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Three's a trouble, they say. Not many people see a relationship between three people, but if it's what fate wants, who are they to judge?
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❗️ reader discretion is advised
includes strong language...
The crisp autumn air held a quiet charm as the three families gathered at a sprawling countryside villa rented for the weekend. The setting was picturesque, with orange and golden leaves blanketing the ground, and the scent of fresh pine and distant woodsmoke wafting through the air. Despite their busy lives, the Lees, Nas, and Baeks had all set aside the weekend to catch up and enjoy a rare moment of peace and togetherness.
For Donghyuck, Haeeun, and Jaemin, this was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It was the first time they'd gotten all three families together in such an intimate setting, and the trio was determined to make sure everything went smoothly. The villa was cozy and spacious, filled with well-loved furniture and rustic charm. They'd planned a day full of activities, from a hearty brunch to leisurely walks through the forest and an evening of grilling and storytelling by the outdoor fire pit.
Donghyuck's father, Daeseon, settled into a chair near the large bay window, taking in the view of the vibrant forest. His mother, Mina, was chatting amiably with Heemin and Gyeol, their conversation peppered with laughter and warm glances. Donghyuck was surprised at how easily his father had seemed to warm up to everyone, given Daeseon's usual stoic demeanor.
"So, Jaemin-hyung," Sohee began with a playful smirk as he handed him a glass of juice. "What's it like now that you're finally in med school? You must be up to your ears in textbooks."
Jaemin laughed, nodding as he glanced at his parents, who were smiling proudly at him from across the room. "It's intense, but it's where I'm supposed to be. Pediatrics is challenging, but I'm loving every second of it. Now, if only I could clone myself to keep up with the reading," he joked.
Aeri rolled her eyes, a small grin tugging at her lips. "He says that, but we all know he's the golden child in the family."
The laughter that followed was genuine, the kind that only close-knit families shared.
Meanwhile, Haeeun found herself in the kitchen, helping Mihi and Mina prepare a feast. The three women worked with a seamless rhythm, laughing over anecdotes and exchanging old family recipes.
As they all finally gathered around the grand dining table for brunch, Daeseon raised his glass with a fond look around the room.
"It's rare to have everyone in one place like this. I'm grateful we could all make time to be together," he said warmly.
"Yes, let's not make it the last time, either," Gyeol added with a smile, clinking his glass with Daeseon's. "To family."
"To family," everyone chorused, glasses clinking and smiles spreading across faces as they dug into the spread.
As the meal wound down, the conversation grew lighter, drifting from reminiscing about funny childhood stories to more current life updates. Eventually, Heemin, with a subtle twinkle in his eye, leaned back and looked at Donghyuck, Haeeun, and Jaemin thoughtfully.
"So, I've been wondering," he began, his tone casual yet conspiratorial, "now that you three are well on your way in your careers, has anyone given a thought to when we might be celebrating the next family wedding?"
The question hung in the air, followed by a collective chuckle and a few raised eyebrows. Jaemin almost choked on his drink, while Haeeun's cheeks flushed a gentle pink. Donghyuck, however, leaned back with a sheepish grin.
"Well," Donghyuck started, exchanging glances with Haeeun and Jaemin, "it's something we've talked about."
"Really?" Mihi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So there is a plan?"
Haeeun nodded, finding her voice. "We've definitely discussed it. We're committed, but we've also got a lot going on right now. Donghyuck's in his third year of law school, and Jaemin's just starting med school..."
Jaemin added with a grin, "And Haeeun's balancing both her clinic and Baek Holdings. It's definitely on our radar, but timing is everything."
Gyeol leaned in, his tone supportive yet firm. "I can understand that. There's a lot you're each juggling, and marriage is a big commitment. But when the time is right, you'll know."
Daeseon chuckled, looking at Donghyuck with a teasing glint in his eye. "Well, son, it's good to know you're thinking it through. I'll admit, though, I look forward to seeing you all take that next step."
Aeri elbowed Jaemin with a grin. "I, for one, can't wait to be the cool aunt," she teased, and the room burst into laughter again.
"So, if you don't mind me asking," Mina interjected, looking between the three with a gentle curiosity, "have you thought about when might be the right time?"
After a beat of shared glances, Donghyuck cleared his throat, a soft smile gracing his lips as he answered. "We decided we'd make it official once I graduate from law school. That way, we'll have a bit more stability. After that... well, we'd love for it to happen soon."
The families nodded in understanding, and the mood around the table shifted, becoming even warmer as everyone exchanged smiles. Heemin squeezed Jaemin's shoulder proudly, while Gyeol gave Haeeun a reassuring look, silently approving her choices and independence.
"I respect that," Mihi said thoughtfully, glancing at Jaemin. "You've all got such big dreams and goals. Taking the time to establish yourselves first... that's wise."
"And when you're ready," Mina added, "we'll be right here, ready to support you all the way."
Their words felt like a reassuring balm, a reminder that they had the full support of their families no matter where their paths took them. For Donghyuck, Haeeun, and Jaemin, it was a promise that they would never be alone in the journey ahead.
Later, as the evening set in and they found themselves lounging by the fire pit outside, the conversation returned to lighter topics. They shared childhood memories, told funny stories, and made playful bets on who might end up with the most wrinkles by the time they finally tied the knot. As the embers glowed and the stars blinked into view, a sense of peace settled over them.
It was Jaemin who broke the peaceful silence, looking out at the starry sky with a contented smile. "We've come a long way, haven't we?"
Donghyuck leaned back, nodding. "Yeah. And we've still got so much ahead of us." He took Haeeun's hand in his own, and she squeezed it, a reassuring warmth that meant everything in that moment.
They sat there for a while longer, talking quietly as the fire crackled, each of them envisioning the future. There was a profound joy in knowing that, no matter what the next years brought, they would continue this journey together, hand in hand.
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