Paul POV

"Aigoo, you look awful hyung!" Eun-woo teased.

"Likely an accurate reflection of how he feels too!" Nam-joon piled on, the two cracking up as I downed another bottle of water. "I can't believe how drunk you got last night, Ho-seok!"

"Seriously, I've never seen you drink so much and we've had our fair share of wild evenings."

"I know, I know." I sighed.

"Give him a break." Min-jun defended. "How many times has he dragged both of your drunk asses home, even cleaning up after you?"

Nam-joon grinned a guilty one as he nudged my arm. "We're just messin with him."

"Yes but, the fact simply still remains he looks terrible! Like a literal corpse!" Eun-woo continued, earning that boisterous laughter from my fellow groomsmen again.

I looked at my reflection in the vanity mirror before me, feeling so disappointed in myself.

Despite all I had done to revive my skin this morning, I looked like shit. My face was swollen from all the alcohol I drank last night, and my eyes were dark and puffy. The black tuxedo vest we were all wearing even felt suffocating, and I was burning up beneath the entire suit.

I didn't have the right to complain though. I earned this misery after behaving so selfishly.

"Idiot." I scolded myself, slouching back in the tall stool.

"Seriously, hyung. Take it easy." Min-jun encouraged. "I worked out with Min-seok this morning and he's in high spirits right now."

"Still, I'm so embarrassed." I groaned. "And look at me! I'm going to screw up all the pictures!"

"Not on my watch." Min-seok replied, startling all of us as he entered the room.

"Woah!" We enthused, and man did the groom look dashing.

He flaunted his bright smile, crossing his arms as he modeled his sharp chin and well define jawline along the finger gun he had created.

"You always rock a suit, but damn hyung!" Nam-joon praised. "You look amazing!"

"Thank you, thank you." Min-seok gleamed as a young woman followed closely behind him. "You guys look good too, though its no surprise one of you could use a little help."

I bit my lip as Min-seok took his place beside me.

"I brought the makeup artist with me. Her name is Jenny. She finished up with the girls early, so let her work her magic on you now. Yeah?"

I sighed. "I'm so sorry, hyung."

"Stop apologizing, already." He chuckled. "You're human and I can speak for all of us when I say, we understand the whirlwind of emotions you're feeling right now."

"Absolutely. We've all been there before, Ho-seok." Min-jun confirmed.

"Plus, how many times have you graciously lent us your shoulder?" Nam-joon asked, making Eun-woo scoff as he answered the question on my behalf.

"Way more than we've been able to for you, Ho-seok. That's for sure."

As the soft whirring of the diffuser filled the sudden silence, remorseful gazes appeared in each of their expressions now that they finally knew everything about Sam and just how hard those four years in Canada were for me.

"Ho-seok, we're brothers." Min-seok affirmed. "We're there for each other through the good and the bad. It's how we've survived our society all these years, and how we'll continue to. Even when we're in different countries, that doesn't change. Don't forget that. Okay?"

I nodded despite the guilt clouding my face and its reluctant smile. "Thank you."

Eyes crinkled and cheeks dimpled, Min-seok placed his hands on my shoulders.

"Now." He proceeded. "Sit back and let Jenny get to work. The wedding pictures really are at risk if she can't fix this. How can such a handsome guy suddenly look so gaunt?"

"Right?" Min-jun cackled. "Hyung, you look so bad I'm surprised your reflection hasn't looked away from you yet."

"It's probably ready to resign." Nam-joon added. "Jenny, we totally understand if you are too."

"Hey, look at it this way." Eun-woo grinned. "If his face isn't recoverable, we won't have to worry about birds interrupting the ceremony."

"Can we even call it a ceremony if there's no guests?" Min-seok asked. "His face might chase them away too!"

"Ya!" I yelled, the makeup artist even laughing with the boys. "You guys are going a bit too far now, no?"

"Consider this the scolding you seem so desperate to have this morning." Min-seok winked, finally earning a sincere smile from me as we all finished getting ready for the big day ahead.

The bride and groom could not have asked for better conditions.

The weather was perfect. The sky was clear and the sun was bright. It wasn't too hot either, and even the humidity was low compared to what we've usually experienced in Thailand.

The venue was also as stunning as I had seen in the pictures. The rooftop was now enhanced with the timeless all white wedding decorations Danny wanted and it offered 360-degree views of the Andaman Sea and Phuket Island.

