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“Why not?”
“I should be asking you that. Why are you holding my hand so tightly in this heat?”
At the café, it made sense for Guk to do so openly with Hyun-sung and Eun-seo around, but now there was no one else.
“Think of it as practice.”
“What kind of practice?”
“The bride’s entrance.”
“What? Seriously, you’re so random sometimes. Who enters like this?”
Guk’s long strides meant he led the way while Hyun-soo trailed behind, almost dragged along. If this were how the bride’s entrance went, it would certainly be problematic. Guk slowed his pace and waited for Hyun-soo to catch up.
“Why did you stop?”
As Hyun-soo asked in confusion, they ended up standing side by side. Guk then began walking again, this time matching their steps perfectly. Only then did Hyun-soo realize what he was doing and looked up at him.
“Why are you acting so strange today?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re being too nice. Just act like you normally do.”
“What’s normal for me?”
“You’re usually rough around the edges. You know what I mean.”
Guk chuckled softly. A warm breeze blew past, ruffling his bangs.
“If the other person takes a step forward, I should at least take one step closer.”
“…”
“Why?”
“This feels weird.”
“Weird how?”
“It’s like you’ve been medicated.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
“You’re not thinking straight.”
“I’ll take that as another compliment.”
“Have you caught a fever?”
Guk stared down at Hyun-soo so intently it felt like her head might burn a hole through the top. Feeling awkward under his obvious gaze, she glanced up at him.
“I was joking…”
“Kim Hyun-soo.”
“Yes?”
“Keep doing what you’re doing.”
“What?”
“I won’t back away either.”
“…”
“It’s the same now as it will be at the wedding.”
The scorching summer wind stirred the green leaves once more. The rustling sound of their collision tickled the edge of her chest. Perhaps that was why Hyun-soo suddenly felt her heart race.
“You’ll walk the entire way holding my hand.”
The light and shadow danced beautifully over Guk’s face as they stood facing each other.
“That’s… fine.”
Hyun-soo’s simple reply enveloped them in a heavy silence. Standing before the door to one of the rooms on the second floor of the mansion, she hesitated, unable to enter, and instead relayed the news of her marriage to him.
Han, who had just come out after washing up without much thought, could only stare blankly at Hyun-soo’s words.
“What?”
“I’m getting married.”
Hyun-soo’s voice faltered. Her head was bowed so low that all Han could see was the round top of her head.
Throwing the damp towel he’d been holding carelessly into the room, Han spoke again.
“If you want to talk, look me in the eye. Raise your head.”
“…”
“I want to hear properly whether what you said earlier is true or not. Lift your head and say it again.”
After a brief moment of hesitation, Hyun-soo slowly raised her head. Their eyes met instantly. Contrary to her expectations, his expression was calm and composed.
“I know you’re not thrilled about accepting me as part of your family.”
Han didn’t respond.
“Still, since this is happening anyway, can you try to see it positively? We’ll have to keep meeting as family from now on…”
“Why should I?”
“What?”
Han tilted his head slightly and stared down at Hyun-soo. His dark, deep eyes were inscrutable, making it hard to guess what he was thinking.
“I already told you. Since we’ll keep seeing each other anyway, let’s try to get along. I’ll make sure things go smoothly.”
“Smoothly, huh.”
“I won’t change anything. I’ll stay exactly where I’ve always been—neither closer nor farther. I promise I won’t burden you…”
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
Han cut her off abruptly. His tone was dry and monotone, offering no insight into his emotions or intentions. Hyun-soo’s gaze wavered nervously.
“What do you mean?”
“You said you wouldn’t come closer or move farther away.”
“Yes.”
“It feels like you’re trying to hurt me.”
This time, Hyun-soo frowned. She couldn’t understand what Han was talking about anymore.
“Anyway, I wanted to tell you directly.”
“Are you happy?”
The question came out of nowhere. Hyun-soo hesitated briefly. Perhaps it was because she’d been overwhelmed by everything happening lately; she hadn’t given much thought to her own feelings. But the answer seemed straightforward enough.
“Yes. I’m happy. I’ll be happy.”
“I see.”
With that, Han took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Hyun-soo swallowed nervously.
“There’s nothing left for me. Nothing.”
“What?”
She wanted to ask what he meant, and she intended to. But Han didn’t give her the chance.
“I can’t bring myself to congratulate you.”
“…”
“But I understand. Go ahead.”
