Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 39

A week had passed since that unforgettable night at the BTS concert, and everything felt like a dream to Raya. The proposal, the excitement, and the overwhelming support from the people she admired most—it all seemed like it was happening to someone else. But the reality of it all began to sink in when she returned home and saw the faces of her parents, who were just as excited, if not more, than she was.

The moment she stepped into her apartment, she could already sense the shift. Her parents were on a video call with Jake’s family, talking animatedly, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation. Raya froze at the door, a mixture of nervousness and joy bubbling up inside her. She hadn’t told her parents about Jake staying with her for the past year, but the truth had come out—just like everything else.

Her mother turned to her with a radiant smile. "Raya, sweetheart, your father and I were just talking. Jake’s parents have agreed to everything. This is happening."

Raya’s heart skipped a beat. "What’s happening, Mom?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady even though her emotions were in turmoil.

"We’re planning your wedding, sweetheart," her mother replied, her voice soft but full of excitement. "Jake’s family is on board, and we’ve been discussing the date. We’re thinking about a month from now. How does that sound?"

Raya could barely believe what she was hearing. A month? It felt like everything had moved so fast, but at the same time, it felt like the right time. She nodded, trying to mask the overwhelming emotions that were flooding her heart. "A month sounds... perfect."

She turned to Jake, who was sitting beside her, his hand resting gently on her knee. He squeezed it reassuringly, his eyes full of love and support. "We’ve waited for so long, Raya," he whispered. "This is the start of our forever."

Her father, who had been relatively quiet until now, cleared his throat. "We’re happy for you both. I can see how much Jake loves you, Raya. But we need to talk about the details. The ceremony, the guests, the reception..."

Her mother jumped in, her voice filled with excitement. "We’ve already discussed a few things with Jake’s parents, and they’re on board with all of it. We’ll have a small gathering, but we’ll make sure it’s a day to remember."

Raya smiled softly at her parents. "I never imagined my life would be like this," she whispered. "But it feels right. Everything feels like it’s falling into place."

Jake leaned over and kissed her cheek, whispering, "It is falling into place, love. You and me. Forever."

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Raya and Jake worked together, balancing the excitement of their upcoming wedding with their busy schedules. They spent nights discussing every little detail, from the colors of the flowers to the type of cake they would have. Raya was so caught up in it all that she barely had time to process how fast everything was moving. But every moment with Jake felt like it was exactly where she was meant to be.

One evening, as they sat at the kitchen table, making lists and checking off tasks, Raya paused for a moment. She looked at Jake, who was flipping through a catalog of wedding dresses for her.

"You know, this all feels like a dream," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else but you."

Jake smiled, his eyes softening. "We’ve built this life together, Raya. This is just the next step. I’m so proud of us."

Raya couldn’t help but smile back. She reached across the table and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I’m proud of us too."

As the wedding day drew closer, both their families gathered frequently. Raya’s parents had always been traditional, and they insisted on meeting with Jake’s family to finalize the arrangements. It wasn’t long before both sets of parents had agreed on everything. The wedding venue was set, the guest list finalized, and even the attire was picked out.

In one particular meeting, things got a bit emotional. Raya’s mother had begun to cry as she spoke about how proud she was of her daughter. "You’ve always been our shining star, Raya," she said, wiping away tears. "And now, you’re going to start your own family. I couldn’t be more thrilled."

Jake’s parents shared similar sentiments. His mother, ever so kind, embraced Raya tightly and whispered, "You’re one of us now, Raya. Welcome to the family."

Raya felt a mix of joy and nervousness at the same time. It was a lot to take in. "Thank you, really. I’m so grateful for all of you."

As the days passed, Raya found herself reflecting on everything that had led up to this moment. The dreams she had as a young girl were now becoming a reality, not only in her career but also in her personal life. She had never imagined that she would one day marry the love of her life, with the support of both families.

One evening, as she and Jake were walking through the city after a quiet dinner, Jake suddenly stopped and turned to her.

"Raya," he said, his voice serious. "Are you sure you’re ready for this? I know it’s happening fast, but I want you to be sure. I don’t want to rush you."

Raya smiled and cupped his face with her hands. "Jake, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I’ve waited for this moment with you, and now that it’s here, I know it’s right. We’re ready. I’m ready."

He smiled, his expression filled with love and relief. "I feel the same way."

They stood there, surrounded by the soft glow of the city lights, knowing that their future was just beginning.

With the wedding date fast approaching, the couple continued to plan, but there were moments of quiet, too. They found themselves holding hands more often, stealing kisses when no one was looking, and just enjoying each other’s presence. It was in these quiet moments that Raya realized how lucky she was. How lucky they both were.

The morning of the wedding arrived quickly. The house was filled with activity as Raya’s mother and friends helped her prepare. The air was thick with anticipation, and Raya could feel the butterflies in her stomach. She couldn’t stop smiling as she thought about the life she was about to begin with Jake. Everything felt surreal, but at the same time, it felt like it had always been meant to be.