The classroom was louder than a fish market. No one was studying. Even the teacher looked tired of trying.
She tapped the table. "Class, listen carefully."
Nobody listened.
She tapped harder. "CLASS."
Silence.
She smiled and said, "Your summer vacation starts from tomorrow."
Boom.
The classroom exploded.
"I'm going to the beach!"
"I'm visiting my grandma!"
"My uncle promised me ice cream every day!"
"Lucky! My mom promised me… more homework…"
Everyone started talking at the same time. Bags opened, books disappeared, and someone already tried to leave before the bell.
I, Lee, sat quietly.
Beach… trip… fun…
My only plan was… breathing.
I was still thinking when my friend dropped into the seat beside me like a falling potato.
"Hey Lee," he whispered loudly, "wanna join us for camping?"
"Camping?" I asked.
"Yeah! We'll go to the hills, make a fire, tell ghost stories… and probably get scared and sleep together," he said proudly.
"That sounds… safe," I replied.
"So? You coming?"
I shook my head. "No. I can't."
"Why? Are you scared of ghosts?"
"No."
"Bears?"
"No."
"Mosquitoes?"
"…Maybe. But still no. I'm going to a village."
"Oh," he blinked.
He sighed. "Okay. If you see a cow, take a selfie for me."
"I'll try. If the cow agrees."
The bell rang, and everyone rushed out like the school was on fire. I packed my bag slowly, thinking about the village.
I didn't know it yet… but this summer was going to change my life.
Near the window, two girls were whispering.
"Did you tell her?" one asked, leaning closer.
"Tell who?" the other replied, pretending not to understand.
"Don't act dumb. Did you tell her how you feel about Lee?" she smirked.
The second girl's face turned slightly red. "No… I didn't."
"Why not? Summer vacation starts tomorrow. You won't see him for weeks!"
"I know…" she murmured, looking down at her desk. "I just… couldn't say it."
"You're hopeless," her friend laughed softly. "If you don't tell him, someone else might."
The girl stayed quiet, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her notebook.
She slowly lifted her head and looked toward me.
I was standing near the door, adjusting my bag.
For a moment, our eyes met.
I blinked, slightly confused.
She quickly looked away… then looked back again.
I noticed.
When our eyes met the second time, she instantly turned her gaze to the window, pretending to be very interested in… absolutely nothing.
I tilted my head.
"Did I do something?" I muttered to myself.
On my way home, I kept thinking about the girl who was looking at me.
Her name was Kami.
She was the most beautiful girl in school. Everyone knew it.
She always came first in exams.
And me?
I always came second.
I sighed. "First in class… and first in beauty too," I muttered.
Kami was my crush. I had liked her for a long time, but I never had the courage to talk to her properly. Every time she stood near me, my brain stopped working.
I kicked a small stone on the road. "Second place again, Lee… even in courage," I said, half laughing at myself.
I reached my apartment and dropped my bag on the floor.
"Home… finally," I said, stretching my arms.
I grabbed my towel and went to take a 🛁. After finishing, I changed into comfortable clothes and walked to the kitchen.
Dinner was simple. I ate quietly, scrolling through my phone for a while.
Night came quickly.
I lay down on my bed, turned off the lights, and pulled the blanket over me.
"Long day…" I murmured.
A few minutes later, I was already asleep.
Morning.
I woke up slowly and stretched my arms. The sunlight slipped through the window. I walked to the sink, half asleep, and started brushing my teeth.
Bzzz… Bzzz…
My phone started ringing.
I looked at the screen — Mom calling.
I picked up, still brushing. "Hello…?"
"Lee, are you coming home?" she asked.
I paused, toothbrush in my mouth. "Yeah… I'm getting ready."
"Don't be late," she said.
"Okay," I replied, then ended the call and continued brushing.
Train station.
I stood on the platform with my bag ready. People moved around me, some rushing, some waiting. The sound of announcements echoed overhead.
I checked my ticket and looked at the tracks.
"Looks like I'm on time," I said quietly.
The train hadn't arrived yet, so I adjusted my bag and waited, watching the crowd and the long rails stretching ahead.
A loud horn echoed across the station.
The train slowly rolled in, its metal wheels screeching as it came to a stop. People moved forward at once, some rushing, some carefully stepping inside.
I adjusted my bag and boarded.
Inside, the air smelled faintly of metal and old seats. I checked the number printed on my ticket and walked down the aisle, counting quietly.
"...12… 13… 14…"
There it was.
I placed my bag above, then sat in my seat. The cushion was slightly worn, but comfortable enough. I leaned back and let out a small breath.
