Map of the Soul 7 Saga Book 3 - Home

Home Chapter 24

From behind us, Hobi's voice pipes up, filled with amusement. "Smooth talker, hey Ria?" he asks. I can only nod, still blushing. The guys all coo "Ooh" again, their voices a mix of teasing and genuine happiness for us.

Then Tae, never one to hold back, says loudly, "This is TMI, but I'm still bigger, JK." The room erupts in laughter.

JK's reaction is immediate and adorable. "Hey!" he yells in his pouty baby voice, his ears turning bright red. Everyone laughs even harder.

The room is suddenly filled with chaos and laughter. Hobi, Jin, and Jimin are laughing so hard they've fallen to the floor, their fancy suits getting wrinkled. Tae stands there with a mischievous grin on his face, clearly pleased with the reaction he's caused. His eyes are sparkling with amusement.

Namjoon and Yoongi, always the more reserved ones, look embarrassed. Their faces are turning red, and they're trying to hide their smiles behind their hands. The contrast of their crisp suits against their blushing faces is quite a sight.

I'm standing there, shocked by Tae's comment. My eyes dart to JK, and I give him a comforting look. I want to tell him it doesn't matter, that I love him just as he is. The air is thick with a mix of embarrassment and hilarity.

But it's too late. JK's competitive spirit has kicked in. He starts walking towards Tae, his face set with determination. His ears are still bright red, but there's a fire in his eyes now. He begins to list off all his talents, his voice getting louder with each one. "I can dance better, sing higher notes, and draw better than you..."

Suddenly, I hear Rachael's voice cutting through the commotion. "Okay, Ria, this is our cue to leave," she says, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.

I can't help but laugh. Despite the chaos, my heart is full of love for JK and all these silly, wonderful men. "Yep, it really was a TMI if you ask me," I say, still giggling.

I turn to leave, reaching out for Rachael's hand. As she leads me out of the room, I take one last look at JK. He's still pouting and arguing with Tae, but even in his frustration, he's adorable. Our eyes meet for a moment, and I see his expression soften. A small smile plays on his lips, just for me.

"Before we head to the altar room for the wedding ceremony, Rachael leads me to the bride's room. She suggests that we say hi to Tiff before we head in. I jump with glee and agree. We enter the room filled with all her bridesmaids, including Rachael. Tiff isn't in her gown yet, but she is getting her makeup touched up when I arrive.

"Hey, Ria," Tiff beams at me. "You look beautiful," she continues.

I reply, "And you are even more beautiful," while looking at her blushing bridal face.

"Stop it," she says, "I know I look hot; you don't have to tell me twice," she teases, making everyone in the room laugh."

After leaving the bridel room, Near me, Holden and Hudson are playing sweetly with little Bella. They're dancing and playing peek-a-boo with their masks, their laughter filling the air. It warms my heart to see them so happy.

Rachael and I scoop up the kids and settle into our seats. She gives me a quick hug before excusing herself to join the bridal party. I'm left to watch the children, which I'm more than happy to do. Weeks ago, I had offered to take care of the kids during the ceremony. The thought of being in the wedding party, standing in front of all these people, still scared me a little. But I was glad to help in my own way.

As I sit there, surrounded by the happy chatter of guests and the giggles of the children, I feel a sense of belonging wash over me. These seven men and their families have become like my own family. Because JK loves me and Holden, his six best friends and their families have welcomed us with open arms.