A Perfectly Normal Romance Chapter 4.3 - Close

The two couples, who had been debating between Eunjeong’s hometown and Seoul for the wedding venue, thankfully chose Seoul. Sometimes, weddings in the countryside turned into day-long trips. I was just putting the cash gift envelope in the car, parked in a tight spot in the crowded underground parking lot, when Hyun, who was retying his poorly knotted tie, said,

“Should we tell them today?”

“Tell them what?”

“About us.”

“Us?”

I couldn’t see Hyun’s expression clearly because he had his head down, fixing his tie in the dim lighting of the underground parking lot. Craning my neck, I felt slightly dizzy trying to keep up with the rapid pace of the conversation. And more importantly,

“I don’t think Seungpyo will let us off the hook.”

“Someone else’s celebration is always a good opportunity to announce your own news.”

“Ah. Well, that’s true, but… Think about it. If we tell them today, will they remember it as Seungpyo’s wedding, or as the shocking day we revealed our relationship?”

“Both.”

“No. I think our news will be more shocking.”

Because I’d heard so much about Seungpyo’s wedding, it felt like I had already rehearsed it several times. His fingers, after neatly tying his tie and adjusting it once more, lightly grazed my chin. Dodging his playful touch, I voiced my thoughts. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell anyone at all.

“Let’s tell them when we have our own gathering. After the wedding.”

“If that’s what you want.”

After his simple and clear answer, I got out of the car. While waiting for the elevator with other guests, I replayed our conversation. It felt like we had just made a huge decision to casually reveal everything. I glanced at Hyun standing next to me, looking perfectly composed, as if he could officiate the wedding right now, and thought again.

With this guy, of all people. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and we were pushed inside.

I was tucked away in a corner of the crowded elevator when Hyun shielded me slightly, blocking the pressure of the crowd. As a gesture of thanks, I wiggled my hand, briefly squeezing his pinky finger. Just then, Hyegyeong, getting on at the next floor, saw us and waved excitedly.

“Jio! Hyun! Are we on the 3rd floor?”

“Yeah, 3rd floor.”

There was no need to press any buttons; every floor was already lit up. We could finally have a proper conversation after squeezing our way out of the elevator on the 3rd floor. Hyegyeong, wearing high black heels and a thin red summer jacket, was fussing with her clothes.

“Wow, I almost got squished. You two came together?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, you made up?”

I exchanged a quick glance with Hyun and answered first, in case he said something else.

“Yeah.”

“Great. It’s good you made up. You two always came to gatherings separately. This is nice. Should we have an after-party when Seungpyo’s wedding is over?”

Hyegyeong, after a brief nod from me, turned and walked towards Daeun, who was entering with another friend. She waved from a distance without approaching, and Hyun whispered close to my ear,

“This would be a good time to casually mention it.”

“Not today. And move a little to the side. We’re not at home right now.”

“So what? We’re not even holding hands.”

Just then, a familiar face in an unfamiliar suit approached us.

“You guys still hanging out together?”

“Uh, no.”

“No? Really?”

I spaced out during the lighthearted conversation. I guess in the memories of those I’d seen briefly in the early days of college, Hyun and I were still seen as inseparable. After chatting with familiar faces in the bustling lobby, I pulled Hyun aside as we walked away.

“See? They asked if we’re still together.”

“It’s just an expression.”

Hyun replied, offering a sociable smile to someone else who came to greet him. It used to be hard to distinguish, but now I think I understand a little. I offered a polite greeting to the person, whom I didn’t recognize but who apparently went to the same university.

When Geonjung arrived, Daeun and Hyegyeong went with him to greet Seungpyo. Seungpyo, dressed in unfamiliar attire and with an unfamiliar expression, welcomed us. He even said to his parents, who were standing beside him,

“These are my best friends.”

I awkwardly hugged Seungpyo, who spread his arms wide, and then asked Geonjung,

“What’s with him?”

“He saw the gift we sent.”

“Aha.”

I thought he’d gone a little strange from being too happy about getting married. After bowing to Seungpyo’s parents, we entered the wedding hall. It was spacious, with a high ceiling. We stood near the wall, watching as the candles began to be lit one by one. Abundant white flower arrangements lined the aisle and decorated the venue. Seeing the lavish decorations, I chuckled and folded my arms.

“They really went all out. He must be happy.”

“He is.”

Looking at the brightly lit hall, a personal sentiment came to mind. I took a sip of my lukewarm coffee and spoke, expressing a feeling I always had at weddings but rarely voiced.

“You know, I used to feel uncomfortable at weddings.”

“Why?”

“People always ask, ‘Are you seeing anyone?’ ‘I’ll introduce you to someone.’ ‘Aren’t you getting married?’”

I wasn’t quite at the age where I had to attend weddings every weekend yet, but they were becoming more frequent. I avoided weddings I didn’t have to attend, but I couldn’t avoid them all. Every time I went to a wedding, I always gave similar answers. “Not yet.” “I don’t know.” It was hardest to come up with excuses when people offered to introduce me to someone.

“What did you say back then?”

“I’d joke around. I’d say I broke up, or something like that.”

“Give a proper answer from now on.”

“Okay.”

“What are you going to say?”

“I’ll see when the time comes.”

Maybe I’ll have something to say next time. The thought made my chest feel tight and warm. Was it pressure? It was a new feeling, so I didn’t know.

Of course, what we talked about in the car, or the fact that you asked Seungpyo for the wedding planner’s number, hadn’t fully sunk in yet. It still felt surreal. I’ve always lived one step at a time, and I still do. So it’s hard for me to expect any big or drastic changes.

Still, today felt a little different. A public declaration, acknowledged by everyone. You wouldn’t know how happy I am not to feel lonely today, even after witnessing this event, which I thought was beyond my reach.

A passing cart piled high with plates looked a little overloaded. I moved quickly as it seemed like it might brush against my arm, and some coffee spilled from the straw hole in the lid. As I wiped it off, Hyun noticed my damp hand.

“You spilled quite a bit.”

He took my hand and wiped it with his thumb. The remaining moisture shimmered and sparkled in the light of the chandeliers and candles. The warmth of his touch warmed my skin. At that moment, Geonjung, who had just entered the hall and was looking for us, saw it. He paused, then, unable to hold back, frowned at us with his stoic face.

“Get a room.”

My lover simply smiled, unfazed.

“I can handle this myself.”

His hand, which he hadn’t let go of, moved between us, hidden in the shadows. For a long time.