Six months later…
"My fiancée, aren't you ready yet?" Ren called out from the other side of the door. His nickname for me changes almost every day, but now, every name he calls me sounds sweeter, because I'm finally his woman. Just thinking about it makes my heart flutter.
I opened the door. He was standing there, smiling like always. "How do I look?" I asked, twirling a little.
He pulled me close and leaned me against the wall, whispering in my ear, "You look gorgeous, as always."
I pushed him away playfully. "Stop teasing me and let's go!"
"Yes, my queen," he said with a grin.
We headed to the mall, not for ordinary shopping, but for our wedding shopping. The big day was next Friday, and I could hardly believe it. I was finally marrying my childhood love, my Ren.
"Ren, Aria! Over here!" Mother waved as we reached the bridal section. She had already picked out a few dresses, and I was determined not to let Ren see the one I chose before the wedding.
"Let's go, Aria." Mother said, grabbing my hand. Ren went with Father for his suit fitting while we explored the wedding dress boutique.
Inside the shop, I tried on many beautiful dresses, each one more magical than the last. But when I stepped into a white gown embroidered with delicate lace on the top and three soft layers of fabric flowing down like clouds, everything stopped. It fit me perfectly. The long veil shimmered behind me, and for a moment, I imagined myself walking toward Ren. "This is the one," Mother whispered.
We all agreed instantly. That was my dress.
After a long day of shopping, we found Ren and Dad waiting, and probably starving, after three long hours. On our way out, my eyes caught a beautiful diary in a store window. It felt like fate. I bought it immediately, deciding it would be the perfect gift for Ren, a place to write down our story.
In the car, as I was eating the food Ren had packed for me, he asked, "So, how's your dress?"
"You'll see it on the wedding day," I teased. "Can you wait that long?"
He smiled and squeezed my hand. "There are a lot of things I'm waiting for on our wedding day."
His words still made my heart race, even after six months together. "I'm looking forward to it too," I said shyly.
"Just seven days left," he whispered, smiling softly.
Every night after that, I dreamt of our wedding, of finally becoming Mrs. Aria Ren. That night, I opened the diary and began writing our story, from the very first day we met.
The day before the wedding, my best friend Sora came over. She had known about the proposal from the start, and when I told her I was finally getting married, she was more excited than anyone.
"I can't wait to see you tomorrow," she said, sliding me a glass of wine.
"I can't wait to see myself tomorrow," I laughed, barely containing my excitement. From the next room, I could hear Ren and Suho singing karaoke, something I never thought Ren would do.
"Oh, I have a gift for you," Sora said, handing me a small box. I opened it and gasped. Inside was a silky black nightdress.
"Sora!" I blushed.
She giggled. "Don't be shy, it's for your wedding night."
I gave her the most awkward smile, and she laughed even louder.
Later, my phone buzzed. Ren: I can't wait for tomorrow.I smiled as I typed back, Me too.
And just like that, it was our wedding day.
At 6 a.m., Ren came to pick me up. The moment I saw the venue, I froze, it was perfect. The wedding was on the beach, right beside my parents' cemetery. The sound of the waves, the scent of the ocean, the glass walkway lined with white flowers and balloons, it was like a dream.
"Do you like it?" Ren asked softly.
"I love it," I said, tears welling up.
He gently wiped my tears. "Don't cry, today's supposed to be our happiest day."
He kissed my forehead and left me at the bride's room. Inside, Sora was helping me get ready. An hour later, I was dressed, the gown glowing in the sunlight. Mom and Rui entered, both looking stunning. Rui looked adorable in her flower girl dress.
"You look gorgeous," they said in unison.
Mom smiled warmly. "Are you ready, Aria?"
I took a deep breath. "Yes."
"Don't be nervous. We're all here with you," she said, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping out.
A few minutes later, Sora called, "Aria, it's time."
I looked at my reflection one last time and whispered, "Mom, Dad… I hope you're watching." Then I stepped outside.
Ren was standing by the ocean, facing the waves in his black suit. When Suho announced, "Let the bride enter," Ren turned, and I swear he forgot to blink. I walked slowly down the glass aisle, careful not to trip.
Suddenly, Ren ran toward me, laughing, and swept me off my feet. "I can't let my beautiful wife fall on our wedding day," he whispered. Everyone laughed and cheered.
He set me down gently, and the ceremony began.
"I will always be there for you — Aria.""I will always be there for you — Ren."
We exchanged rings.
"The groom may now kiss the bride," the priest said.
Ren lifted my veil slowly, placed his hands around my waist, and kissed me. The cheers faded away. In that kiss, I saw every memory, every laugh, every tear, every promise we'd ever shared.
When we finally pulled apart, the world around us felt brighter. We looked at each other and smile.
As I turned to throw my bouquet, I smiled and tossed it high, and laughed when I saw Sora catch it.
And in that perfect moment, beneath the golden sky, I knew…
My forever had already begun.