Yours (COMPLETED)

chapter forty: your muse

A soft knock came at the door right on time.

Chaeyoung took a quiet breath, gave herself one last glance in the mirror, then opened the door.

Jungkook stood there in a sharp black suit, his tie subtly matching the soft rose-gold hue of Chaeyoung's dress. The moment the door swung open, he froze.

His eyes widened, his breath caught and for several seconds, he stood there speechless.

Chaeyoung showed up in front of him, her makeup was subtle but glowing, and her hair was twisted into an elegant updo, a few loose strands brushing her cheek. The rose-gold dress wrapped around her like it had been made for her, graceful and understated, yet radiant.

"Whoa...", Jungkook finally managed to say.

He blinked.

Still nothing else.

Behind Chaeyoung, Lisa let out a snort of laughter.

"Oh my God, he’s broken.", she whispered loudly.

Chaeyoung sighed with a smirk and lightly smacked Jungkook's arm, "Hey. Earth to Jungkook."

That seemed to snap him back. He blinked again and let out a breathless laugh. "Sorry. You just- so beautiful. Like, really, really stunning."

"Thank you.", she replied, cheeks blushing.

Jungkook then noticed the others behind her: Lisa, Haneul, and all three dogs-Hank, Bam, and Love clustered near the door, watching like a live audience.

"Hey, guys.", he greeted them. "I love your hair.", he went back to Chaeyoung, still visibly in awe.

Lisa stepped up from behind Chaeyoung, a proud grin on her face. "Thank you very much. That masterpiece is mine."

Jungkook laughed, "How much is your service?"

"Oh, I'd love to get paid but not for Chaeyoung. She's my lovely best friend and you just have to promise me not to hurt her. That's enough.", Lisa said jokingly.

Hank, Bam, and Love wagged their tails around their humans, circling Jungkook's legs as if giving their own approval of his look. Haneul stepped forward, gently pulling Jungkook's hand.

She looked up at him and said, "Uncle, take care of mommy, okay? She looks calm, but she’s actually nervous."

Chaeyoung gasped, "Haneul!"

Jungkook knelt to Haneul’s level and gave her a playful wink, "Don’t worry, I’ve got her. She’ll be okay."

"Good.", Haneul said with a nod. Then, she whispered, "Aunt Lisa said you're going to go down on one knee for mommy later. What does that mean?"

"Haneul!", Chaeyoung covered Haneul's mouth despite everything she just said.

Everyone laughed, including the dogs, barking as if joining in.

"Alright.", Chaeyoung said, gently herding Jungkook toward the hallway, "We’re going before they say more ridiculous things to us."

Lisa called out, "Remember what I said, Chae! Relax and don't be nervous! Love you!"

"Bye, Lisa! Bye, sweetie!", Chaeyoung waved to Haneul, who waved back excitedly.

♡♡♡

The car came to a stop beneath the grand portico of one of the city’s most well-known hotels, an iconic property owned by Daehan Group, now freshly renovated into a spectacle of luxury. Its newly polished exterior gleamed under the evening lights, hinting at the grandeur inside.