Chapter Text
Soobin sighed and leaned his forehead against the airplane window as the familiar island came into view. The clouds drifted lazily across the sky, covering parts of the scenery, but it could only be Jeju. Even from the air, it looked calm and warm in a way that made his tense shoulders drop a little.
The seatbelt sign lit up overhead. People around him started moving, stretching, and grabbing their bags. Soobin unfastened his seatbelt and immediately checked his phone. The second his signal returned, the screen flooded with notifications.
He ignored the messages from his colleagues about the new project confirmation and opened the group chat with Taehyun and Huening Kai. His two best friends.
They were already typing. They were always typing.
Taehyun was telling Kai to buy fruits on his way back. Kai was arguing that fruits were boring and ice cream counted as fruit because it was made from fruit. Soobin shook his head.
Me:
Just landed in airport. Will be out in like twenty minutes.
Tell me you are not late.
The typing bubbles appeared. Then disappeared. Then returned again. After a few seconds, Taehyun responded.
tyun:
Relax. Kai is gonna pick you up.
He should already be waiting, in case he did not mess up with directions on the way.
Right on time, Kai joined in.
kai:
I WAS BAD WITH DIRECTIONS ONLY ONE TIME. ONE TIME.
Soobin chuckled, immediately remembering how panicked and clueless they were when Kai drove them into an open field instead of Disneyland.
Me:
Yeah, instead of going to Disneyland, we ended up in deserted land.
kai:
Rude.
tyunn:
Well, you will find him with a sign that says Most-Busy-Person-In-The-World.
Soobin rolled his eyes. It wasn't his fault that new responsibilities made him disappear for two months. Taehyun was never going to let him forget it though.
Me:
If he is holding a sign, I am going back home.
kai:
Too late. I already made the sign.
It has glitter!
Soobin let out a long breath and fought a smile. He really had missed this. The stupid jokes, the tiny arguments, and the fact that even after months of silence, their friendship stayed the same.
The three of them had been close since university. Taehyun was the calm one who made everyone behave, Kai was the chaotic baby of the group who never stopped talking, and Soobin somehow became the one who tried to keep schedules and reminders but failed every time. After graduation, they moved to different places and different jobs, but the friendship stayed the same.
This year had been harder though. Soobin got promoted and spent the last two months trying to adjust. He worked long hours, dealt with new responsibilities, and always felt like he was behind. He disappeared without meaning to and unfortunately during some of the most important months in Taehyun’s life.
He still remembered how shocked he was when Taehyun finally managed to call him last week, after a month of unanswered texts. His project was finally done and he had a moment to breathe. He answered the call, and the first thing he heard was Taehyun getting married.
“You better clear your schedule.” Taehyun's first words were so rushed as if he finally was able to get something off his chest.
Soobin rubbed his forehead, as he removed his glasses placing them on the table. “What happened now?”
On the other end, Taehyun sounded tired, but so ultimately happy that Soobin wondered if Taehyun was actually angry on him. “I am getting married.”
"You're getting married?!" Soobin yelled into his phone like someone had told him the world was ending. A long groan came from the other end.
"Please stop shouting. And yes, I proposed to Beomgyu last month. You were busy ignoring your phone while pretending to be the busiest person on earth. The wedding is next week in Jeju. No excuses. I want you here two days before," Taehyun said, sounding like a fed-up manager.
"Fine," Soobin muttered as he clicked open his work portal. "I swear I only disappeared for two months."
Taehyun had talked about Beomgyu since the first time he met him a year ago. They started as colleagues who argued every time they spoke but worked better together than anyone else. Soobin and Kai listened to Taehyun rant about Beomgyu for months, so when they started dating six months ago, nobody was surprised. They planned the wedding two months ago and apparently that was when Soobin vanished into work.
Kai also talked about Beomgyu sometimes. Kai said Beomgyu was lively, loud, funny, and easily excited. Soobin remembered Kai laughing about how they spent an entire afternoon talking about anime, gaming, and consoles because Kai forgot to take pictures for proof.
Now that the line in the plane was finally moving, Soobin got up and grabbed his bag from the overhead shelf. He joined the slow-moving crowd toward the exit. The smell of the cabin slowly shifted into clean airport air as they got closer to the door.
