Dance Partners || N.NK ||

THE WEDDING

By noon, you had arrived in the heart of Tokyo, where the ceremony was to be held.
The grand hall was already brimming with life, crystal chandeliers casting golden light across the white walls, their glow catching on silk gowns and polished shoes.

The air hummed with chatter and music, yet beneath it all there was a stillness as if everyone knew this was more than just a mere wedding.

Behind the closed doors of the bridal chamber, the noise of the crowd faded into a muffled hum.
The air here was quieter, softer, scented faintly of white roses and perfume.

Your stepsister—Jennie stood tall before the mirror, her veil draped delicately over her shoulders, fingers smoothing down the folds of her white gown though not a single thread was out of place.
For a moment, she looked less like the poised bride everyone adored, and more like the girl you grew up with—the one who always snuck into your room late at night to share the silliest secrets and laughter.

You stepped closer, catching her reflection in the glass.
"You look... unreal," you whispered, your voice thick with awe as you just stood there and admired her.

Jennie's lips curved, though her eyes betrayed something softer, something fragile.
"You think so?"

"I know so." You adjusted the veil gently, your fingertips brushing against her shoulder.
"You're beautiful, unnie. Cha Eunwoo is lucky."

Her laugh was quiet, but it wavered.
"Lucky, huh? Or maybe just too stubborn to never let go." She chuckled.

You frowned slightly at her words but before you could ask, she reached for your hand, squeezing it tight.
"Don't worry about me. Today isn't about doubts or worries—it's about choosing happiness... in the way I call it mine."

The door creaked open, and a coordinator peeked in.
"It's time."

Jennie drew in a steadying breath, her grip on your hand lingering.
"Walk with me until the doors, won't you?"

You nodded, heart heavy yet full, and you moved toward the moment that would change her life forever.

The double doors looked ahead, tall and white, carved with golden patterns that shimmered under the hue of the light.
The soft murmur of the crowd beyond you was a reminder that the world was waiting—with anticipation.

Jennie's hand still clung to yours when a voice called gently from behind.
"Jennie."

You both turned, and there he stood—her father, your stepfather.
Dressed in a crisp suit, he looked steadier than usual, but there was a faint tremble in his hands as his gaze lingered on his soon to be married off daughter.

For a heartbeat, the air seemed to freeze.
Jennie's lips parted, the smallest flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before she let go of you.
She stepped toward him, and he reached out, adjusting her veil with hands that held both pride and something softer, something almost broken.

"You look just like your mother did," he said, voice low enough only you and Jennie could hear.
"I can't believe you are getting married today." He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before the unseen tear of pride could escape.
But the smile on his face was genuine, so soft that it could ache anyone's heart with warmth.

Jennie smiled faintly, blinking fast as if to hold back tears.
She slipped her arm through his, straightening her shoulders.
"Walk me down the aisle, Appa."

He nodded once, firmly, his jaw tightening as though he was holding back a thousand words unsaid.
After all, his one and only daughter was no longer gonna be just his little girl that he once raised but rather someone else's cherished lady.