STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES

CHAPTER 33

The seconds ticked as the family gathered around the wide dining hall of Madame Yoon's mansion.

The wedding preparations are running smoothly behind her back, yet she didn't spare a single care for what it's worth.

All of it wasn't even an option anymore. It's the only choice.

If Harae goes back to this lifetime, she won't turn her head to someone else. She got Chenle on her mind for every single wedding dress she was told to fit, imagining that she would wear it while walking down the aisle with Chenle waiting on the altar. Or how the wedding cake will turn out—imagining that she will share the first slice with Chenle with the iconic couple shot. And on the honeymoon, she would fly around every country with Chenle and leave their marks everywhere.

Harae felt suffocated between Mark and Seunghan. Her fiancé is the one who's answering almost all questions, while her half-brother listened to all the conversations at least, compared to her, who's just sitting there absentmindedly and forcing the food down her throat.

She felt Seunghan tugging at the hem of her shirt, making her look at him. The younger man then timidly nudged his head in front, and when Harae noticed that all the eyes were on her, she finally spared them a look.

"What did I miss again?"

"Mom asked about the reception. Do you want it to be in a hotel or in a convention hall near the beach?", Mark softly ran the question again.

Harae understandably nodded. "Ahh,", she said, looking at Mark. "Where do you want?"

"Anywhere you want, Han. After all, it's ours."

Harae thought for a second and answered, "Near the beach? Yeah, that hall's a bit more private and spacious."

"We'll have the hall near the beach", Mark says, smiling at their parents.

Harae only flashed a small smile before busying herself on her food again, hoping that it would help kill the time and she could go back to bed.

A warm contact on her thigh snapped her back to reality, though, seeing Mark's hand comfortably settling there as if to comfort her.

Harae looked at him, surprised, as their eyes met almost immediately.

Mark flashed an assuring smile, though Harae could just look at him for a few more seconds before turning to Seunghan to engage in a small talk with the younger.

The wedding is just around the corner.

🚬 🚬 🚬

Hours turned into dark days.

Days turned into stormy months.

Months turned into tormenting years.

It has been two years.

2 whole years of fighting the tempting tears

2 whole years of waiting in the dark, hoping that they will find each other and run on the light again.