Soobin collected his suitcase from the pickup section before making his way toward the pickup area. The airport air was warm and slightly humid, a reminder that he was not in Seoul anymore. People stood around with printed name tags and flowers, but one person stood out from the rest.
Huening Kai was waving something above his head with so much energy it was almost stupid. The sign was glittery, sparkly, and had shiny stickers on the edges. It read in very bright letters: Most Busy Person In The World.
Kai shouted loudly when he spotted Soobin. His voice carried across the entire pickup section, which made Soobin wish he could melt into the floor. But at the same time, Soobin felt his face relax into a soft smile. He had missed the younger one so much.
"Soobin hyung! Over here! Look, I even used glitter!" Kai yelled, waving the sign again as if Soobin might miss it otherwise.
Soobin walked towards him with slow but long steps. People kept looking, some amused, some confused, but Kai did not seem to care. When Soobin finally stood in front of him, he dropped his bags and pulled Kai into a tight hug. Kai squeezed him back without hesitation.
"Hyung, you idiot, you disappeared for two months!" Kai complained while patting Soobin on the back like he was scolding him, but the tight embrace spoke otherwise. "Do you know how boring it was without you?! I had to deal with Taehyun all alone."
Soobin pulled back, laughing softly. Kai grabbed one of his bags, slung the strap over his shoulder, and continued talking as they headed toward the parking lot.
The moment they got into the car and the engine started, Kai began to explain everything. He talked fast, as if trying to summarize two months in five minutes.
“Okay so listen. Taehyun hyung proposed to Beomgyu hyung at this really cute garden restaurant. He planned everything. There were lights everywhere and music and this whole speech about being annoying but in love. It was so sweet that I cried,” Kai said as he focused on the map to make sure he didn't miss any turn.
Soobin blinked. “You cried?” he asked, trying to hide his smile.
Kai hit his arm lightly. “Shut up. It was a metaphor! It was too sweet that I almost puked. Besides, it was huge. Taehyun tried to video call you but you did not pick up. We tried like three times.”
Soobin leaned his head back against the seat, guilt tugging at his chest. “I know. I was in a meeting that day. I am sorry. I will make up for it. I will be extremely helpful and they will not regret inviting me.”
“You better. Taehyun was so disheartened when you didn't answer the call,” Kai replied, eyes focused on the road. “Also, Taehyun has been stressed and Beomgyu hyung too. The families arrived early and we have been helping with decorations, flower selection, guest rooms, seating charts, event rehearsals, photography, everything.”
Soobin watched the scenery pass through the window. The roads were lined with palm trees and tiny shops, sunlight reflecting off car hoods and windows. Jeju had a peaceful vibe, especially compared to the city.
“So what about Beomgyu?” Soobin asked after a moment. “I have never met him. You said he is older?”
Kai nodded. “Yeah. He is older than me and Taehyun. I guess he’s older than you too but I don’t know clearly. He is nice. Like really nice but loud. He talks a lot. He fits with Taehyun in this weird opposite way. Also his family is here! All of them are so similar to Beomgyu hyung. They are like a cartoon family becoming reality. And yes that includes Yeonjun hyung.”
Soobin frowned slightly. “Yeonjun hyung?”
Kai made a pleased sound. “Yeah. Beomgyu hyung’s older brother. He is from Seoul too. He was the one who made sure everything was in order. He is cute in a very pretty way and he is really close to Beomgyu. He was helping with flowers earlier. He looked so done with everyone but he was still helping. It was so funny to see!”
Soobin blinked again, trying to picture a family like that, but nothing came to mind. Someone cute, lovely, and cartoonish. His mind went blank.
“So how many siblings are there?” Soobin asked, trying to sound casual.
Kai grinned. “It’s only Yeonjun hyung and Beomgyu hyung. But they said they also have few more cousins coming tomorrow so it’s gonna be many people. You will figure out who is who. Maybe. Or you will embarrass yourself, which would be funny.”
Soobin narrowed his eyes. “You are not helping.”
Kai shrugged. "Not my job. I am just the handsome driver."
The rest of the ride was filled with Kai explaining how Taehyun freaked out over flower colors, how Beomgyu forced everyone to taste cake samples at eight in the morning, and how the two families united to hang fairy lights in the garden area. Soobin listened, nodded, and added comments when needed. It felt comforting, like he was slipping back into his old life.
