine intervened, drawing my focus back to the golden liquid in my glass. In this moment of contemplation, surrounded by the celebration and the undercurrents of change, I sought refuge in the transient warmth of the wine, letting its embrace temporarily shield me from the complexities of the evening.

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