Chapter Text
Lost in her own thoughts, Songhwa did not realized that they already arrived near the altar where Ikjun was waiting for her. He first went to her mother, took her hand to hold then bowed before she pulled him in for a tight hug. Ikjun responded to it warmly and kissed her cheeks before she let him go.
He then faced her father, and also bowed to him a little longer before he walks to them. Her father then held her arm which was comfortably resting to his arm, then put it to Ikjun's. He patted his shoulder first before he side hugged him, and then patted his hand which is resting above hers.
All of them has the sweetest smile plastered in their faces.
"Take care of my daughter, son. Please don't ever hurt her again, and if you ever find it difficult to take responsibility of her, please return her to us as she is and not break her heart first. I am more than willing to take her back instead of you ruining her, am I making myself clear?" Her father emotionally said as he held both of their shoulders.
"Crystal clear, sir. You have my word for that. But I can assure you, that will never happen."
Her father just nodded before he tapped his shoulder one last time and kissed her cheeks then he went to her mother and left both of them standing in front of Seokhyeong.
Ikjun caressed both of her cheeks and smiled at her before he guided her as they walk closer the altar where Seokhyeong was waiting for them. He gave him a nod as an indication to let the ceremony start which he returned with a slight nod too and gave them an assuring smile.
"Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa in matrimony. A special thanks to all of you that traveled from far and wide to witness the promise these two are about to make to one another. We are here to offer our love and support, and to stand with the two of them as they begin this new chapter of their lives. Thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion."
"This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together. Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa have spent years getting to know each other and knowing each other like the back of their hands—and I can completely attest to that." And everyone laughs. "We are now being privileged enough to bear witness to what their relationship has grown to become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly."
"Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us—including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, I will let them speak now or just forever hold their peace."
Seokhyeong said then he looked around. Everyone has gone quiet, and it is as what it is. Songhwa felt like her heart will burst out anytime now, but the silence has actually made her feel both suffocated and relieved.
"I am taking this silence as an indication that no one from here is not in favor for this marriage to happen. That's good because I may kick you out personally." Seokhyeong said then he let out a sigh of relief which earned a joyous laughter from everyone present—including Songhwa herself.
She knew she did the right choice for choosing Seokhyeong to be the one in front of her and Ikjun. She's aware that Seokhyeong must have felt guilty and blamed himself after he learned about what has happened. She owes this to him, and this is the least she could do for him.
"Okay then, let's continue." Seokhyeong continued then coughed lightly. "Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa, both of you have come here together today to seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this community of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, I ask you to state your intentions: Do you, Lee Ikjun, came here freely and without any reservation to surrender yourself to Chae Songhwa to seal this marriage?"
"I do." Ikjun answered in a heartbeat which earned a few giggles from everyone. Even Seokhyeong was hardly trying to hide that smirk off of his face.
"Do you, Chae Songhwa, came here freely and without any reservation to surrender yourself to Lee Ikjun to seal this marriage?"
Songhwa looked at Ikjun first before she answered. "I do."
"Are you both prepared to follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for all the days of your lives?"
They looked at each other and Ikjun held her hand before they both answered in unison. "I do."
"If that's the case, then let's proceed in reading this vow for one another." He said and showed what they were to say. "The groom shall start, Lee Ikjun-ssi." As he motioned for Ikjun to proceed and pointed what he's about to say.
"I, Lee Ikjun, take you, Chae Songhwa, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To live together in matrimony, to love and to cherish you, to comfort and honor you, to keep you and be faithful to you, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, from this day forward, keeping myself unto you for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow."
Ikjun barely even looking at what Seokhyeong was holding and just looking at Songhwa's eyes as much as he can.
"Please, Chae Songhwa-ssi." Seokhyeong also motioned for Songhwa to do the same as Ikjun. She gave him a smile then nodded before she faced Ikjun.
"I, Chae Songhwa, take you, Lee Ikjun, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To live together in matrimony, to love and to cherish you, to comfort and honor you, to keep you and be faithful to you, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, from this day forward, keeping myself unto you for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow."
She didn't feel the need to look because just by looking at Ikjun, she meant every word she said.
"Now, the couple will exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment and endless devotion. Those rings will symbolize the never-ending love you feel for each other. A ring has neither a beginning nor an end—just as there is no beginning or end to what you give and receive from each other. It is an unbroken circle—with ends that have been joined together—that completely represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love."