After forty minutes, the car turned into a large private resort. It was decorated with soft white banners and pale pink ribbons. Staff were moving around, carrying boxes and flowers. Guests were checking in at the reception desk, and kids were running around the fountain at the entrance.
Kai parked the car and led Soobin through the lobby. The air smelled faintly of orchids and sea breeze. After checking in, a staff member handed Kai a set of keys and directed them to the third floor.
As soon as they reached their shared room, Soobin dropped his bags on the floor and let out a breath he had been holding. The room was spacious with two beds, a balcony overlooking the garden, and a small sofa near the window. Sunlight poured in, warm and calming. Soobin already felt like he could fall asleep standing.
Kai tossed the room keys onto the nearest bed. "I need to return car keys to Taehyun. I borrowed it to pick you up. Do not move. I will be back in five minutes."
Soobin nodded, already kicking off his shoes.
Kai paused at the door. “If you need anything, call me. And do not disappear like last time. You are bad with directions and Taehyun will freak out if you disappear.”
Soobin waved lazily. “Go. I will survive for five minutes.”
Kai left, closing the door behind him.
Soobin stood there for a moment, staring at the bed. He planned to lie down for ten seconds, maybe scroll through his phone, maybe check a few emails, maybe unpack half his suitcase.
He sat down. Then he lay down.
He didn’t even get to think about unpacking before sleep pushed everything away. His eyes closed and he passed out instantly, fully dressed and completely exhausted, but strangely comfortable.
Soobin groaned as his phone rang for the third time. His eyes fluttered open to a darkened room, curtains casting faint shadows across the floor. How long had he slept? He blinked at the clock on his phone. Sunset had already passed, and night had fully settled over Jeju.
The caller ID read: tyunn.
Soobin scrambled to answer, voice thick with sleep. "Taehyun, hi… I-”
“Where are you?” Taehyun’s voice came through, equal parts scolding and exasperated. “You landed hours ago, and you did not even come meet me. I’ve been waiting, Soobin hyung!”
Soobin flopped back against the bed with a whine. “I… I’m sorry! I didn’t know where you were! Can you tell me where to go? I just passed out on bed after landing!”
Before Taehyun could reply, a loud voice piped from the other side. “We’re in the main wedding hall, hyung! Helping with the organizing team!”
Soobin rolled his eyes and grumbled, “Kai, why didn’t you wake me up? I could have—”
“You looked so tired, hyung. You slept like a log. I wasn’t going to bother you,” Kai replied casually, and Soobin could imagine him shrug.
Soobin let out a long, dramatic sigh, dragging himself off the bed. “Fine… fine… I will go,” he muttered, ending the call with Taehyun’s frustrated voice trailing behind him.
He took a quick shower, letting the hot water clear his lingering sleepiness. By the time he stepped out, he was dressed comfortably in a white anime t-shirt, a black zip-up hoodie, and black pants. He checked his phone again. Eight o’clock. Kai had already ordered room service for him. A message flashed in their group chat.
tyunn:
We already had dinner here. You should eat before coming.
Soobin smiled softly. Taehyun was always practical. He cared deeply, but he understood responsibilities and exhaustion. And that applied to Soobin too. It made him feel lucky to have friends who balanced care with common sense.
He ate quickly, not wanting to delay any longer. The food was delicious; no surprise, Taehyun was meticulous with everything. After his last bite, he grabbed his jacket and water bottle and headed out.
Navigating the resort at night proved more complicated than he expected. The halls twisted in ways he hadn’t noticed in daylight, and it didn’t help that he wasn’t the best with directions. After a few wrong turns and a minor encounter with a cleaning cart, he ran into one of the employees from the organizing team.
“Excuse me,” Soobin asked breathlessly. “Can you tell me how to get to the main hall? I-”
The employee smiled and gestured down the hall. “Oh, Don’t worry, sir. Follow me. I’ll take you there. The team is setting up for the last checks, but you’re not late.”
Soobin exhaled, relieved, and followed the employee. His mind wandered to what the hall might look like. Fairy lights strung along the pillars, flowers everywhere, tables carefully arranged. He wondered if everyone was stressed or if they were laughing.