80 white chairs occupied most of the rooftop's space, 40 placed on each side of the long white walkway that was lined with thick flower arrangements holding fully bloomed white roses.

At the end of the aisle was the simple yet creative alter. The bride chose a circular installation adorned in white florals and to the sides were two clear and sleek lecterns for Nam-joon and Amy to use as the wedding's MCs.

Everything contrasted perfectly with the turquoise water surrounding the peninsula Min-seok and Danny would wed on, and the pictures would even showcase its encompassing lush and tropical mountains.

"Hyung, you alright?" Min-jun asked Min-seok.

The anxious groom was pacing nonstop. All the guests had arrived and we were waiting for the bridesmaids and Danny's mother to join us in a private room of Baba Nest - the luxury bar associated with the rooftop the wedding attendees were currently seated on.

"I'm so nervous!" Min-seok admitted. "The wedding isn't even as big as yours was, Min-jun! We made sure to keep it intimate, yet I'm still so nervous. How did you do this?"

"We have a way easier job than the bride. I just imagined how scared Haneul was and made sure my presence gave her the confidence she needed to keep walking towards me."

Hearing our brother's wise advice, Min-seok took a deep breath before we were suddenly joined by the rest of the wedding party.

Danny even had her bridesmaids wear all white - the dress very minimalistic.

Each and everyone of the girls looked beautiful, though my eyes centered on the woman I found to be the most breathtaking.

The dress' draped sleeves beautifully accented Makayla's elegant collarbone and it showed off her long slim figure as well. The wedding gown had a fitted waist but also gracefully swept the floor. Its slit even elongated the smooth leg peeking beneath it, and her white painted toenails looked classy in the white high heel sandals all of the girls were wearing.

"Min-seok, sweetie you look so handsome!" Danny's mother chimed, the two holding hands. "You ready?"

"Of course. I'm nervous, but I'm excited. I can't wait to see her. I can't wait to marry her."

"Danny feels the same way. Brace yourself, though. She looks so beautiful, Min-seok."

It was hard not to smile, seeing the two. Min-seok always said Danny's mother had a similar affect on him as his own, and I could tell her presence alone was calming him down.

"Okay everyone, it's showtime!" Ara enthused as she stepped into the room. "The bride and her father are ready! So with that, Mom and groom, you lead the way first and we go in the order as rehearsed! Everyone, ready?"

The party cheered, all of us excited to celebrate the love between two of our dearest friends.

"Alright, lets get married!" Ara continued. "Pair up with your partner and I'll give each couple the queue to go down the aisle, one at a time."

When Makayla stepped beside me, I embraced the floral and earthy aroma of her perfume.

Her curly hair was styled half up/half down with two strands hanging long on each side of her face. Her side profile was ravishing, and she was showing just enough neck - though I wished the necklace I gifted her was still hanging from it. It would have been the perfect final touch.

"You look beautiful." I complimented her.

"Thank you." She replied, grabbing my bicep. "You look better than I was expecting."

My eyes squinted hearing her choice of words, but before I could ask any questions we heard the ceremony begin.

Soft instrumentals played from the rooftop as Makayla and I watched Danny's mother walk towards it. Min-seok soon followed after her, and the rest of the wedding party did the same couple by couple.

By time it was mine and Makayla's turn, I felt so nervous but I knew I needed to be confident for her. Makayla's grip on my arm was firm, and it tightened even more when we reached the top of the stairs and presented ourselves to Danny and Min-seok's guests.

All eyes and smiles were directed at Makayla and I while we walked down the long aisle.

The beautiful bliss surrounding the wedding was truly entrancing.

It was impossible for any negative thoughts to survive the infectious rays of the righteous sun, and the scent of the salty sea breeze was as refreshing and soothing as it felt too.

As a Korean, this was different for me. I had never been in a wedding to such a degree before, but also I had never seen so much diversity at one.

On one side was the bride's family and friends from America, all 40 spaces occupied by guests of various ethnicities and social standings.

On the other side was the groom's South Korean family and close-knit network, to include my vary own father.

He proudly and subtly waved at me as I guided Kayla down the walkway, though my attention was centered on the radiant groom standing at the alter.

Min-seok was glowing, further easing the tension in my shoulders as Makayla and I joined the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen in our respective places.