"In lieu of this, always remember when you look at those rings in your hands—to be reminded of this moment—the vows you have taken today, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other. Bless these rings as You bless this union, in Your infinite wisdom, today, tomorrow, and always."
Everyone can clearly see and hear how much Seokhyeong was struggling in holding his tears just to run the ceremony smoothly. Few of the guest were already teary eyed because most of them has witnessed everything the couple had to get through to reach this point of their lives. All of them knows they deserves this more than anyone.
Just then Songhwa looked like someone who had seen a ghost. She stared to Seokhyeong then to Ikjun in horror as she panics deep inside. She then whispered to Ikjun.
"We don't have rings, Ikjun-ah!" She panickingly said to Ikjun and his expression also changed drastically the moment he realizes what Songhjwa meant. They both forgot about it. He was about to say something to Seokhyeong when Iksun and Junwan went near them.
"Say no more, guys. we got you." Iksun beamed proudly and gave her brother a smirk tauntingly. "Here are the rings, these were new, okay? We bought these for the two of you while waiting. Well in courtesy of Seokyeong Oppa's black card." She said then wiggled her eyebrows proudly. "We chose these rings as we thought it matches well to the two of you. I hope you'll love them." She then handed them a red velvet box where the couple rings were in.
Songhwa looked over her friends with tears in her eyes. To say that she is deeply moved is understatement. She mouthed her 'thank you' to them and they all responded with a nod and a smile in their faces while their eyes were also moist in tears.
"Treasure them the same way you treasure each other, arachi?" Junwan said and gave his two friends a look that will forever be etched in their memory. Junwan is actually shedding tears right now in front of them.
"Aigoo~ Oppa said he will not cry but I guess he couldn't contain his happiness anymore. Proceed with the wedding ceremony, I'll pull this big baby out of here before he takes Songhwa Unnie's hand and run away because he still couldn't believe that she is marrying my idiot older brother."
And everyone laughed with everything that Iksun said. Their group of friends can only shake their heads in defeat, that will never change in their circle.
"Gosh, thankfully though that we have Iksun-ie here, what would even happen to the both of you if not for her?" Seokhyeong jokingly scolded them, but he has that proud smile on his face knowing they got them. "Anyways, let's proceed, so Lee Ikjun-ssi, please repeat after me then you can say the vow you personally prepared for your bride as you place the ring on her finger."
"Chae Songhwa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, having all of these important people in our lives as witnesses."
Ikjun repeated every word Seokhyeong said while staring hard to Songhwa—earnestly hoping that she'll be able to see and feel how much he meant every word he says to her while holding her hand firmly. He then closes his eyes before he proceeded to say his vows.
"Songhwa-ya.. I have something to confess. Listen very carefully, arachii?? I will only say this once and will never bring this up again." Ikjun inhaled deeply as he held her hands closer to his chest. He placed her right hand to his left chest while her left hand is comfortable being held near his stomach.
"Do you hear this erratic beating of my heart? This has been beating like this only for you ever since I've met you at that med school interview. I fell for you at first sight and with the second and third glances, I just knew I'll never find someone who will make me feel the same way you did. For a long time, I've kept that within myself, so afraid to ruin what we have because of my foolish feelings for you."
"When I finally had the courage to do so, something came up and I knew I had to do what's best for everyone—and for those actions of mine, I'm sorry for unintentionally hurting you. I was broken and devastated. And I took that as a sign that you will never see me the same way as I see you."
Ikjun tried his best to smile while Songhwa couldn't help but let out those painful sobs that she's been suppressing for a very long time.
"I tried to move on. I thought I successfully did, but I guess I was wrong. Because ever since I met you, I only remember loving you with all my heart. And I know I'll continue to do so. You will always be the only one for me, my forever and a lifetime."
"We've been through a lot, being as friends to best friends, and now, to instantly being soon to be husband and wife. I guess everything worked well in the end. We've got the best and perfect timing, a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a chance of leap. I wouldn't do it any other way even if it means I'll be hurt again."
"Because of that, everything became even more worth it and perfect. I wouldn't trade this chance for anything in this world."
He then wiped his own tears that fell on his cheeks very discreetly—or so he thought.
