Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 107

The Veil of Silence

​The weekends in Seoul had taken on a new, rhythmic secrecy.

Whenever Yoongi was pulled into the high-ceilinged studios of HYBE under the guise of his post-service projects, he was secretly overseeing the final arrangements for the most private project of his life.

To Yoongi, it was an immense relief; he loved knowing that while he was busy in those soundproof rooms-composing the custom orchestral arrangements for their wedding march and the delicate melodies for their first dance-Aen was being cherished by his family.

​He didn't mind the frequent visits, nor did he question why she always returned to Hannam with a serene, slightly mysterious glow in her eyes.

He assumed they were just bonding over tea and stories of his childhood.

He had absolutely no idea that while he was perfecting the acoustic resonance in his music, Aen was mastering the art of the 90-degree traditional bow and the delicate geometry of the Pyebaek table.

​Aen, in turn, never pressed him about the long hours he spent behind the fortress walls of HYBE.

She believed he was simply honoring his creative drive, never suspecting that the "administrative" work he claimed to be doing was actually the silent construction of a global comeback designed to protect their future.

They were both building the exact same bridge, working from opposite ends in a beautiful, unintended silence-each crafting a surprise that would only be fully revealed when they finally stood before the altar.

***

​"It's bad luck, Yoon. I'm serious."

​They were standing in the center of an ultra-exclusive bridal boutique in the heart of Cheongdam-dong, the cool air heavily scented with the fragrance of white lilies and expensive silk.

Yoongi stood perfectly straight in front of a three-way mirror, looking devastatingly sharp in a pristine, white-on-white tailored tuxedo1.

It was minimalist, sleek-the "Min Household" patriarch personified.

​Beside him, a heavy velvet curtain shielded the dressing area.

Inside the small sanctuary, Aen stood perfectly still as an elderly Imo-nim-the boutique's lead seamstress-carefully pinned a stray thread on the bodice of the gown.

​Aen looked at her reflection in the private mirror.

The dress was a masterpiece of white lace and structured silk, catching the soft light of the boutique in a way that made her feel untouchable.

​"Luck?" Yoongi turned his head towards the dressing area, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"We've fought the System, survived a Taboo, and faced down ghosts. You think a dress is going to be the thing that trips us up?"

​"It's a Filipino tradition," Aen's voice came from behind the curtain, firm and laced with a smile.

"The groom cannot see the bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony. If you see it now, the 'magic' of the walk down the aisle is gone. I want your first time seeing me to be when the doors open on our wedding day."

"But I've already seen you in one for our pre-wedding photos," Yoongi countered from the other side of the curtain, his voice a low, amused rumble.

"We spent hours posing in those, Aen. I know exactly how you look in white."

​Aen smiled at her reflection, watching the Imo-nim smooth the long, dramatic train of the gown.