All that was left now - was the bride and her father.

The reverend called for everyone to stand before Danny's chosen song started playing, a single from one of her favorite dramas - Her Private Life.

"Of course she chose this song." Min-jun whispered.

"We all knew she was getting her k-drama wedding." I replied.

The boys and I quietly chuckled hearing the selection she wouldn't even allow us to rehearse to, yesterday. She wanted it to be a surprise, and my God did she deliver.

The Instrumental of Maybe by Lee Hae Ri played in the background as the bride presented herself beside her father.

She was as beautiful as her mother warned the groom, and the look on his face said it all.

Danny chose a strapless wedding dress. Its fitted sweetheart bodice stopped just above her tiny baby bump and its a-line silhouette allowed for the perfect flare as the long dress glided along the ground.

It's delicate tulle was laced with three-dimensional floral embroidery as well as pearl and crystal beading that were sewn throughout the gown's skirt, along its delicate ruffles.

Her makeup earth-toned and natural, Danny shined so brightly.

Those long brown curls of hers draped the entirety of her back and she looked as pure and angelic as her groom always described her to be.

Shyly looking to the ground, each of Danny's steps were paced by the slow ballad as her father escorted her.

She was so embarrassed, being the center of attention. But the moment her gaze locked with Min-seok's, you saw her muster up the courage to keep walking towards her groom. Just like Min-jun said would happen.

Min-seok on the other hand - Though he smiled to the bride, anyone who knew him could see how speechless he was. He was mesmerized by her beauty, and his eyes were even glistening by time she stepped in front of him.

"Min-seok." Her father said, placing Danny's hand in his. "I give you my daughter. Cherish her with everything you've got. Danny's my world. She's my everything and I'm handing her to you now, as the new leading man in her life."

"Thank you, Mr. Johnson." Min-seok accepted. "I promise, I'll protect your daughter and give her the love and life she deserves. Please don't worry, and rest assured she's safe with me."

As Danny's father took his place beside her mother in the bridal row, the couple looked to each other and simply smiled.

Their wedding party did the same, as this was a moment for all of us. It was finally time.

The couple that changed everything, educating all of us heirs about what true love looks like. They were finally getting married, even after the many obstacles they beat to stay together.

"Now, let us bow our heads in prayer and bless the bride and groom." The reverend requested. "Dear Lord, thank you for safely gathering us here today, to celebrate the love between these two young souls, Danny Johnson and Nam Min-seok."

I continued to feel so much warmth cover me, hearing the Christian's powerful blessing.

Min-seok was baptized about a year ago and while he converted to Christianity for Danny, he recently admitted he believed in the faith just as much as her now.

"In Jesus' name we pray, amen." The elder concluded. "May the MCs please take their place, and guide the rest of this ceremony?"

Amy and Eun-woo did as directed, and its safe to say all of the wedding party was curious to see how they'd go about making such a diverse group of attendees feel equally included.

"Hello! I'm Eun-woo, the groom's lifelong sunshine and chosen MC!" He exclaimed in Korean, even creating a huge arm heart over his head.

"Good afternoon and welcome! I'm Amy!" She greeted in English. "I'll be representing the bride as well as translating the words of the overly enthusiastic MC the groom has chosen!"

Like many in the audience, I instantly started laughing as Eun-woo squinted at Amy.

"Ya, are you mocking me?" He asked. "That was way more words than in the script."

"What do you take me for? Of course not." She lied, and the lighthearted banter continued between the two as they started facilitating the ceremony.

Each MC provided their perspective of the love that blossomed between our dear friends.

Eun-woo perfectly told our side of their love story, withholding bits the public shouldn't know.

He explained how the group of heirs hid our identities from Danny to confirm her sincerity, the lifelong friendship that came out of such a secret, and even parts of the scheme we planned when Min-seok thought he was meant to marry another woman.

Amy on the other hand was a new and interesting perspective for me.

"Imagine your best friend goes abroad and comes home months later as the girlfriend of South Korea's richest inheritor." She stated, Eun-woo translating based on their script. "Danny and I love some Korean dramas, but I could not believe these things happened in real life. I flew out to Korea and I got to see it with my own eyes, though. The love Min-seok has for her, and the acceptance his parents had shown so quickly - which can I also say never happens in the dramas?"