"As long as in the end, I will still get you to be my best friend and I can eventually call you, my wife. I love you so much Chae Songhwa, so much that I am out of words to describe. Thank you for accepting and choosing me to be your husband. I'll carry that honor and brag about that privilege you've given me for life. Nothing can separate us anymore, not even death, that, I promise you until everyday lasts."
Then he put the ring to her ring finger while his hands were shaking.
Ikjun tried his best to wipe Songhwa's tears after but to no avail. Her tears have their own mind and continuously rolling down on her rosy cheeks. She held both of his hands which are now resting comfortably on both of her cheeks. She's hiccuping because of too much crying while Ikjun couldn't help but let out a melodious chuckle although he also has tears rolling down on his cheeks.
Seokhyeong also looked above to stop his tears from falling then blink a few times before he coughed then looked over Songhwa.
"You too, Songhwa-ssi. Please repeat after me then you can say the vow you personally prepared for your soon to be husband as you place the ring on his finger."
Songhwa then wiped her own tears and calmed herself before she nodded to Seokhyeong.
"Lee Ikjun, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, having all of these important people in our lives as witnesses."
Songhwa's voice sounds a little different due to her crying since she talked with Hyejung. She sounds a little raspy and out of breath which makes her voice sound even more sincere that tugs at everyone's already vulnerable hearts.
"Ikjun-ah.. I've already heard that, and I must say, I will never get tired of hearing that from you because I love you and it makes me so happy hearing those words again and again. But if you want to hear a real confession that no one knows then I have that for you."
She then combed her hair using her hand then she let out a shaky sigh.
"Listen very carefully, okay? You will only be hearing this coming from my own mouth once and I just hope you will not tease me about this for life."
Songhwa said as she laughed while wiping her tears. She coughed lightly to clear her throat before she continued what she was saying. She is visibly nervous.
"When I first met you during that med interview, and as you gave me that scrunchie, I was so intrigued about you. And maybe, just maybe, I already liked you ever since." Ikjun is looking at her like a clown fool with that huge grin on his face. "That is why when I saw you going out during the med orientation night, I followed you and that's when I ended up with that cramped storage room and met you and the boys."
"Whaatt?!?!" Ikjun said along with the other boys.
Now that's really a confession for them who would even know?? They really thought that all of that was just a mere coincidence.
"Geez!! I was so curious, okay?? I wanted to know where you guys were going, and I never knew that following you that night will lead me to something I would have never imagined happening to me. My life completely changed since that night, and I have you to thank that for. Because if I did not decide to follow you out, then I wouldn't have met these such amazing persons who became my lifelong friends." She said as she looked at her boys one by one and gave them a smile. "And I will probably not be the same person you all know right now if not because of all of you. So, guys thank you so much."
She then looked directly to Ikjun's eyes while she held both of his hands.
"And I want to give you all the credit, Ikjun-ah. Thank you for doing what you had to do despite of how much it caused you pain. You are the most selfless and bravest person I know. Thank you for always choosing what's best for everyone and considering consequences that could have cost what we all currently have—the friendship and familyship that we all built through the years. I can't imagine my life losing either one of you."
"And for that, my soon to be husband, thank you for always doing everything in your power to make me the happiest with your own little ways. I owe you who I am today after all the things we've been through. None from everything that has happened will make me think otherwise because you're the only perfect fit for me. You've got a hold of me ever since and influenced me a lot more than I had allowed myself to. But I would have done it all over again if this is how everything will end."
Her tears wouldn't stop from falling once again. But that doesn't mean it will hinder her in clearly delivering her vow that she did not even plan. Everything that she says right now are currently what runs in her messy head as she hadn't grasp out everything that has happened yet.
"I love you, Ikjun-ah. I love you with all of me and I won't hide it anymore. I am proud to say that I fell in love with you and get you to be my husband. I have never imagined settling my life in marriage, but with you? I don't mind it at all, only because it's you and only because I have you, I am confident to face this unknown kind of life I've been threading to run away from."
"Only because I'm moving forward with this direction of my life with you, all the fears and uncertainties flew away out of the window the moment you asked me to marry you. I didn't even hesitate because I knew I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life, too."
"Our story has twists and turns but this time, I can assure you that as long as we're together, no matter what may come our way, we'll be in this for life. I will never, ever let you go again. I know this will not be the end of our journey and things will surely get rougher even after all these, but I promise you, my love for you will never wither."
