Try-Hard, Sin Harder

Epilogue

A Little Over One Year Later...

 I could hardly breathe. 

 Even though many moments in my life were spent shrouded in darkness, it was this light that was most suffocating. Everywhere around me was white; the walls, marble floor, ceiling, curtains, and even the wooden frame of the mirror before me had been painted to match the room. And then there was my dress. It was my reflection that truly hitched my breath. 

 Smooth, pristine fabric the colour of pearls flowed from the tightened corset at my waist. I felt it glide silently in the air with each pace I took; my silver heels clicking against the spotless, marble floor. When still, the skirt hung evenly, fanning out against the folds beneath. Veins of silver etched along the fabric, gracefully trailing to the discreet ribbon tied around my waist. Silver embroidery decorated the bodice, winking and shimmering in the sunlight that seeped through the glass window. The miniature jewels lined the low collar of the dress. My shoulders were bare, as was most of my back. The scars along my collar were hidden beneath a layer of makeup, for today at least. 

 My long, dark hair rested in a braided crown on top of my head, a few curls straying to frame my face. A clip held the braid in place, the thin, translucent veil sprouting from the silver jems to hang down my back and wrap around my shoulders. Shades of light brown shadowed the black outlining my dark eyes. A fan of lashes, clear, pale skin and soft pink lips, the woman in the mirror looked like a living doll. But I was very much alive. I fiddled with one of my curls, listening to the sound of my heart thundering in my chest. Slowing my breathing, I did my best to calm myself. That day was important, and I had a right to be nervous. 

 It was my wedding. 

 Just as I began to let my thoughts drift off to God knows where, a knock sounded across the room. I turned to see the brass handle turn, and the white door swing open. A smile sprung on to both our faces as we beheld each other. "It's been a while." 

 "I'm glad you could make it, Oppa. Having all of you here makes this so much more special for the both of us," I told him. 

 Hoseok shut the door behind him, and took a stride towards me. "Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, thrusting his hands into his pant pockets. 

 He glanced me over one. Then twice. "You really do look beautiful." 

 I blushed. "Thank you, Oppa. Jaehee and Jinyoung helped me pick it out." 

 Hoseok huffed out a laugh. "Of course they did. I had a feeling at least one of them would have a say in what you wear." 

 There was a moment of silence. "Was there something you wanted, Oppa?" I asked. 

 "Yeah, actually. There was something I wanted to tell you." He rubbed the back of his neck, and his eyes dropped to the ground. "I'm going to go visit my parents." 

 "What?!" I cried. "Oppa, are you serious? That's amazing!" 

 He nodded, a light blush colouring his cheeks. I threw my hands on to his shoulders. "I'm so glad. I bet they're just aching to hear from you. They'll be ecstatic!" 

 His smile dropped. "But what if they aren't? What if they don't even want to see me?" 

 "Nonsense," I replied. "you're their son. They'll love you no matter what." 

 I watched as his smile returned. "Thank you, Keira. That means a lot coming from you." He took my hand from his shoulder and placed a kiss between my knuckles. "He's the luckiest man in the world. Anyone would be to have you."