The audience laughed with Amy, despite the fact many of the Nam guests barely accepted this interracial marriage.

"All that to say." Amy continued. "Seeing their love in Korea was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life, and I think it's the same for everyone that's been able to see this beautiful couple up close. So now that you have heard mine and Eun-woo's thoughts, I think it's time to hear the bride and groom's. It's time to hear the couple's vows!"

The audience applauded, cheering for Danny and Min-seok as Amy prepared to translate.

"I'll speak in English, so my mother and father in-law can hear my promise." Min-seok started. "I've told you, our loved ones, and the rest of the world this many times. Danny, I love you and ever since the day we met - I've never looked at a woman the way I've always looked at you. I never saw what I see you in you, in anyone I've ever come across in my life.

"You weren't just beautiful to me. I wanted to know everything about you, at a glance. Then I got to know you, and I couldn't get enough of you. Your warmth, your wisdom, your sense of humor, your empathy. The way you never cared about my name and the wealth that came with it. The way you actually ran away from it.

"The way even now, you challenge me to the be the best version of myself. The way you never judge me, and the way you trust me and take my hand no matter how scared you are. You're not just the love of my life. You're my life partner, and I can't imagine a better woman to settle down with. I can't imagine a better woman to call my wife, and the mother of my children.

"I promise, to love and cherish you with my entire heart. I promise to give you a life that's not just comfortable. I promise, I'll give you the life you've always wanted for yourself. You'll be so much more than my wife, and our children's mother. To keep your intelligence to myself, would be a disservice to not just Nam Group - but the rest of the world.

"I promise to make your dreams come true too. All of the hard work you've done, which is the only reason I was blessed to meet you. I promise, it won't go in vain. I'll uplift you and support you as my wife, our children's mother, and the future Lady of Nam Group. That's my vow to you. From the bottom of my heart - I love you, Jagiya."

Overjoyed by his declaration and promise, Danny's lips quivered as the groom tenderly wiped away the lone tear that slipped past her eye.

"I'll speak in Korean, so my mother and farther in-law can hear my promise to you." Sniffling, the bride pulled herself together as best she could. "You give me way too much credit and I won't let the hardships I put you through go unnoticed, Naekkeo.

"I was terrified of trusting you and I was so scared of taking your hand. I pushed you away with everything I had, but you wouldn't let go and that's actually why we're here today. We're here as a testament to the amazing man you are. You're a man who's sincere, honest, and you are so true to your heart. You're loyal, and you deeply love the people around you.

"Somehow, I got lucky enough to be the person you've decided to love most in this world. My promise to you - I'll stop running away when I'm scared. I'll passionately and fiercely love you, too. I'll be the reliable and supportive wife a man like you deserves. I'll raise our kids with so much affection and still be your strongest ally as the future Lady of Nam Group.

"I won't just be the business partner you're encouraging me to be. I'll be you're rock, you're consistency, and the arms you can run into when being the group's successor gets hard. I'll be the home you can confide in. I'll be the happiness, that gives you the best memories. I'll be anything and everything you need, Min-seok. With all my heart and soul - I love you, and I'll always love you. I'll love you for the rest of my life, Naekkeo."

Seeing Min-seok's flushed face, my throat closed up as I resisted the urge to cry. Makayla was deeply touched as well, just like most of the wedding's attendees.

Tears welled up in her gentle gaze, Kayla's rosy cheeks rested high as she smiled at the couple.

"Wow." Eun-woo gaped as he did his best to compose himself. "I understand why vows are considered a must in traditional Western weddings, now."

"Beautiful, right?" Amy gleamed. "Now as a part Korean tradition, it's time for the bride and groom to greet the parents."

Min-seok guided Danny to her mother and father before they deeply bowed to the couple. Her mother had to brush away her tears hearing Min-seok further commit to their daughter, and his mother was just as moved by Danny's commitment as they bowed to his parents next.

"Father-In- Law, Mother-In-Law." Danny addressed them. "Thank you so much for accepting me and the love shared between your son and I. Thank you for believing in me and my ability to support Min-seok and the incredible legacy the Nam family has built for him and the precious future we're carrying. I'm lucky to call such an amazing man and woman like you my family now and I promise to make you proud. I love you both, so much."

Maintaining Korean expectation, Min-seok's mother and father remained seated and simply smiled to the bride despite the tears pouring down mama Nam's cheeks.

