Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 125

The Colors of Home

Finally, Yoongi and Aen pulled apart, breathless.

The flush on Aen's cheeks was deep, and Yoongi's hair was slightly mussed-a stark contrast to the perfect, polished facade of an idol wedding.

​Yoongi blinked, the haze of the kiss clearing just enough for him to realize where they were.

He didn't look embarrassed; he looked anchored.

Bang PD-nim, still standing close by, let out a soft, genuine laugh that seemed to strip away years of corporate pressure.

He stepped forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, his eyes bright with a mixture of relief and immense pride.

​"Congratulations," he said, his voice quiet but carrying clearly through the silent courtyard.

"To both of you. You've done what many said was impossible. You've earned this, and everything that comes after."

They both said 'thank you' in unison, their voices blending into one soft, steady note of gratitude.

They didn't need to look at each other to know they were sharing the exact same thought.

​The heavy, sacred atmosphere shifted.

Jin, who had been watching from the side with a bright, wet-eyed grin, immediately stepped into the space, his hands raised as if to sweep the tension away.

​"Okay, okay! Congratulations to the newly wed couple!" Jin laughed, his voice cracking slightly before he regained his usual mischievous charm.

"If we keep staring at them, they're going to run off and elope for real right now, and I'm not letting them leave until I get my wedding meal!"

The spell finally broke.

The entire group in the courtyard-friends, co-workers, acquaintances and families responded in a single, heartfelt chorus, their voices blending into a resonant, warm sound that filled the courtyard: "Congratulations to the newlywed couple!"

Yoongi and Aen stood in the center, their hands still tightly interlocked.

Touched by the sincerity of the voices around them, they turned to face their guests, bowing their heads in a synchronized, humble nod of gratitude.

It was a silent acknowledgment of the support they had been given-a moment to let their people know they felt the love being offered to them.

"Alright everyone, now let's give them a moment,"Jin called out, his tone shifting to something softer, more expectant.

"A bow to each other, and then we'll move toward the next part of the festivities, which is the photo session."

​Yoongi turned toward Aen and reluctantly let go of her hand, and Aen turned toward him as well, mirroring his movement.

In the center of the courtyard, with their guests watching, they lowered their heads in a slow, synchronized bow-a private promise made public.​

Just as they began to dip, Jin's voice cut through the air, playful and loud.

"Wait, wait! Don't forget-whoever bows the lowest shows the most love and devotion to their partner. Don't go easy on each other now!"

​A ripple of laughter went through the guests.

Yoongi's competitive streak flared immediately; he didn't even hesitate, sinking lower and lower, his eyes locked on Aen's. Aen mirrored him, but as she felt the heavy fabric of her gown bunching and restricting her movement, she realized she couldn't match his depth without risking a stumble.