황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 74

As the kiss ended, the officiant turned to the couple with a warm smile. "Now, we shall perform the binding rituals that symbolize the unity of your hearts and the joining of your lives."

The guests hushed in anticipation, their eyes glued to the couple. The first ritual involved the tying of the hands, a symbolic act representing their commitment to one another. The officiant took a beautifully woven cloth, adorned with intricate patterns, and gently wrapped it around Hyunjin's and Yongbok's hands, binding them together. "As I tie your hands, may your lives be intertwined, and may you always find strength in one another."

Next came the exchange of gifts, a tradition signifying the promises they made to support and cherish each other. Yongbok presented Hyunjin with a delicate necklace, crafted from precious stones, representing the beauty of their bond. "With this gift, I promise to always honor and cherish you," he said, fastening the necklace around Hyunjin's neck.

Hyunjin then offered Yongbok a hand-carved wooden pendant, symbolizing strength and protection. "With this, I vow to always be your shelter and your safe haven," he replied, placing the pendant over Yongbok's head.

The officiant gestured to a small table adorned with offerings of fruits, grains, and flowers. "These are symbols of abundance and fertility, representing the blessings you will share in your life together." Hyunjin and Yongbok approached the table, each taking a piece of fruit, and they shared a bite, signifying their commitment to nurturing one another's lives.

Finally, it was time for the fire ritual, where the couple would offer their vows to the flames, symbolizing their promises being carried to the heavens. A small fire had been kindled in a ceremonial bowl, and the officiant instructed them to throw in a piece of wood, each etched with their vows. As the flames flickered, Hyunjin and Yongbok each recited their promises once more, the warmth of the fire embracing their words.

"May this fire witness our vows," Yongbok declared, his voice steady. "May it carry our love to the skies."

"May our love burn brightly and forever," Hyunjin added, his heart swelling with emotion as he watched their vows turn to ash, carried upward into the air.

With the rituals complete, the officiant smiled, addressing the guests. "You have witnessed the union of these two souls. May their love shine brightly for all to see, and may their lives be filled with happiness and prosperity."

The crowd erupted in joyous applause, and Yongbok and Hyunjin turned to each other, their hearts full. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends and the blessings of the rituals, they felt the profound significance of their commitment to one another.

Hand in hand, they stepped back into the world, ready to face whatever came next.

As the ceremony came to an end, the cheers from friends and family echoed in the air. Hyunjin and Yongbok stood hand in hand, radiant smiles on their faces, basking in the love and joy that surrounded them. Their journey together had officially begun, and now, it was time to celebrate with the people who meant the most to them.

Minho was the first to approach his brother. His eyes shone with pride and happiness as he pulled Yongbok into a tight hug. "You did it, Bok," Minho said, his voice full of emotion. "I'm so proud of you."

Yongbok chuckled, hugging his older brother just as tightly. "Thank you, hyung. It means the world to me that you're here."

Minho pulled back, his smile soft but teasing. "Now, don't forget who's the more handsome brother, though."

"Yeah, yeah," Yongbok laughed, brushing off his brother's playful comment.

Meanwhile, Hyunjin turned to see his best friends, Wooyoung and Jisung, rushing toward him with wide grins. Before he could react, they enveloped him in a massive, bone-crushing hug. Hyunjin laughed, his breath knocked out of him by their enthusiasm.

"Hyunjin! You looked so beautiful! We're so happy for you!" Wooyoung exclaimed, squeezing him tighter.

Jisung joined in. "You're glowing! It's like you stepped out of a dream or something."

Hyunjin beamed, touched by their excitement. "Thank you both. I'm so glad you're here to share this moment with me."

Not far off, Minho watched the scene with a mock pout, crossing his arms. "Why don't I ever get hugged like that?" he grumbled loud enough for Jisung to hear.

Jisung turned to his husband, giggling at Minho's adorable complaint. "Oh, you big baby," he teased, walking over to him. "Come here then!" He pulled Minho into a warm hug, laughing as he kissed his cheek. "Better?"

Minho couldn't help but smile, the playful jealousy vanishing. "Much better."

As the celebration continued, the air was filled with joy and congratulations. Ryujin, standing near her parents, King Shin and Queen Shin, exchanged a glance with Yeji, who stood beside their siblings, Riki and In-Yeop. A playful glint appeared in Ryujin's eyes. She reached into her robes and pulled out a small, glimmering ring.

The guests quieted as Ryujin stepped forward and knelt in front of Yeji, holding the ring up toward her. "Yeji," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "will you marry me?"

The crowd gasped in delight, and Hyunjin, Yongbok, and their friends looked on in awe. Yeji's face lit up, tears forming in her eyes as she nodded. "Yes! Of course, I will!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

Ryujin slipped the ring onto Yeji's finger, and they shared a heartfelt kiss, the crowd cheering for the newly engaged couple. Queen Shin and King Shin beamed with pride, and Yeji's siblings, Riki and In-Yeop, cheered excitedly for her.

Yeji rushed over to Hyunjin afterward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Oppa! You were so beautiful! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright with happiness.

Hyunjin returned the hug with a fond smile. "Thank you, Yeji. And congratulations to you too!"

"I can't believe Ryujin proposed like that! I wasn't expecting it!" she laughed, showing off the ring.

"I'm happy for you both," Hyunjin said warmly, gently squeezing her hand.

Family members and friends, from King and Queen Lee to Seungmin, Taehyun, Seonghwa, and all of Hyunjin's siblings, approached them one by one, offering their heartfelt congratulations. Jeongin pulled Hyunjin into a tight embrace, whispering, "I'm so happy for you, hyung."

The entire crowd felt the warmth of love, unity, and celebration as they all gathered together, not just to witness the union of two souls but also to share in the deep bonds of friendship and family that brought them all closer.