The hall doors finally came into view, their polished wood reflecting the soft glow of overhead lights. He hesitated for a second, straightening his hoodie and taking a calming breath.
“Okay, Soobin,” he muttered to himself. “You’re just helping out. Nothing dramatic. Just don’t get lost again.”
Soobin followed the employee into the main hall, and the first thing that hit him was pure chaos.
The space was huge, high ceilings with soft chandeliers casting golden light over everything, but the workers moved like a organised storm.
Uniformed staff movedin every direction. Some adjusted lights along the walking aisle, stretching cables and ladders across the floor. Others carried massive floral decorations from backstage to the front, placing them under arches and dodging tables. A few checked wiring and lighting panels, radios buzzing faintly with instructions.
It was noisy. Very noisy. His ears tingled as conversations, scolding, and the occasional crashing sound filled the air.
But amidst all the neutral uniforms, Soobin immediately noticed four people in colorful clothes, impossible to miss.
On one side, Taehyun and Kai were huddled near a cluster of fairy lights. Taehyun’s calm energy radiated even as he scolded Kai.
“You are not supposed to ‘help’ with the curtains, Kai!” Taehyun said sharply, straightening a strand of lights. “If one strand falls, I swear I will-”
“Relax, Taehyun! I got this!” Kai interrupted, draping himself over the pole like he was staging a performance. “It’s all under control!”
Soobin bit back a laugh. Classic Kai, always overenthusiastic. Classic Taehyun, trying to maintain order in a sea of chaos.
Across the hall, two others colourful figures were quietly commanding their own corner. One stood near a series of boards, scanning details carefully with a serious expression. His brows were slightly furrowed, lips pressed in concentration. The other carried a clipboard and seemed to be giving precise directions, pointing here and there, gesturing at flower arrangements, and nodding at staff as they moved the displays.
Soobin squinted, trying to figure out who was who. One of them had slightly longer dark hair, soft yet sharp features, and an effortless composure. He moved gracefully, clipboard in hand, giving instructions without ever raising his voice.
The other was slightly shorter, hands behind his back, observing everything like he was absorbing the scene before stepping in to adjust something small but crucial.
Soobin assumed one of them was the groom and the other... the groom’s brother? but he wasn’t sure. One thing was clear. Both handled themselves with authority. that made the staff respond immediately.
He ducked behind a tall flower arrangement, trying to get a closer look without being noticed. His heart did a tiny skip. The taller one glanced around periodically, checking flower placements, while the other pointed at the boards, muttering something about the seating chart.
Taehyun glanced over at Kai, clearly frustrated but also amused, and the sight of his two best friends navigating chaos like pros made him smile.
Then his eyes drifted back to the taller one with the clipboard. The one that moved with a kind of effortless confidence that made Soobin’s chest tighten.
Pretty. That was the only word his brain supplied. Incredibly pretty. Distractingly pretty. The kind of pretty that made Soobin’s lungs forget how to function for a second.
Taehyun’s voice suddenly cut through the noise like a bell.
“SOOBIN HYUNG!”
Soobin turned instinctively and froze. Taehyun was jogging toward him, arms open, and before he could prepare, Taehyun swept him into a hug.
Warmth hit him instantly. All the stress, exhaustion, and guilt from disappearing for two months melted away. Despite being more mature and logical, Soobin had a soft spot for Taehyun. He would never admit it, but right now, in this hug, he realized how much he had missed him.
Taehyun pulled back slightly, scolding, but still holding him. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? You could have called or-"
“I’m sorry, Taehyun-ah! I’m here now. I’ll help you with everything,” Soobin said quickly, patting the shorter man’s shoulder affectionately.
Taehyun snorted, rolling his eyes but trying to hide a smile. “Yeah, yeah. Just… don’t mess anything up. That’s enough.”
Before Soobin could reply, Kai literally leapt onto them from the side.
“HUG SQUAD! I am not missing this! Group hug!”
Soobin groaned into Taehyun’s shoulder while trying not to shove Kai off, who was shouting and laughing at the same time. “Kai, get off-”
“Never! You are mine too, hyung!” Kai yelled gleefully, hugging tighter.
When they finally parted, Soobin blinked and realized two brothers standing quietly a few feet away, watching. Both had small, gentle smiles, taking in the scene.
