Continues from chapter 16 where
In the quaint village of Evergreen, nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, a thick tension permeated the air. A solitary tear slid down Snow's cheek as she looked into her seonbae's eyes, understanding the deep, unspoken turmoil that lay within them. Despite the emotional tempest raging inside her, she found herself unable to utter a single word. The silken thread of their connection was fraying, and yet, three days stood between them and the weekend that promised both an escape and a storm.
Snow's thoughts battled like wild horses in her mind. She yearned to break free, to heed the call of her heart, yet she couldn't bring herself to unravel the meticulously woven plans her seonbae had laid out. Ultimately, the unavoidable reality was that both Chalee and Snow were bound to attend the wedding of their dear friend. So, they decided to steal away two serene days at the beach, hoping the lull of the waves could soothe their hearts.
But as they returned to the village, their spirits were visibly dampened. Minju, the radiant bride-to-be, couldn't contain her excitement. She leaped into Snow's arms the moment she stepped out of the car, her infectious joy momentarily lifting Snow's troubled heart. Yet Chalee, lost in the moment, failed to notice Kavin and trailed Snow like a faithful shadow.
Kavin, observant as ever, tightened his grip on Chalee's hand, a silent but fierce guardian of his secrets. Though they joined the joyous chaos of wedding preparations, an invisible chasm grew between Chalee and Snow, filled with longing and missed glances. They felt trapped, like damned souls with their personal demons ever lurking.
As the eve of the wedding dawned, a flurry of friends arrived, filling the village air with laughter and anticipation. Kavin threw a raucous bachelor's party, a final fling before his vows with Minju. As the night wore on, Chalee hatched his quiet rebellion. Kavin's sadistic streak meant he'd cling to Chalee, ensuring he couldn't sneak away to Snow. Chalee knew Kavin's weakness was liquor; a bottle of soju later, Kavin was already asking for more, raising his glass in a boozy cheer.
"To my wedding, friends! Cheers!" Kavin's voice slurred but held a strange happiness. They all toasted, their congratulations a cacophony of goodwill. Yet, amidst the revelry, Kavin's hand remained a vise on Chalee's wrist, as though foreseeing his friend's every move.
Mike, a friend with a penchant for mischief, leaned in with a sly grin. "Hey Kavin, I've got a question."
"What is it, my pal?" Kavin's voice was slow, thick with the effects of drink.
Mike smirked. "Are you marrying Minju or Chalee, huh?"
"Of course, it's my love, Minju."
Mike chuckled, shaking his head. "Then why are you glued to Chalee? Isn't it cruel, man, keeping him from his girl like that?"
Kavin's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with intoxicated determination. "If I let him go, he'll vanish with her, and who knows if he'll show up for my wedding. That's why, dear Micky Mike!"
Mike's laughter tumbled out. "Poor Chalee, keep fighting."
Chalee's eyes flashed with frustration, his pout a silent protest. Even then, Kavin ignored it, as if Chalee's feelings were inconsequential. Kavin drank like a man possessed, his gaze bleary but unyielding.
"How can he stay so composed after ten drinks?" Chalee mused, his mind whirling.
After yet another shot, Kavin's body gave in, collapsing in a drunken heap on the table. Seizing the moment, Chalee made his move, his heart pounding in tandem with his footsteps as he sought Snow. Yet, fate had other designs, twisting the narrative just when clarity seemed within reach.
_______to be continued