"Min-seok and Danny." Amy started, the two now facing each other at the alter. "Are you ready to make it official?"

"The time has finally come!" Eun-woo celebrated. "Hyung, congratulations! Without further ado, please kiss your gorgeous bride!"

Caressing the sides of Danny's face, Min-seok closed the gap between them for the kiss that shamelessly trailed into many more while everyone applauded their marriage.

"Okay, I think we get it! The marriage is official, official hyung!" Eun-woo teased. "Sheesh!"

When the joyful couple faced the audience, Makayla's mother placed a small broom in front of the couple. It looked dated, as if it had been passed down in the family.

Holding hands, Min-seok and Danny laughed as they hopped over the broom and earned an even bigger reaction from bride's family and friends.

The happiness was so contagious though. Even the conservative guests on the Nam side had to celebrate the unfamiliar custom, and us groomsmen where overjoyed seeing the smile on our brother's face.

"Congratulations, Min-seok! Hyung, you did it!" Nam-joon enthused.

"He really did do it." Min-jun chuckled, wiping away the tears on his cheek. "God, I'm so proud of him. He deserves this, so much."

I comforted Min-jun and patted his back as we watched the newlyweds walk down the aisle.

Guests were throwing white flower petals over their heads as they exited the ceremony, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen soon followed behind them - each pair's arms linked.

As the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the reception area, the wedding party gathered for the bride and groom's formal photoshoot. A variety of pictures had been taken throughout the day, to include candid images of Min-seok as he prepared for his wedding with us.

These pictures were more staged, but the shoot went by quickly as the photographer captured loving images of the bride and groom, the newlyweds with their families, and pictures of them with their dearest friends as well.

After that, the photographer was nice enough to capture images of each couple in the wedding party and I realized this would be the biggest regret I'd have by the end of the special day.

Seeing Makayla adamantly avoid eye contact with me, I struggled to find the courage to ask her to capture this moment with me and the window of opportunity closed so quickly.

Ara rounded up the wedding party with haste for our entrance at the reception.

The all white theme continued inside. The white cloth covered tables showcased tall wisteria as the centerpiece and the table numbers were even acrylic with white font. The elegant bar was white, as was the dishware and the 7-tier cake that was topped with a doll that looked like the bride - apparently this was a Puerto Rican wedding tradition.

Once the wedding party was settled at our assigned table, Min-seok and Danny had their grand entrance and shared their first dance before their fathers provided the reception's welcome speech, followed by a prayer from the reverend once the meal was served.

While the groomsmen and bridesmaids were seated to eat together, it was only a matter of time before the boys and I were pulled away from the girls to perform our duties as the successors of our families businesses.

"It's so good to see you, Ho-seok!" A leading Director of Nam Group Hospital enthused. "I have heard nothing but great things! How is Harvard treating you?"

"Very well." I forcefully beamed. "Thank you for asking."

"Do you plan on coming back to Korea after graduation?"

"Yes, sir. Of course."

"You should meet my daughter next time you're back home!" He continued, and this was the 4th matching request I had received in just 30 minutes "She's in her second year at SNU, but she'll be graduated by time you're done with law school in America. She's young, smart, and beautiful! It'd be a great match for our families!"

Before I could even respond, a Director within KD Group joined the discussion.

"Wait in line!" The man chortled. "With a face, name, and background like his - Don't you think many people have already approached him with same request today? He's in high demand!"

"Welp, there's a reason he's been deemed Korea's golden boy this year!"

I did my best to laugh with the grown men in front of me as my father stepped beside me, next.

"Are they giving you a hard time, son?" He joked.

"How can I complain when they're showering me in complements? I'm honored such fine men think so highly of me."

"You raised such an impressive young man, CEO Ahn Hyuk! You must be so proud."

"More than you'll ever know." My father praised, patting my back. "It fills me with so much joy, knowing I'll be leaving AHS in his hands at some point."

"Then why are you prolonging his arrangement?" A Director of IN Motors this time interjected. "A good CEO needs a proper woman to support him! You have no idea how much all of our wives are hounding us to get an introduction with Ahn Ho-seok. Help us out, and allow your son to meet our daughters when he's home."

I looked at my father, and by now he had realized I chose not to bring Sam as my plus one.

