THE AIR WAS FILLED WITH A HARMONIOUS HUM AS GUESTS GATHERED IN THE LAVISHLY DECORATED WEDDING VENUE. Ornate chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow over the rows of neatly arranged seats draped in white and gold. Fresh flowers adorned every surface, and the scent of roses mingled with the sweet notes of the soft music playing in the background.
As the ceremony unfolded, Rhaine found herself seated in the middle of it all, feeling like an imposter among the elegant crowd.
The officiant stood at the front, delivering the sermon while the radiant couple exchanged vows. Ni-ki sat beside her, his attention fixed on the ceremony, seemingly at ease.
But as she glanced around, Rhaine felt every pair of eyes settle on her. Whispers flitted through the air like gossiping ghosts, drawing her attention like a magnet.
"Who's that girl with Ni-ki?"
"Is she really his date?"
"She looks so out of place..."
Each comment sent a jolt of anxiety through her, her heart pounding in response. She could practically feel their judgments wrapping around her like a suffocating blanket. Why was she even here? This was all too much.
Jungwon, who had sat next to her at the beginning of the ceremony, seemed to notice her distress. As the whispers intensified, he turned to her.
Rhaine felt her breath quicken, panic rising within her, and before she could respond, he placed his hand over hers, grounding her in that moment. "You're doing great," he said softly, leaning closer.
Rhaine's throat tightened as she fought to respond, but all that came out was a shaky breath. The whispers continued.
Jungwon gently squeezed her hand, his warmth radiating through her. "Ignore them," he whispered, his voice steady and reassuring. "You look amazing. They're just jealous."
This sudden touch from him slightly startled her, but perhaps, it was what she needed for at the moment.
"What if I mess this up?" She sighed.
"You won't," Jungwon replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. "Just be yourself. You've got this."
*:・゚✧*:・
The cocktail hour buzzed around rhaine as she sat in her chair, clutching her drink. The elegant venue was alive with laughter and chatter, but she felt completely out of place. Ni-ki had vanished into the crowd, effortlessly mingling with guests who greeted him with warm smiles and friendly waves.
She watched him from afar, his nonchalant demeanor making it seem like he belonged there, while she felt like an imposter. Guests surrounded him, some laughing at his jokes, others snapping photos with him.
Rhaine shifted in her seat, wishing she had someone to talk to. She scanned the room, spotting groups of familiar faces—but familiar as in faces she only saw on TV.
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Faux Devotion | Nishimura Riki
FanfictionHe stood up abruptly, pulling her up with him thanks to the handcuffs, and pinned her against the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened. Ni-ki leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. "You're playing with fire, angel. Don't think for a second tha...