Secrets and Dreams

"Epilogue"

The sun shone brightly on the vineyard in Temecula Valley that early morning in July when the summer flowers were in full bloom. The air was redolent of freshly cut grass intermingling with the faint scent of flowering plants and almost ripened grapes ready to be harvested soon.

Sicheng could almost taste the grapes in the air. But grapes were the last thing on his mind as he sat by the open window staring out at the garden below where in less than an hour, his life would change. He couldn't have imagined this wedding would occur before his graduation. He wanted to wait till he had officially attended the graduation ceremony, but as expected, Taeyong could no longer wait for even a couple of weeks. To be honest neither could he.

Much like when Taeyong and he were separated, time sped by. But this time it was filled only with joyful moments together, sharing new memories and relishing each other. Since the day he saw Taeyong on the beach they had become inseparable, just like before. As if nothing had happened. As though it were always that way. It made Sicheng very happy.

The past no longer mattered for it was the future they looked forward to. Together. Spending the rest of their lives in each other's arms was all that Sicheng cared about. No more blaming one's self, no more anger nor regrets. Both Taeyong and Sicheng had agreed to let go of the past and focus only on their future.

Taeyong had completed his student trainee program and had recently been officially appointed as a new teacher for modern dance. They felt a little awkward at first since Sicheng was still a student. They had to be discreet about their relationship. But now that Sicheng had completed his course, there was no reason for worry. Besides, Sicheng was hardly underage having reached way past adulthood.

But such thoughts were far from Sicheng's mind that very moment. All he could think of was how to calm his nerves and to be rid of the thousands of butterflies fluttering in his tummy. He barely slept the night before and was afraid his eyes were puffy. He had snuck out to see Taeyong who was in the next room but the shocker was, Lia and Areum had took it upon themselves to 'guard' the two from doing so. They had actually camped just outside of their doors at the hallway.

"Have you two gone completely mad?" Sicheng was flabbergasted at his friend and soon to be sister-in-law. "Is it even allowed to spread that blanket and bring pillows in the middle of the hall?"

"It's bad luck to see the br... er... the other groom before the wedding," Areum said indignantly, hands planted on her waist. "I knew one or both of you would try this. You just missed Taeyong taking a peek. Lia was right in suggesting we sleep in the hallway."

"Yep! Now scoot! Go back to your beauty rest."

"But I haven't seen Taeyong for almost two days!"

"It's customary." Aerum explained.

"Since when?" Sicheng complained.

"Since now," Lia quipped. Areum couldn't stifle her laughter.

Sicheng rolled his eyes at the two but was left no choice so he returned to his room disappointed.

Now that morning had come and he was to be married, his nerves had gone awry. He was skittish and jumped at every movement. Even his own breath was ragged. Especially when he thought of the evening following their wedding. Their first night as a married couple. Sicheng could feel his heart pounding wildly at the thought.