"And nothing would hinder me from doing that, not even the word marriage can scare me away to leave you again. That, I can promise you, Ikjun-ah. I will never push you away nor run away ever again every time things gets hard. We will face them head on, and together. Because I know I have you and I love you so damn much."
Her hands unintentionally clutch his hands as she declared her love for him. She gave him a smile with tears in her eyes and both of them knows that the tears were something that even a word "happiness" can't even describe.
Seokhyeong was once again left speechless. But this time, he did not even try to wipe nor hide his tears because he is so happy for his friends. He is so happy and so, so proud of them. Most of the guests were also crying. It's not just about the vows they've shared for each other, rather, it was more of the look they give to each other and how their eyes screams so much love and overwhelming happiness that gets them to the core.
More so, after knowing everything that they've been through. That's what makes all of these even more special and close to their hearts.
The bind that ties Songhwa and Ikjun is something that is rarely seen even for them. What they both have is something that not anyone can just witness.
"This marriage unites not just Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa, but all of the families sitting here today. They now ask for your blessings. Do you promise to support Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa in their marriage, to keep them in your prayers, to hold them up with love, and to rejoice in companionship in this new juncture of their relationship as they walk this path together?"
Seokhyeong asked with his hoarse voice. His hands were even shaking, and he knows that his tears will fall anytime again soon which he is trying so hard to stop. He then looked around and waited for their answers.
Even Ikjun and Songhwa looked around and made eye contact with most of the guests.
"We do!!!"
Everyone shouted with their friends having the loudest cheers.
"As we're now getting closer in ending this ceremony, I would like to ask our groom Lee Ikjun and our bride Chae Songhwa to please join hands."
Ikjun then reached for her hand and she held his' back firmly.
"Looks at those hands for they are of your closest friend. They are strong, brave, and full of love and strength. As you join hands today, you make the promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. Remember to love each other faithfully, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust each other with all your heart, and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come."
Then he held both of their hands.
"Hereby, with the authority given to me, and before all who are assembled here—before your friends and family—you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. It is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!"
He said and was about to leave the two behind when they all heard Ikjun's cries.
"That's it?!? Didn't you forget anything, Gom?"
Ikjun asked with his widen eyes which earned a melodious laugh from Songhwa that echoes through the hall and made everyone laughed too.
"Uhh.. Yess?? Why, did I forget anything? That's all what's written to what Jeongwon gave me." Seokhyeong innocently answered and shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Yaahh Andrea!!"
Ikjun suddenly turned his attention to Jeongwon who is still laughing to their friend's misery.
"Whaatt??!?!? I don't know too!! I haven't even gotten married myself and this is the first wedding I ever attended so how would I know??"
He said teasingly which annoyed Ikjun even more. Songhwa on the other hand felt her stomach aching because of laughing too much. Her husband is just too captivating and precious.
"Seriously, Lee Ikjun??" Songhwa said in between her laughters.
Ikjun is even more annoyed, but he couldn't get mad at her since his wife actually looks very endearing and bewitching as she laughs freely in front of him and in front of everyone.
"Where's the last part?? That's the most important part, you can't skip it, Gom. Come on!!"
Ikjun whined and pouted like a child in front of everyone.
"Tsk tsk, just give in, Oppa. I am very hungry now, so I want to eat already."
Gyeoul interjected and pouted which earned a pinch in her cheeks by Minha.
"Aigoo~ finish the ceremony officially, Oppa! Uri Gyeoullie here had been patiently waiting for hours now and all she can think right now are her foods."
Then Minha giggled to the cuteness their youngest friend shows.
"Saekkii!! Give him a break, let's all wrap this up fast, shall we? I couldn't bear to watch it so I’ll just close my eyes. Make it fast, Lee Ikjun!!"
Junwan roared and closed his eyes while both of his hands are blocking his view. All the other guests can only shake their head with how chaotic this wedding has been. This is one hell of a new experience for them as they never seen a wedding like this.
Though this may be the realest one and closest to heart, if they might add.
"Fine! I can't take this too that's why I want to skip it but I don't want uri Gyeoullie to skin me alive so let's finish this real fast. Promise me you will do it fast, Lee Ikjun!"
Seokhyeong also reminded him which he only responded by sticking his tongue out childishly.