Han brought his hand close as though to pat Hyun-soo’s shoulder but pulled back at the last moment and closed the door. Click. The door shut, leaving an eerie silence in the living room. Hyun-soo stood dumbfounded in front of the closed door, blinking blankly.
She hadn’t expected everyone to shower her with congratulations, blessings, or encouragement. Still, there were a few people whose support she hoped to receive. Han was one of the most important among them. Was that why she felt something missing when he refused to even offer a single word of congratulations?
“It’s just my greed.”
Musing silently, Hyun-soo turned around and walked slowly toward the stairs. She had just passed by Guk’s room—he hadn’t returned home yet.
________________________________________
Three weeks later, the wedding took place in the outdoor garden of the Soubin Pavilion at Hotel Onyx. Contrary to expectations of grandeur and extravagance befitting the eldest son of HK Group and the executive of Hotel Onyx, it was a small, private ceremony attended by only close relatives and acquaintances—just over a hundred people.
The decision to hold a quiet ceremony stemmed entirely from Guk and Hyun-soo’s wishes. More specifically, it was chosen to ease Hyun-soo’s psychological burden, as she had no fame or public presence.
However, despite their hopes, the venue was swarmed by reporters early in the morning. Fortunately, none managed to enter the premises, but security tightened significantly, and the media frenzy grew uncontrollable.
Amidst all the chaos, no outlet achieved any significant results. Just as everyone was preparing to leave dejectedly, a single photo posted on social media saved some face.
The photo, uploaded by one of Guk’s paternal relatives as a boastful post on their personal account, was quickly deleted—but not before catching everyone’s attention.
Though crude, the deleted image showed Guk and Hyun-soo listening to the officiant’s speech. It spread rapidly across the internet due to Guk’s fame, curiosity about HK Group’s private affairs, and interest in the Cinderella-like bride.
“Here comes the groom and bride!”
Finally, the ceremony began. A gentle piano melody—a rearrangement of the wedding march and Led Zeppelin’s music—filled the air.
Without a word, Guk extended his arm. Hyun-soo carefully transferred her bouquet to the other hand and grasped his arm. The texture of the suit beneath her lace gloves and the firmness of his arm reassured her that all of this was real.
‘You’ll walk the entire way holding my hand.’
So, this is it. From now on, for however long it may be—perhaps quite a while—I’ll truly be walking beside you.
Hyun-soo gazed at the pristine white path before her, then slowly lifted her eyes. She saw the guests turning to watch them. She understood the complex emotions swirling within their gazes.
First, adorable flower girls appeared, scattering petals as they led the way. Side by side, Guk and Hyun-soo followed behind the angelic children, matching their steps carefully.
Hyun-soo walked cautiously along the white path, feeling both dazed and excited.
“…”
“…”
As they neared the end of the aisle, she spotted Hyun-sung sitting and watching them. Dressed in an expensive, glossy suit with his hair neatly combed back, he looked just like he had during his prime as a corporate CEO. For some reason, Hyun-soo’s heart clenched.
On the other hand, Hyun-sung’s eyes were dry, devoid of emotion. His indifferent expression carried a hint of regret. Yes, he lamented losing the chance to escort his daughter down the aisle and showcase her to these prestigious individuals.
Interpreting this as merely a father’s sorrow at not holding his daughter’s hand one last time, Hyun-soo felt deeply apologetic. Clenching her teeth, she barely managed to suppress the tears threatening to spill.
Beside her, Guk noticed her emotional state and glanced at Hyun-sung. Unlike Hyun-soo, Guk understood Hyun-sung’s true nature. Sometimes Kim Hyun-soo, with her naïveté, failed to see through appearances, but those who looked closely knew better. He knew exactly what kind of man Hyun-sung was.
He held little affection for Hyun-soo. Perhaps even less than she realized.
“Focus.”
In the end, Guk quietly guided her back to the present. Hyun-soo looked up at him and nodded slowly. Her slightly weary expression scratched at his nerves.
“It’s a cliché and tiresome question, but I must ask it. Sometimes, the oldest traditions carry the most weight, and the weightiest truths often lead us to the answers.”
The elderly officiant chuckled warmly. He was a kind-faced man who had once been a mentor to Chairman Yoon, imparting wisdom that shaped him. Through that connection, he was invited to preside over Guk and Hyun-soo’s wedding.
“Groom and bride, please look up at me.”
At his words, Hyun-soo, who had been looking down, raised her eyes. Guk also faced the officiant.
“Groom, do you vow to take Kim Hyun-soo as your wife, to cherish, protect, and love her for the rest of your life?”