Matchmaker: BOOK I [Y/N X KAI]

✨ Chapter 32 ✨

"I'm sorry about that. Someone missed the memo that I'm attending a very important event today," he lets out a sigh.

Woah, he really does take his sister's bridal shower way too seriously. Whoever he was talking to, poor person. Then again, it was incredibly generous of him to say he's sorry about it.

"Dare I ask what that call was about?" I raise an eyebrow.

"None of your concern. Let's see what you've got here.." he says and begins to survey the room, poker face perfectly placed as I show him what I've planned.

"Is that all?" he asks.

"Um, yes? Is something wrong? I got everything that a bridal shower is supposed to have!" I say as a matter of fact.

He struts across the room and starts looking over the 'Congratulations Aria' banner.

"Did you design this yourself?" he asks.

I nod, "Yup. I was thinking of going into graphic design once upon a time. So I learned to-"

He cuts me off before I finish, "The color sceme is a good match. But the kerning is totally off."

"What the hell does kerning even mean?" I stare at him jaw dropped.

"It's the spacing between letters in a font," he says.

"Okay, follow up question, who the hell cares about that stuff?" I ask, jaw still dropped.

"I do. It's one of those things that customers may not notice, but will subconsciously appreciate," he answers.

I sigh, "Well, pardon me, concept events may like subliminally messaging guests. But I plan parties that are meant to be enjoyed on a conscious level."

He nods, "I expected you to pay attention to every detail and plan the best bridal shower possible."

"I did pay attention to every single detail! But my priority was giving Aria the best and most enjoying party possible, not the most technically flawless one!" I growl.

He rolls his eyes, "It needs to be both."

This is where I lose my shit. Seriously? I planned this whole thing in a week and he's worried about the stupid kerning thingy that people only notice in his imaginations?

"Why can't you just admit that you wanted to see me fail, and now you're looking for reasons to convince yourself that I've actually failed?" I growl.

He sighs, "Do you really think that I'm so determined to spite a woman whom I barely know, that I'd wish ill on my only sister's bridal shower in the process of destroying you?"

"Did I just hear my name out there?"

Aria's voice beams from the doorway where she's standing like the cheerful sunshine she is. I do my best to look calm and put-together.

"Hi Aria, you look beautiful! Uh, sorry about that incident at Piyuu's shop.." I mumble in a muffled voice.

She tsks in a dismissive way, treating me with a comforting smile, "Nah, we're all good. From what brother said, it seems pretty understandable. Don't worry about it."

Then her eyes widens as she whispers, "Were you really left at the alter?"

"Yes.." I mutter, trying to put a brave face. I never expected my heartbreak story to come out the way it did. It's been two years, I thought I'd finally get over but-

"You poor thing! Come here, lemme give you a hug," Aria drops all her stuff and gives me one of her signature tight hugs. I suddenly begin to feel so much sympathised that I can't handle it anymore. So I pull away.

"I'm just glad that you’re not at me," I whisper and smile.

"I wasn’t ever mad at you to begin with. I was more like freaked out. But I get it now, that it was a special circumstance," she says.

I sigh, "Sometimes my whole life feels like a series of special circumstances."

She smiles brightly, "Don't be upset. To be honest, it only happens to the best of us."

Nini clears his throat, "Just remember, this is a trial basis. Any funny business, and I'm taking matters into my own hands."

"How could I forget that?" I smile bitterly.

"But, at the bright side, if things go without a hitch, you're back in business!" Aria says cheerfully.

My thoughts drift back to the other room, where Sara is probably bitching about me to her bridesmaids. I sigh. I really need to stop thinking about her and Atif. This job is far more important than them.

"I'll try my best.." I say hesitantly.

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Before long, the guests start trickling in, including a few familiar faces..

"Fancy bumping into you here!" Dolly emerges cheerfully and fist bumps me.

"Same goes to you, hope you enjoy the party!" I fist bump her back and turn to face next guests.

One girl catches my eyes, probably because she has the face of a goddess..

"Hello beautiful, you are?" I ask.

"Dilraba Dilmurat, um, Luhan's crewmate?" she says nervously gesturing me to look at the invitation list in my hand. Uh oh, she probably thought I doubted that she's invited.

"You're cordially welcome to the party, Dilraba. I just wanted to say you're really beautiful," I say.

"Oh, thanks.." she says, "See you, then?" she waves me bye to walk in.

Once the whole gang is here, I get everyone seated and the waiters come out to serve lunch.

"Buldak?!" Aria says in surprise as she sees the dish served on the table.

I grin, "A little bird told me that it was your favourite food. Was that bird right?"

If it's possible, her face glows in excitement.

"This is the best party ever! And I can't get over how gorgeous these paper flower centerpieces you made are!" she exclaims, jumping excitedly on her seat.

"Well, I'm happy if you're happy!" I shoot her a smile.

I'm about to sit down and have my own lunch when I notice Nini slip off toward the bar, which makes no sense because the waiters are bringing drinks right to the tables.

✨ To Be Continued ✨