"Saekki!! You may now kiss the bride!"
Seokhyeong said then hurriedly left them and rushed to where their friends were. He didn't even look back.
Ikjun then looked at Songhwa who happens to be still laughing after seeing their bear friend dashed off and left them at the altar.
Ikjun admired his wife before he leaned closer to her. He first held her hands, then her shoulders, then her cheeks. Songhwa on the other hand, her laughter died down slowly as she felt Ikjun's hands until it settled in her cheeks. She knew what's coming next hence she tiptoed and leaned closer to close the gap between their lips and sealed it with a kiss.
She was the one who reached out for the kiss, and so what?
She then placed both of her hands to his neck while her right hand found its way then grabbed a handful of his hair and deepened their kiss. You can barely find a space between their bodies while they are still kissing alternately from languidly to torridly devouring each other's mouths.
The girls were shouting in delight and is cheering for Songhwa while the boys can't even look. They can't stand watching their two best friends kissing each other like they were about to make out in front of everyone. They never imagined that they would witness this in their lives. They were their best friends for years and now here they are, devouring each other like those hungry wolves that has been starving in years.
Well, aren't they??
Still, this is just too much for them. Junwan couldn't take it anymore, so he shouted to their friends who seemed to have forgotten that they are still there.
"Yaahh Lee Ikjun and Chae Songhwa!! Stop it already, will you?? Save that to yourselves, I didn't sign up for this!"
He hysterically said while he is busy covering his eyes and ears.
Jeongwon and Seokhyeong on the other hand joined the girls and the crowd hyping their friends who are still kissing each other hungrily.
It was Songhwa who halted Ikjun who happens to be seeking for her lips even after they parted to breath for a while.
"That was one of a hell kiss, Lee Ikjun, but Junwan is right." She said and put a hand on her lips as she let out tiny giggles.
Ikjun looks lost for a while then he must have remembered where they were.
"Oh, right. Sorry about that, pals. I'm just addicted to my wife's kisses. Sorry if you can't relate."
Ikjun boastfully said as he put his arms around his wife's shoulder. Songhwa laughed so loud after hearing what her husband said.
"Meanie!!" She said then elbowed him lightly.
"Saekki!!" The boys shouted unanimously while the girls can only shake their heads.
Ikjun just made faces in response then stole kisses from his wife again and again which made Junwan grunted in disgust.
But the two of them didn't mind him anymore nor anyone. They were just looking at each other's eyes and talking through them before Ikjun leaned in to kiss her once again fervently. All the unsaid words translated to that kiss.
She had never felt safer, secured, and loved more than this. Ikjun has become her sanctuary. Her fears were no match for his confidence that overshadows everything and gave back her peace in a long time.
Then Ikjun held her hands and Songhwa does too—tightly and securely—as if saying to each other that they will never let each other go ever again.
"I will love you tomorrow more than I loved you today, Songhwa-ya."
"Me too, Ikjun-ah, me too."
Remembering Hyejung's absurd favor, Songhwa knew that if not for it, any of these would have never happened. And if she stubbornly and continuously rejected Hyejung's request, everything would have turned out differently.
She couldn't thank Hyejung enough. Her asking her to replace her in her own wedding doesn't sound right but it is indeed the right thing to do.
Chances are indeed real. As long as you are not afraid to take them, you will know that nothing is impossible. Trust your gut feeling and always, always be honest to yourselves.
Learn how to be carefree and make other people the least of your worries. There is nothing wrong on wanting to be perfect, but never ever forget to be real even to yourself.
Never let other's words define you and compromise to their comfort. Learn to be brave and always believe that you are worth more than you imagine.
Never beg nor look for something even if it's love and respect. You can find it within yourself, and someone will come that will shower you with those without even asking because that's what you deserve.
You may be hurting right now, but that doesn't mean you will forever stay in pain, and everything will be in vain. Don't lose faith and allow your emotions to fade. Everything happens for a reason, and life is just like different seasons.
It never stays the same, now it's up to you how to keep up to survive.
Ikjun and Songhwa may have been through a lot already, but that doesn't mean that this is the end. They'll surely face even more hardships as they go through this new chapter of their lives, but what's important is they have each other for all the things that may come their way.
Their love for each other made them get through all of it and survived up until now, and that very same love will be their weapon and strength to continue facing life.
---