"He's young and focused." Father responded. "We'll decide on and announce an arrangement when the time is right. For now, he's preparing himself to become the best lawyer our great country has to offer. As you can imagine, that's not a small feat."

"Well said!" The men boasted.

"To be honest, it's such a relief seeing your boy." The KD Director stated. "Of course, I feel honored to have received an invitation to this wedding, but I can't believe what's happening."

"Likewise." The doctor agreed. "The young woman is impressive, but Nam Group bringing in a foreigner like her is concerning. Your son seems to be the only one with any sense out of the country's most pivotal inheritors, alongside Park Min-jun. I heard the IN Motors' successor is dating a bisexual woman, and our vary own Prime Minister has accepted an American who's so lowly - her own Korean parents abandoned her."

The men scoffed as I physically bit my tongue for the good of my father's reputation.

"Ho-seok is like me, extremely traditional." Father stated. "You don't need to worry about him. I can assure you, his match will only bring further harmony and joy to our society."

Maintaining a fixed smile, I nodded and continued to stomach this exhausting interaction. Just as I did throughout many others until I was finally saved by the next item on the schedule.

That item actually happened to be me and it was my turn to fulfill the assignment tasked to me by the groom.

Danny enjoyed my performance at Min-jun and Haneul's wedding so much, Min-seok asked me to do the same for him.

Seated on a stool in the center of the dance floor, I plucked and strummed the strings of my guitar as I performed It's Love by EXO's D.O.

At first I was nervous to cover such a challenging song, but it wasn't hard to do when I focused on its meaning and how much I could relate to Min-seok's selection.

It described how love can bring happiness, healing, and purpose in life. All of the things I got a taste of with Makayla. It took so much discipline not to look at her while I was singing, though I was unsure she'd even understand the confession if I serenaded her.

The song was a combination of Korean, English, and Spanish lyrics and as I sang the multi-lingual single, I expressed the way my heart fluttered for her and the loneliness I felt without her. How much I wanted to see her smile and what'd give to hold her, love her, and one day... Even grow old with her.

By time I finished the song, I was so engulfed in its message - I forgot I was performing until I heard the loud applause and cheering that surrounded me.

I did my best to maintain a smile, despite how sad I was feeling right now and the pain only grew when I watched Makayla step away from the table as I joined our party again.

"I swear if you weren't destined to be a lawyer, you could have been an idol!" Eun-woo said.

"I've always thought that!" His girlfriend chimed. "Do you remember how crazy the girls got in middle school when he'd practice in the music room?"

As the group continued to remanence around me, I watched Kayla mingle with her family from afar. Unlike me, she was sincerely happy right now. Her smile was bright, and everyone at the table she was seated at was hysterically laughing together with so much love and affection.

"It's night and day, right?" Min-jun said to me. I glanced at the Korean side of the wedding, and the difference was uncanny. It was like we were witnessing two different worlds. "I can see how Danny grew up to be so loving and warm, now. Is it the same with Makayla?"

"She's careful about who she shows it to, but yeah. This is probably the most comfortable I've ever seen her, though. It's refreshing to see."

Min-jun showed me a reassuring smile before Ara queued up his assignment, next.

He was the groomsman chosen to make a toast for the newlyweds, and Kayla was Danny's.

"Wow, I'm trying to find the words to keep up. Korean weddings don't usually last this long!" Min-jun joked, his words being translated. "This marriage, it's more special than anyone can imagine. The sacrifices made, and what these two overcame - I can attest what they have is unique and I'm so happy for you both. To love, prosperity, and the beautiful future growing in the bride's stomach. I love you, and I'm proud to be a part of your lives."

The room applauded Min-jun, Makayla nervously waiting her turn.

"If his translation is accurate, I might be screwed." Makayla started, the guests laughing with the anxious beauty. "I live in Boston so I wasn't able to witness Danny and Min-seok's love grow. But, I've been blessed to see where they are and how beautiful their relationship is.

"Their love has brought a light to my life that I hope to embrace with someone, one day. It's vibrant, sincere, warm, and a true reflection of the happiness everyone deserves to experience in their lifetime. Please raise your glass to these two beautiful people who deserve the love and compassion they've just promised each other, today. I love you both and like Park Min-jun, I am so incredibly happy to be a part of your journey. To Danny and Min-seok."

Concluding the toast, we all took a sip of the bubbly champagne as Ara moved things along.