Taehyun gestured toward them. “Soobin, this is Beomgyu, my to-be-husband, and his older brother, Yeonjun.”
Soobin’s eyes immediately shifted to the taller one with the clipboard. Dressed in a white loose shirt with a baby blue hoodie over it, the guy had a soft, almost ethereal smile under the lights, eyes sparkling faintly in the gentle glow of the chandeliers.
Oh god. That was… an angel.
Soobin’s mind went blank. He blinked rapidly, realizing that he had completely missed who was who. Shit. Who was the groom again?
Taehyun’s voice pulled him back. “Soobin? Are you listening?”
“Yes! Uh… yes, of course,” Soobin said quickly, looking away from the guy. He couldn’t embarrass himself further, so he followed Taehyun toward the rows of seats,trying to act normal while his brain was melting.
The moment he reached the main work area, the organizing team immediately began assigning last-minute tasks. Tables needed adjustment, flower arrangements had to be checked, ribbons straightened, lights tested one last time. Soobin fell into the rhythm, following orders carefully.
He moved boxes of flowers, adjusted small decorations, passed tools to the staff, and even helped Kai untangle a strand of fairy lights without getting shocked. Time passed faster than he expected, the chaos strangely comforting. Every now and then, he would glance at the guy in blue hoodie, the clipboard guy and catch a glimpse of that soft smile. His chest tightened, and he had to quickly look away to avoid staring.
After a few minutes of moving boxes and straightening small decorations, Soobin heard a soft voice behind him.
“Soobin-shi, you’re tall, so can you help me hold the ladder?”
Soobin turned, and there he was, the clipboard guy standing a few steps away with the ladder tilted in his hands. His voice was light and sweet in a way that made Soobin’s chest tighten for no good reason.
Oh no. Even his voice is sweet. Of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be?
Soobin nodded a little too fast, following him without a word. He planted both hands on the sides of the ladder and held it firmly as the older one climbed up with gentle steps.
Up close, he looked even prettier. Loose white shirt, baby blue hoodie, sleeves pushed up, a few strands of dark hair falling over his forehead as he twisted long ribbons into place. Silver glitter from decorations floated down slowly, catching in his hair and sliding down his sleeves.
Some of it fell on Soobin too.
When the older guy climbed down, both of them shook the glitter out of their hair at the same time. The motion was so similar that they made eye contact and burst into small giggles.
“Thanks, Soobin-shi,” the older one said, brushing a few sparkles off his own shoulder.
“You’re welcome…” Soobin paused.
What was his name again? Yeonjun? Or Beomgyu? Was Yeonjun the groom? Or was Beomgyu the groom? Or- was he the one getting married. His brain short-circuited.
He forced out, “…hyung.”
Clipboard guy laughed again. It was the kind of laugh that was small at first but softened at the end, the kind that could knock the air right out of someone if they weren’t prepared.
Soobin wasn’t prepared.
His breath slipped right out of his lungs. He just stood there, completely useless.
Across the hall, Taehyun suddenly let out a loud laugh at something the other guy said. Clipboard guy turned, laughing along with them, his shoulders bouncing, eyes turning into crescents.
Soobin stared, stunned. Now he understood what Kai meant by “cartoonish family.” Both brothers were animated, expressive, and somehow incredibly pretty even while laughing.
Then chaos erupted again when Kai tried to “help” with curtains. He tugged the wrong section, pulling the entire cloth down on himself. “TAEHYUN, I SWEAR IT ATTACKED ME FIRST!” Kai yelled, wrapped like a curtain burrito.
Taehyun threw his hands up. “Stop touching things, Kai! The curtains are not your enemy!”
Soobin snapped out of his daze and rushed over to help Kai untangle the heavy fabric from around his shoulders. He shook his head, smiling. “Seriously,” Soobin said, pulling the curtain off Kai’s head. “How do you manage to start fights with furniture?”
Kai flipped his hair dramatically. “Because I’m passionate and the world fears me.”
Taehyun, walking past with a clipboard of his own, deadpanned, “The world should fear your interior design skills, not you.”
Clipboard guy laughed again at that, leaning a little on the back of a chair to steady himself, and Soobin swore he had never seen anything so effortlessly adorable.
He was doomed and he didn’t even know the guy’s name properly.