Stay Stay Stay ||Choi Yeonjun||

31

I woke up with an arm slung on my waist, a hard chest pressed to my back and Yeonjun's soft breathing fanning my nape. His nose was burrowed in the skin of my neck. I turned around to face him and wiggled further into his warmth. What a glorious way to start the day!...

I could feel him slowly waking. He looks up sighing, then holds me again. I wrap my arms around his torso.

"What's the time...? Junie? "

He straightens to check the clock.

"8.40 am.... C'mon we've got to go for the breakfast buffet. "

I cuddle closer, wiggling to hold him like a teddy bear. I don't want to leave this comfortable nest of warm blanket, soft silky sheets and my warm cuddly boyfriend .

"Uh.. But I don't wanna wake up... Let's sleep in today. "

I grin when I feel his soft chuckle reverberating through his chest.

"I would love to, but maybe we should do that some other time. Today we have an wedding to attend. " Saying that, he kisses my forehead softly.

We both enjoy some more peaceful moments in each other's embrace then shower. We both are dressed in our casual tshirts and sweats as we head for the breakfast buffet. Taking up plates, we served ourselves some fruits and pancakes.

The wedding was set to be at 12 noon. Bora would come join me around 10 so we could dress up together and Yeonjun would go get dressed with Hueningkai, finally meeting at the venue.

I spot few other guests around, but it wasn't really crowded. I cut into my pancake slathered with butter and syrup. The waiter added some whipped cream and strawberries, winking conspiratorially  saying it was a special surprise for special guests. The peace is cut off with a disturbing clang of Yeonjun's cutlery, as he stabbed at his watermelon.

"Damn, what did the poor watermelon do to you?! "

Yeonjun was glaring at something across the room. My eyes swept the room unable to find the poor target of his laser beams. Next moment, I'm taken aback as he kisses the side of my lips. My eyes are wide as saucers due to the unanticipated move, the spot beside my lips tingling.

"You had whipped cream there... "

"Ohh.. "

We quietly finish up our breakfast. As we were heading up to our room,y phone rang. Swiping, I picked up Bora's call. Meanwhile Yeonjun took his bag, heading downstairs. He kissed me goodbye.

For the next two hours, Bora and I struggled. We dry scrubbed our body, then put on body oils to make it look shimmery. Bora had forgotten to shave so she did it now. Bora curled my hair into soft waves, then I straightened hers. This alone took almost more than an hour.

Next hour, we both took turns to help the other finish their makeup. We had both opted for a light spring makeup look. Then we finally put on our dresses. Bora had gone for a blue bell-sleeved floral dress to go with the spring theme. Our outfits were completed with nude heels. Taking our purses, we walked down to the venue.

I spotted the men waiting for us near the gates. The road was lined with the Sakura trees in full bloom. The light breeze flowed, making the pale pink petals dance with the wind. The air smelled sweet. There was a small stream nearby, the flowing water adding a tinkling sound to the atmosphere. We crossed a vintage-looking bridge which finally led to neat arrays of white benches facing the most scenic spot I have ever seen.

Sakura trees grew opposite to each other, their entwined branches forming a shady arch. There were wild rose bushes growing, releasing their own sweet fragrance. A small alcove covered in growing wisteria wines, was raised for the ceremony.

The guests had started occupying the seats. Suyeong's cousin approached us, introducing us to his other family members. The ceremony would start in half an hour or so, she said. I sit beside Yeonjun, his hand still in mine.

"Do you like this so much? "

I turned to look at him. He was simply gazing back at me, a fond twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes, I do... I've gone to few weddings of my classmates. But it was never like this, so natural, rustic and beautiful. They were held in opulent halls. This feels so... nice. "

"So, you want a summer wedding too? "

"Yes! Oh just think... A small alcove like this under swaying willow trees and the only decor would be flowers. A reception under the starlit sky... Oh.. Why are you looking at me like that? "

Yeonjun chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Wow... Well whatever Mrs. Choi wants, Mrs Choi will get. It's a promise. I don't care, as long as I can put the ring on your finger. "

My cheeks heat up at his teasing. But marriage with him, sounded like a dream. A dream I've had for a while— cozy life in our home, every nook and cranny filled with love.  Two years back, this seemed so unattainable,that the mere thought of it was agony as I wondered what it felt like to be loved by the person you love. But now I'm here, holding on to the person who makes life seem like every dream came true. I just thread my arm through the crook of his elbow, holding him tight.

Soon everyone's set in their places as  beautiful tones of piano permeate the air. All heads turn, awaiting the bride. She enters, decked in a ivory corset wedding dress embroidered with flowers. She had a beautiful happy flush about her, radiating pure love. I turned to look at Suyeong, who was now happily shedding tears.

The bride's father slowly handed off her to Suyeong, quietly patting his shoulder. A meaningful look passes between the two. Then the Officiate starts the ceremony.

The vows made are sweet and sincere and makes most of us shed tears. Hueningkai is quick to give Bora his handkerchief as her waterworks know no limits. Then it's the most interesting part of the day as the Officiate pronounces them as husband and wife and the couple lock lips passionately. The whole area is in an uproar of excited cheers.

Rice and flower petals are showered as the couple races away for some final moments of peace before bouquet toss and reception.

"That was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever witnessed! God, babe if you don't cry like Suyeong on our wedding day I will run away! "

"Maybe I'll wail like a baby.. Would that satisfy you darling? "

We four laughed at that.

"And what would you like from our boss, Ahrin? "

"That he is present, healthy and happy... I don't want to put extra efforts to kidnap him. "

Yeonjun let out a large exclamation of protest.

"Are you sure it's YOU who needs to kidnap? What if YOU run away?! "

"Why would I? "

"Yeah, then why would I?! "

"Relax guys... None of you can run away. We all at the office are awaiting your marriage! "

Joking and laughing we all move on to the reception area which soon gets crowded. Flutes of champagne are served. Sipping on the bubbly drink, I feel a weird prickling feeling on the back of my neck like I'm being watched. I turn and check, but it just seems everyone's enjoying. So I pay it no mind.

A stab of panic bubbles in me as my vision is blocked by a strange pair of hands. I feel a minty breath near my ear, whispering.

"Imagine meeting you here, Ahrin... "