Through the window, the platform was still busy. Vendors shouted, children waved, and passengers hurried to find their places.
The train started moving slowly, then picked up speed. The station disappeared behind me, replaced by open fields and distant hills.
I turned my head toward the window.
The view was beautiful.
Green fields stretched far and wide, trees passing by like moving paintings, and small houses appeared now and then. The morning sunlight covered everything in a soft golden glow.
"Nice…" I murmured.
I pulled out my phone and opened the camera. Holding it steady, I clicked a photo of the passing scenery.
Click.
I checked the picture and nodded. The moving trees looked slightly blurred, but it still captured the peaceful feeling.
I saved it and kept watching the world rush by outside the window.
After some time, the train began to slow down.
An announcement played, and I looked outside. The familiar small station came into view. The train finally stopped, and I picked up my bag.
I stepped down onto the platform and stretched my legs.
"Finally…," I said quietly.
As I walked toward the exit, I spotted a familiar car parked outside. My father was already there, leaning against the door, looking around.
He noticed me and raised his hand.
"Lee, over here!"
I walked over and put my bag in the back seat. "You came early," I said.
He smiled. "Didn't want you getting lost."
"I've been coming here since I was a kid," I replied.
"Still," he said, getting into the driver's seat.
I sat beside him, and the car started moving, leaving the station behind.
The car moved along the quiet road. Green fields stretched on both sides.
My father looked at me. "You look thinner."
"I'm not thinner," I replied.
"Hmm… maybe the bag is heavier."
"The bag has clothes."
"Too many clothes?"
"No."
He nodded seriously. "Good. Last time you brought five T-shirts and wore only one."
"I like that one," I said.
He laughed. "And what about food? You still eating instant noodles every night?"
"…Sometimes."
"Sometimes means every day."
"It saves time."
He shook his head. "In the village, your grandma will feed you so much, you won't even remember noodles."
"That's dangerous," I said.
"Why?"
"I might not fit in my return train seat."
He burst out laughing. "Don't worry. If that happens, we'll book two seats."
"Very comforting," I replied.
The car continued forward as both of us smiled.
We were driving straight when suddenly my father turned the steering wheel and changed direction.
The car moved onto a next road.
I looked up. "Dad… this isn't the usual way."
He kept his eyes on the road. "Yeah."
"Did we miss a turn?"
"No."
"Then why are we going this way?"
He smiled slightly. "Just wait."
I leaned back, confused, watching the unfamiliar road ahead.
I looked outside, then at him. "Dad… where are we going?"
"Marriage hall," he said.
I blinked. "Marriage hall? Why?"
"We are invited," he replied.
"Oh," I nodded. "Whose wedding?"
"You'll see."
I leaned back. "Okay… I came for the food anyway."
He laughed. "You didn't even ask who is getting married."
"I will ask after eating," I said seriously.
He shook his head, smiling, as the car continued forward.
The car stopped in front of the wedding hall. Decorations were everywhere, and people were walking in and out.
"Looks big," I said.
"Yeah," my father replied.
I opened the car door and stepped out.
Suddenly—
Two large bodyguards appeared from nowhere.
Before I could react, one grabbed my left arm and the other grabbed my right.
"Hey— wait!" I said, confused. "What's happening?"
They started walking, pulling me along.
"Dad?" I looked back. "Did I do something wrong?"
My father just smiled and waved. "Go, go."
"GO WHERE?" I almost shouted.
I struggled lightly. "I came for food, not kidnapping!"
One bodyguard said calmly, "Sir, please cooperate."
"Sir? I'm not even important!" I replied.
They kept dragging me toward the entrance while I tried to keep up.
"At least tell me if there's dessert!" I said.
They didn't answer.
The bodyguards led me into a room and closed the door.
I looked around. Clothes were hanging neatly, and there was a mirror in front of me.
One bodyguard handed me a set of wedding clothes.
"Sir, please change," he said.
I blinked. "Change? Why?"
"No time. Please change."
I pointed at myself. "You sure this is for me?"
"Yes."
I looked at the clothes again. "These look… very expensive."
The other bodyguard nodded. "They are."
I scratched my head. "I just came to eat…"
They both stood there silently, waiting.
"Okay… but if this is a prank, I'm going home," I muttered.
I changed into the wedding outfit. It fit perfectly.
I looked in the mirror. "Wait… why do I look like the groom?"
The bodyguards opened the door.
"Sir, it's time."
My confusion only grew.
They opened the door and guided me outside.
As soon as I stepped into the hall, I froze.
