The Royal Engagement || Taehyung

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝟦𝟢

Noon arrived with a clear sky and a warm breeze drifting through the palace grounds. Soo-Yun made her way to the grand drawing room, where Chun-Hei had requested to meet her for more wedding arrangements. Her heart was heavy with the confusion and uncertainty of the past few days. As she approached the room, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for another uncomfortable encounter.

Chun-Hei was already there, seated on a plush chair, surrounded by an array of stunning wedding dresses. The room was filled with delicate fabrics, lace, and sparkling embellishments, each dress more beautiful than the last. But Chun-Hei's eyes held a sadness that contrasted sharply with the opulence around her.

"Good afternoon, Soo-Yun," Chun-Hei greeted, her voice soft but strained.

"Good afternoon," Soo-Yun replied, taking a seat across from her.

Chun-Hei gestured to the dresses. "They've brought in the selections for the wedding dress. I thought we could go through them together."

Soo-Yun nodded, her eyes scanning the beautiful gowns. "They're all very lovely," she said diplomatically.

Chun-Hei sighed, her gaze distant. "Yes, they are. But I can't seem to feel excited about any of them."

Soo-Yun watched her carefully, sensing that there was more on Chun-Hei's mind. After a moment of silence, Chun-Hei turned to her with a determined look.

"Why don't you try them on?" Chun-Hei suggested suddenly.

Soo-Yun blinked in surprise. "What? What are you talking about?"

Chun-Hei's eyes softened with a mix of sorrow and resolve. "Well... Taehyung loves you. He admitted it to me."

Soo-Yun's heart skipped a beat. "But that doesn't mean I should try on the wedding dress," she protested.

Chun-Hei shook her head. "I think when it's my wedding day, you should go down that aisle. It'll be like a surprise... and that way, he can't say no to marrying you. He'll marry his love, and I'll be able to move on and be happy."

Soo-Yun stared at her, shocked and speechless. "Chun-Hei, this is your wedding. You deserve to have your special day, to be happy too."

Chun-Hei's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I thought this marriage was what I wanted, but seeing the way Taehyung looks at you... I've realized that love should be mutual. I don't want to force him into a marriage where his heart isn't fully in it."

"But it's not fair to you," Soo-Yun said softly. "You deserve someone who loves you wholeheartedly."

Chun-Hei smiled sadly. "Maybe this is my way of finding that person. By letting go of what isn't meant to be, I can make room for something real. Something that will make me truly happy."

Soo-Yun felt a lump in her throat, her emotions swirling in a chaotic mix. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chun-Hei nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes. I think this is the right thing to do. For all of us."

After a moment of silence, Soo-Yun stood up and walked over to the dresses. She hesitated, then picked up a gown made of delicate lace and satin. She looked back at Chun-Hei, who nodded encouragingly.

With a deep breath, Soo-Yun stepped into the changing room and slipped into the dress. As she looked at her reflection, she couldn't help but think about Taehyung. She thought about the dinner they shared, the ball where it all began, and his confession of love.

When she stepped out, Chun-Hei's eyes filled with tears. "You look beautiful," she whispered. "You look like a bride."

Soo-Yun smiled, her own eyes misting over. "Thank you, Chun-Hei. For everything."

Chun-Hei walked over and took her hands, squeezing them gently. "Promise me you'll make him happy."

Soo-Yun nodded, her voice breaking. "I promise."

As they stood there, amidst the wedding dresses and dreams of a future yet to unfold, they both felt a sense of peace. They were making way for love, in all its unexpected and beautiful forms.