Future Me and My Love

The wedding hall was buzzing. Golden chandeliers sparkled, flowers filled the air with a sweet scent, and guests arrived in fancy outfits. Everything looked perfect.

But Lee felt like she couldn't breathe.

She sat in the bridal suite, dressed in a white gown, her makeup flawless, her hair styled just right. But her chest felt heavy. The closer it got to the ceremony, the worse it got.

A knock on the door snapped her out of it.

"Come in," she said, her voice quieter than usual.

Dr. Kim, Muk, and Adhi walked in. Their faces were serious but full of concern.

"Wow," Muk whistled, looking her up and down. "If only you were marrying the right person, you'd be the happiest bride ever."

Lee rolled her eyes. "Not now, Muk."

"No, exactly now," Dr. Kim said, arms crossed. "You think we don't notice? You're not yourself today."

"I'm just nervous. Every bride gets nervous," Lee muttered, looking away.

"Yeah, no," Adhi said. "This isn't nerves. You're miserable."

Muk plopped onto the couch with a sigh. "If this is another 'I have no choice because of my mom' excuse, we're calling bullshit."

Lee clenched her jaw. "It's not just my mom. It's—"

"—Gen?" Dr. Kim finished, raising an eyebrow.

Lee froze. She hadn't let herself think about that name all day. About the woman she pushed away but never stopped thinking about.

Muk groaned. "Seriously? You expect us to believe you don't have feelings for her?"

"I don't," Lee said, too fast.

Adhi smirked. "Then why do you look like you're about to cry?"

Lee gripped her dress. "Even if I did—hypothetically—like her, it doesn't matter. I have responsibilities. I have to do what's right."

Dr. Kim scoffed. "And marrying someone you don't love is the right thing?"

"You don't understand. My mother—"

"Oh, come on," Muk cut in, rolling her eyes. "Your mom is strict, sure. But she loves you. If you stand up for yourself, she'll come around."

Lee shook her head. "You don't know that."

"But you do," Adhi said softly. "You're just scared to fight for what you actually want."

Silence.

Did she want to fight for Gen?

Yes.

Could she?

That was the real question.

Dr. Kim sat beside her. "Lee…what exactly are you scared of? Disappointing your mom? What people will think? That Gen won't take you back?"

Lee bit her lip. "All of it."

Muk smirked. "Well, I can tell you one thing for sure—Gen still wants you."

Lee's breath caught. "How do you know?"

Adhi chuckled. "Because we actually talk to her."

Lee's head snapped up. "You what?"

Muk grinned. "Oh, you really thought we'd just sit back and let you ruin your life?"

Dr. Kim nodded. "We met her a few days ago. She looked…lost. But when we mentioned you, she smiled. She tried to hide it, but it was obvious. She still loves you, Lee."

Lee's heart pounded.

Gen still loved her?

Dr. Kim leaned in. "So tell me—if you walk down that aisle today and marry Joon, will you be happy?"

Lee felt like she was drowning.

Would she be happy?

No.

Not without Gen.

Muk clapped her hands. "There it is. The realization. Finally."

Lee exhaled shakily. "It's not that simple."

Adhi grinned. "Actually, it is. You love Gen. Gen loves you. Go fix this."

Lee stared at her reflection. She looked like the perfect bride.

But not for this wedding.

She was meant for Gen.

Taking a deep breath, she stood up and ripped off the veil.

Dr. Kim, Muk, and Adhi exchanged knowing looks.

"About damn time," Muk muttered.

Lee turned to them, eyes burning with determination. "Help me get out of here."

Adhi grinned. "Now you're talking."

As Lee walked toward the door, she knew one thing—this was the right choice.