So many people were sitting there. The place was full. Decorations, lights, flowers… everything looked grand.
Then I saw my family.
My mother was sitting in the front row, smiling. My relatives were also there, talking happily.
I looked around, confused.
"Why is everyone here…?" I whispered.
Some people started looking at me. A few even clapped softly.
I turned back to the bodyguards. "I think you brought the wrong person."
They didn't reply.
I looked again at my family. My mother waved at me like this was completely normal.
I pointed at myself. "Me?"
She nodded happily.
My confusion level increased to maximum.
I stood there, completely confused.
What is going on…? I thought.
Everyone was looking at me. My family was smiling. I was wearing wedding clothes. None of this made sense.
Did I miss something?
I looked around again.
Maybe I walked into the wrong hall… but my family is here.
I touched my outfit.
Why am I dressed like the groom? Don't tell me… no… impossible.
I swallowed.
If this is a prank, it's too expensive.
Someone nearby whispered, "The groom looks nervous."
Groom? my mind froze.
Wait… are they talking about me?
Suddenly, the music changed.
Everyone turned their heads toward the entrance.
I followed their gaze.
A girl walked in… wearing a wedding dress.
She moved slowly, surrounded by a few relatives. The white dress shined under the lights, and her face was slightly lowered.
My brain stopped.
Wait… bride?
I stood there, frozen, watching her come closer.
My heart started beating faster.
I looked at the girl in the wedding dress.
She was… very beautiful.
My brain paused for a second.
Wait… why am I thinking this? I thought.
I always say I don't care about girls… so why is my heart beating fast now?
She walked closer step by step.
I swallowed.
She's… really cute.
I quickly shook my head.
Calm down, Lee. You don't even know her. Stop acting weird.
But my eyes still followed her.
Then suddenly, I frowned.
Wait… I think I've met her before…
People around me started whispering.
"She looks so beautiful…"
"The bride is really pretty."
"Like a princess."
"Groom is lucky."
I heard every word.
I slowly looked at her again.
Even they are saying the same thing… I thought.
One uncle behind me said, "Such a beautiful girl."
Another replied, "Perfect match."
I blinked.
Perfect match? With who?
Then I realized… they were looking in my direction.
My confusion returned immediately.
I slowly looked around.
People were smiling… looking at me… then at her… then back at me.
My brain finally connected the dots.
Wait…
I looked at my clothes.
I looked at her wedding dress.
I looked at the stage.
Then back at my father, who was happily chatting with relatives.
WAIT…
My eyes widened.
Is… this… my wedding?
My heart almost jumped out.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
I stood frozen.
I came here for free food… not marriage!
I swallowed nervously.
No one told me anything! I didn't even prepare a speech! I didn't even prepare my face!
I touched my hair.
I didn't comb properly… I'm getting married like this?!
I looked at my father again.
He saw me staring and gave a thumbs-up.
THUMBS-UP?! THIS IS NOT A GAME!
The girl came and stood beside me.
My panic level increased immediately.
She's standing next to me… why is she standing next to me?
I stood stiff like a statue.
My hands didn't know where to go. Left? Right? Pocket? No pocket.
Calm down, Lee… just breathe… don't faint…
The priest started speaking, and the wedding continued.
People were smiling. Cameras were flashing.
It really is my wedding…
I slowly glanced at her from the corner of my eye, then quickly looked forward again.
This is happening too fast… my brain can't keep up…
The ceremony was almost over.
I was still trying to understand everything when the priest smiled and said, "Now… you may kiss the bride."
My brain stopped again.
What?
I turned slowly toward her.
They didn't tell me about this part…
People started clapping softly. Some relatives leaned forward, watching closely.
My heart started racing.
Lee, don't panic… it's just a kiss… just… a kiss…
I moved a little closer, very awkwardly.
She also looked nervous, her eyes lowering slightly.
Why is everyone watching? This is too much pressure…
I hesitated for a second… then leaned forward.
A quick, shy kiss.
The crowd clapped louder.
I stepped back immediately, face burning.
Okay… I'm definitely married now…
My face was still hot after the kiss.
People were clapping, smiling, and coming closer. Too many people. Too many eyes.
This is too much… I thought.
I slowly looked around… then my eyes found my father.
He was standing there, smiling proudly.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
Just wait…
I mouthed silently, "I will see you at home."
He pretended not to understand and looked away.
Oh no… you understand perfectly, I thought.
People kept coming to congratulate us. Someone shook my hand. Another uncle hugged me.
So many people… I can't even escape…
I forced a small smile while thinking,
Dad… we are going to have a long conversation at home.