𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[55]

The evening had arrived, and Namra’s home was buzzing with excitement. The air was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional clinking of glasses. It wasn’t just another birthday party—it was a celebration of life, of memories shared, and of the love that bound everyone together. Her parents, friends, and a few close relatives had gathered for the occasion. The table was adorned with delicious food, desserts, and drinks. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

Sooheon and Namra moved around, greeting everyone as they arrived. His arm draped around her waist occasionally, a subtle yet constant reminder of their deep connection. Namra looked around, taking in the smiling faces, and the conversations happening all around her. She had always loved the energy of a party, but tonight felt different. It was her special day, and yet, there was something magical about sharing it with the people who had shaped her life, her journey, and her heart.

Her parents were seated at one end of the table, deep in conversation with Sooheon’s dad. Their laughter echoed through the room, an indication of how comfortable they were in each other's company. Her dad had always adored Sooheon, and he was happy to see his daughter in such a solid, loving relationship. Across the room, Cheongsan and Onjo were already cracking jokes, with Jimin and Hyoryung joining in with playful banter. The playful teasing, the comfort of long friendships—it was like everything had come full circle. The friends who had once been there for her in the hardest of times were now here, celebrating her happiness.

“Do you ever stop smiling?” Sooheon asked, noticing Namra’s grin as she looked around.

“Why should I stop? This is perfect.” She beamed at him, her eyes full of warmth. He could tell that, even in a crowded room filled with familiar faces, it was still the presence of the people she loved most that made everything special.

After a while, Namra stood and walked toward the center of the room, raising her glass to signal that she wanted to speak. The conversations slowly died down, and all eyes turned toward her. A soft flush crept up her neck, though she didn’t mind. “Thank you all for coming. I can’t express how grateful I am to have each and every one of you in my life. My family, my friends, and Sooheon…” She smiled toward him, where he was standing with a proud, affectionate look on his face.

“You guys have all made me the person I am today. You’ve helped me grow, love, laugh, and live. So, thank you. And I look forward to many more years of moments like this.” She raised her glass higher, her voice steady but full of emotion.

Everyone cheered in response, and the sound of glasses clinking together filled the room. For a moment, there was nothing but pure happiness.

Sooheon, never one to shy away from showing his feelings, stepped forward. “I couldn’t agree more,” he began, his voice sincere and full of affection. “Namra, you’ve made me a better person. I’m lucky to have you in my life.” His words were heartfelt, and the room grew quiet for a moment, the depth of his feelings clear to everyone around them.

Namra’s heart fluttered, and she reached for his hand. They shared a quiet moment before her dad called out, “Alright, alright, you two, enough with the sweet talk! Let’s eat!”

The crowd erupted into laughter, and the tension in the air broke. The meal began, and everyone started digging into the delicious spread of food. The evening stretched on with more toasts, more laughter, and plenty of shared memories.

Later in the night, after the cake was cut and everyone had indulged in a slice (or two), the group shifted to the living room. Music played softly in the background, and people gathered around, continuing their conversations.

Sooheon took Namra’s hand and pulled her away from the crowd, guiding her to a quieter corner of the room. They didn’t need words, just the familiarity of each other’s presence. They had been through so much together, and tonight was a perfect reminder of how far they had come.

“Happy birthday, Namra,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

She smiled, her heart full of love. “Thank you, Sooheon. This has been the best day, thanks to you and everyone here.”

As they stood there, quietly watching their friends and family enjoy themselves, Namra felt content, surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her in return. And even though the night would eventually come to an end, the memories they were creating would stay with her forever.

____

The quiet click of a brush against canvas echoed softly in the art studio. Morning light spilled through tall windows, bathing the room in warm gold. Jaebom stood near a nearly completed piece — a vivid portrayal of a winding countryside path, where the light seemed to dance through the trees. His fingers were stained with paint, his eyes focused, and his mind calm.

This was where he belonged.

It had taken him years to get here — to choose this life. He had walked away from a world of boardrooms and family expectations, from a father who believed legacy mattered more than passion. But Jaebom had chosen differently. He didn’t want to inherit an empire; he wanted to build his own world — one filled with colors, canvas, and quiet creation.

And beside him in that world… was Chanmi.

She appeared in the doorway, a cup of coffee in each hand, her smile soft and sleepy. She wore an oversized white shirt and beige pants, hair tied in a loose bun, and eyes that still sparkled just as much as they did years ago — when Jaebom first saw her cry beside the school field.

“You’re painting again this early?” she asked, voice still husky with sleep as she walked over to him.

“I couldn’t sleep,” he replied, accepting the cup she handed him. “Had this image stuck in my head.”

Chanmi glanced at the canvas and tilted her head. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, stepping closer.

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple. “You’re my muse, you know that?”

“Cheesy,” she rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips said otherwise.

Married life hadn’t changed them. If anything, it made them stronger. They weren’t the kind of couple that needed grand gestures or dramatic romance. They had built their life quietly — one step at a time, full of understanding, long conversations, shared meals, and laughter. Chanmi worked at a publishing house now, her keen eye for writing and design making her an invaluable part of the team. She enjoyed her work, especially when she’d come home and fall onto the couch next to Jaebom, venting about clients or deadlines.

They’d moved into a modest apartment not far from the studio. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was filled with warmth — photo frames on the shelves, dried flowers in vases, and stacks of sketchbooks and novels scattered on the table. It was home.

Though they weren’t in touch with Sooheon or Namra anymore — life had simply moved them in different directions — they occasionally ran into them at public events, bookstores, or parks. Each time, there’d be a simple exchange: a nod, a smile, perhaps a wordless understanding. No bitterness. Just acceptance. They had all grown.

And everyone… seemed happy. That’s all that mattered.

“I’ve got a meeting at eleven,” Chanmi said, taking a sip from her mug. “But after that, how about we visit the gallery downtown? I heard they’re showcasing young artists this month.”

Jaebom gave her a grin. “Only if we stop by the dessert shop next door.”

She laughed. “Deal.”

They stood there in silence for a while, sipping their coffee side by side, eyes on the sunrise through the studio window. Chanmi slipped her fingers into Jaebom’s paint-splattered hand, gently squeezing it. He looked down at her and smiled — the same way he had since that day she thought she didn’t deserve to be loved.

But she was. Fully. Deeply. Quietly. And forever.

A/N
Sorry, I was supposed to upload this yesterday.