The ballroom was dazzling, just as it had been a year ago—golden chandeliers dripping with crystals, warm lighting casting a glow over the elegantly dressed crowd, and floral arrangements that probably cost more than an average car. Everything gleamed like the world had been polished just for tonight. It was a picture of extravagance, the kind of event that left no room for imperfection.
But this time, it wasn't the grandeur that caught Nabi's attention.
It was the man beside her.
Hansol stepped out of the car first, his movements as smooth as always, but when he turned toward her, there was something softer in his eyes. He offered his hand as she slid out of the passenger seat, steady and warm, grounding her in a way that only he could. His fingers curled gently around hers, like he could sense the weight of the moment pressing against her ribs and wasn't going to let her carry it alone.
They stood for a moment at the base of the grand steps leading up to the entrance, taking it all in. The hum of conversation, the strains of classical music drifting on the night air, the flicker of candles in the towering windows. It was the same scene as before... and yet, entirely different.
Nabi tilted her head, pretending to scrutinize the setting like a picky critic. "I have to admit," she mused, linking her arm through his as they started up the stairs together, "you really went all out this year."
Hansol snorted softly. "Oh, so now you're giving me credit?"
"Well," she teased, the corners of her lips tugging upward, "considering that last year I spent half the night internally making fun of your taste in centerpieces, I figured I owed you one."
She hadn't, not really. But the chance to poke at him was irresistible.
He scoffed, shaking his head as they walked. "First of all, I didn't pick the centerpieces. Second, they were great."
"They looked like something out of a wedding catalog."
Hansol smirked. "Maybe I have good taste in weddings."
Nabi laughed at that, bumping her shoulder into his. "I'll give you this," she said, her tone softer now, "it's beautiful."
She glanced at him, and her gaze lingered. "You really know how to put on a show, Hansol."
He turned his head just enough to look back at her, his eyes glinting as they flickered over her—the way her gown shimmered in the light, the delicate star pendant around her neck catching a soft gleam. A reminder of his love. Of their love.
"Funny," he murmured, "I was just about to say the same thing about you."
Her cheeks warmed, but she only rolled her eyes in response, masking the flutter in her chest. "Charm won't save you if the catering sucks."
He chuckled, low and rich, the sound curling in her ears. "Noted."
As they reached the top of the stairs, their easy banter gave way to something quieter, deeper.
The entrance loomed ahead, the grand doors open to a glittering world inside. Laughter and music spilled out, mingling with the night air, but all Nabi could hear was the echo of a memory. One from exactly a year ago.
They had walked through these doors together once before. But back then, they hadn't truly been together. They'd been dancing on the edge of something fragile, holding their breath, pretending not to feel everything they were too scared to say aloud. And then, everything had shattered.
Now, standing here with his hand in hers, the ache of that memory softened. Because they weren't those people anymore. They had fought their way back, through pain and pride, through fear and hope. They had chosen each other. Again and again.
