On Thin Air

The Number of Heart Races

Bewilderment crossed Sehun's expression then it turned grim, that Sangki would dare to utter such disgusting words. Sehun nearly shoved him back into the vanity angry because he didn't care about his wife. Poor, pitiful Seoyun who remained loyal to him even after all their hardships.

"What are you boys doing?" Their father asked from the doorway. "Sangki, get out and go sit down with your wife. You have to go up front now, Sehun. It's beginning."

Sangki didn't spare him a glance as he turned to leave. Gaze square on the ground Sehun sucked in a breath at the absurdity of what he'd just heard.

"Sehun," his father called again with more urgency.

Lifting his head up he walked out with tense shoulders. For Sangki to think the women were cards he could flip, turn, and dispose of at his will made him want to...punch a wall. He stood at the front under the brightest light in the room. An elder friend of his father's who would officiate the wedding directly behind him.

Underneath his clothes his muscles vexed. Eyes swimming over their families at the front. Each of them watching. Beneath their gazes, he was curious, what was each of them thinking? Relief that he and Namjoo were finally marrying? How many of them secretly wielded their own motivations?

Soft music radiated through the speakers overhead. Everyone rose as the wide paneled doors opened. Bride appeared in her white dress, arm locked with her father's. The only thing that made them alike today was the blankness in her eyes.

He made a discreet search for Sangki who was watching Namjoo with furtive attention. Maybe he didn't have feelings for Namjoo, but today his fate was sealed with her. Lim Seoyun was his good friend, his older brother's wife. Even with Sangki's proposal he'd never be able to lay a hand on Seoyun.

In the blink of an eye Namjoo had closed the gap between them. Her father was handing her over. Hand underneath her arm in case she fled at the last second. Namjoo didn't glance at her father or him. Eyes landing on a thin slice of space between their fingers, and for a moment looked sad. Sehun's fingers cinched hers, her father backed away, and they turned to face the officiant.

They exchanged rings. Sliding the ring over her fourth finger. Sliding the ring over his fourth finger. Then groom was told to kiss the bride. Briefly their eyes met. Leaning toward her he locked his lips over hers. Eyes shutting for a split second before he withdrew. Namjoo steely stared up at him through the half opening of her eyes. He meeting her with an identical gaze.

The roar of applause from the guests made them turn. Both their fathers were clapping with tremendous smiles.

This was it.

It was done.

They were finally married.

ꜛꜛꜛꜛꜛ

Linking arms with Sehun they went around the ballroom. Greeting his relatives, listening to congratulations here and congratulations there. The same love each other, have plenty of kids, be patient with each other, don't forget this day in the future and so on and so on.

Blisters were forming on her feet by the time Namjoo managed to reach the refreshment table. Grabbing herself a cup of mixed juice she gulped the entire thing down, gasping when she finished. Burping loudly and wiping her mouth with her arm. She wanted to tousle her hair, but it was so thickly held back by so many bobby pins she might just cut her hair when she got home.

Namjoo was sick of smiling every time someone approached her. Reaching for another cup she drained its entire content. Wiped her mouth with her arm again.

"There are napkins at the side," a voice interrupted.

Namjoo rolled her eyes at the voice and turned to see Sangki leaning against the table beside her. Strikingly dressed and smelling of good cologne. Maybe his wife's favorite.