The risk of love is loss | a Lovely Runner Fanfic

07

"I can't believe we're finally here," she said softly. The feeling was overwhelming, after what they've been through in multiple timelines, the wedding, their honeymoon, surely everything felt like a dream made into reality. Sol, with tears in her eyes softly said, "Our first home together."

Sun Jae smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Ready to start our new life, Mrs. Ryu?"

Sol nodded, her eyes shining with happiness. Sun Jae unlocked the door and pushed it open, letting Sol step in first. The moment felt significant, like crossing an invisible line into their future.

Suddenly, the lights flicked on, and a chorus of voices shouted, "WELCOME HOME, LOVEBIRDS!"

Sun Jae and Sol froze in shock. Their living room was filled with familiar faces - In Hyuk, Tae Sung, Jay, Hyun Soo, Hyun Joo, Im Geum, their parents, halmeoni, and even Dong Seok were all there. Their living room, which they had left bare and empty a month ago, was now filled with familiar faces, colorful banners hung from the walls, and the warm aroma of home-cooked food filled the air.

In Hyuk, grinning from ear to ear, stepped forward first.

"Surprise!" he exclaimed. "You're back!" In Hyuk shouted, enveloping them both in a bear hug that nearly lifted them off their feet. "How was the honeymoon? Did you miss us? Did you bring presents?"

Sun Jae laughed, extricating himself from his best friend's grip. "Calm down, In Hyuk. Let us breathe. Wow.. Did you prepare all of this?"

"Yah, did you really think we'd let you come home to an empty house? We prepared all of this." In Hyuk grinned widely. "Welcome home!!"

As the initial shock wore off, Sun Jae and Sol found themselves surrounded by their loved ones. Their parents beamed at them from across the room, and even Mal Ja Halmeoni sat in a comfortable armchair, her eyes twinkling despite the slight confusion in them.

They were soon surrounded by hugs, congratulations, and demands for honeymoon stories. Amidst the joyful chaos, Sol caught Sun Jae's eye, both of them overwhelmed with love for their friends and family.

The "small gathering" turned out to be anything but. Im Geum and Hyun Joo were arranging food on the dining table, bustled around arranging an array of dishes that made Sol's mouth water. The scent of japchae and bulgogi filled the air, mingling with the sweetness of freshly cut flowers adorning every surface.

"Welcome home, my dears," Park Bok Soon said, stepping forward to embrace Sol. Her eyes were misty as she pulled back to look at her daughter. "You're glowing with happiness."

"Thanks, Eomma" Im Sol replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I've missed you all so much."

Ryu Geun Deok clapped Sun Jae on the shoulder, his usual stoic expression softened with pride. "Welcome home, son," he said, his voice gruff with emotion.

Mal Ja Halmeoni approached Sol next, her wrinkled hand reaching out to pat Sol's cheek. "Sol-ah," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "You look so pretty today. Are you getting married soon?"

Sol's heart clenched at her grandmother's confusion, but she smiled gently, covering Halmeoni's hand with her own. "We just got back from our honeymoon, Halmeoni. Remember? I married Sun Jae."

"Oh, of course," Halmeoni said, though it was clear she was still a bit confused. She turned to Sun Jae, studying his face intently. "You'll take good care of our Sol, won't you? And live happily ever after"

Sun Jae knelt down beside Halmeoni's chair, taking her fragile hand in both of his. His voice was solemn and filled with emotion as he promised, "Always, Halmeoni. I'll love and protect her with everything I have."