I Hate The Way You Love

11 - Big Day

Seungkwan sighed softly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He was dressed in a three-piece white suit, with a high-collared lace shirt covering nearly half his neck, lacking a bow or tie. His light brown hair was styled elegantly, further enhancing his already striking features. The makeup artist beside him couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy—Seungkwan looked both breathtakingly handsome and beautiful at the same time.

His eyes were distant as he gazed into the mirror, while the makeup artist applied a natural, glossy color to his plump, slightly parted lips—her final touch. The usual cheerful Seungkwan seemed absent, his expression now eerily similar to the one Mingyu wore in his daily life. 

The biggest day of his life had arrived in the blink of an eye.

Yes, that big day.

Boo Seungkwan's wedding to Kim Mingyu.

The past six months had become a blur in Seungkwan's mind. Maybe, if anyone asked, he wouldn't even remember—forced by his own mind—why he agreed to this loveless marriage. He just went through his days as usual, without complaint, but soullessly, one by one. It wasn't that he didn't love Mingyu—he did, as a dear friend, of course. But he had never imagined himself as Mingyu's husband.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Seungkwan snapped out of his daze and turned toward the door, where Seungcheol stood, smiling brightly. "Hey..." his brother greeted as he stepped into the preparation room. "Our baby looks stunning. Are you ready?" he asked, already dressed in a dark gray suit over a white button-up shirt, looking as handsome as ever.

Seungkwan gave him a small smile, murmuring a quiet thanks to the makeup artist as she excused herself.

"Kwannie..." Seungcheol said softly, gently stroking Seungkwan's cheek, careful not to mess up the makeup. "You didn't smile. Do you want me to cancel this wedding?"

Though deep down Seungkwan wished Seungcheol would do just that, he couldn't help but laugh at the joke. "As if you could, Hyung..." he said, chuckling. It felt like the first time he'd laughed in so long, he couldn't even remember when.

"You underestimate my capabilities?" Seungcheol laughed too, relieved to see Seungkwan's brighter face.

Still laughing, Seungkwan hugged his brother's arm, clinging to him. "I don't. I know my amazing, handsome brother can do anything for me," he said, resting his chin on Seungcheol's shoulder and looking up at him.

"That's my superpower, isn't it?" Seungcheol kissed the side of Seungkwan's head. "But don't cling to me like this, please. It feels like a goodbye. After today, you'll only be clingy with Mingyu," he pouted.

Seungkwan chuckled at his brother's words, but slowly, his eyes began to water. He couldn't help but feel guilty, knowing Seungcheol had no idea about his marriage contract, making his words feel ironic. If he knew, would he be disappointed? Would it break his heart, too? The thought of how his brother might react made Seungkwan cling to his arm even tighter.

Seungkwan could only hope Seungcheol would never find out.

Yes, the contract Yoon Jeonghan had offered him. After days of thinking, Seungkwan had finally agreed, before telling his mother that he would marry Mingyu—even though both mothers had started planning the wedding long before either son had a chance to say yes.