Nam-joon's very important responsibility was next, following the sweet dance Danny shared with her father and Min-seok embraced with his mother.

The groomsman walked across the room and offered his hand to Amy's adoptive mother with the upmost respect. To no surprise, this shocked the Korean guests and my brothers and I were so delighted to see his father follow suit.

"Oh my God." Women seated beside us reacted. "I can't believe this. Our Prime Minister is dancing with a foreign orphan."

Eun-woo smirked. "Looks like it's my turn to upset some people."

We laughed with him, as he walked towards the table that our society considered the Korean outcasts of the wedding.

"Eomma." Eun-woo chimed, offering Ji-soo's mother his hand. "Will you do me the honor?"

As our maknae guided the up and coming business owner onto the dance floor, his father stepped up to dance with his son's very untraditional girlfriend.

Last but not least, Min-jun's evil birthmother glared as he danced with his loving in-law and his father swayed with Haneul to the latest ballad.

Unfortunately, I couldn't offer my wedding party partner someone to dance with but her father appeared and pulled her onto the floor despite how embarrassed she was.

That actually made me smile a genuine one, even though I felt really lonely right now.

"Ho-seok." A woman called for me. I shifted my attention and my eyes widened when I saw Makayla's mother had approached me. "Care to dance with me?"

"Oh, I um... I'm." I stuttered, making her laugh.

"Oh please. I beg you, don't embarrass this old woman in front of you. My family would never let me live this down."

I chuckled, her sense of humor just as Makayla described.

Though hesitant, I accepted her offer and followed her onto the dance floor.

The beautiful woman even took the lead, guiding my hands before we swayed to the music.

"See, it's not so bad?" She joked, her smile radiant and confident.

"No ma'am, of course not. It's just-..."

I paused, uncertain how much she knew about my relationship with her daughter.

"Kayla's upset with you, isn't she?" Her mother asked, and I shamefully nodded in response. "I won't force you to tell me what my daughter still hasn't. All I know is that you're the person who brought the loving Kayla I raised back to her father and I. She's been cold since she lost her friend, but ever since she met you - she's looked forward to life again.

"I also want to thank you for being there for her after the shooting. I nearly died when I couldn't get a hold of Makayla, and the relief you brought our entire family when you confirmed that she was safe and also that you would stay close to her during such a tragic time. It meant the world to us, and you'll always have a place in our family Ho-seok."

"I appreciate your gratitude and kind words, but I don't deserve them. You don't understand how much I've hurt your daughter, Mrs. Pearson."

"Maybe not, but I do know a good and sincere man when I see one. I've watched you this entire day. The love and loyalty you have for your friends, the care and respect you show your father and surrounding elders, the charm, obedience, and discipline I can tell you've been trained to exude ever since you were just a boy.

"I can even see the look in your eyes when you look at my daughter. You look sad, lonely, and heartbroken but you're doing it all today. You're putting on a big show, and I know that comes at a hefty price. So let me ask you, how are you doing Ho-seok?"

"Excuse me?" I panicked, my lips parted as she placed a reassuring smile on her face.

"I asked you, how you're doing. Are you okay?"

I stopped moving, our gazes connected as this woman stared into my soul.

"If answering the question is too hard, you don't have to. I've learned about the responsibilities that come with your name. You're still human though, Ho-seok. You're allowed to be confused. You're allowed to feel pain, just like you're allowed to feel happiness. I know there's a time and a place to express these feelings, but I want you to know that when you become part of my family - I'm happy to be that place for you, at any time. Just like you've been for my daughter."

Immensely touched, I couldn't find the words to respond. Not without the risk of embarrassing myself in front of this entire wedding, but most importantly the vary woman before me.

"Come here, sweetheart." She cooed, pulling me into her arms. "If you can't talk about it, let someone hold you instead."

Despite the audience surrounding us, I folded. I welcomed the hug and tightly embraced her. Fortunately, my back was facing the Korean side and as she comforted me I took advantage of the few seconds I had both to experience the sadness I was feeling and pull myself together.

By time our gazes met again, I knew my eyes we a little red but I didn't shed a tear. She didn't make me feel awkward or draw any attention to the state I was in either. Mrs. Pearson simply smiled at me, and gave me the strength I needed to get through the rest of the wedding.

"Thanks for the dance." She chimed, just as the DJ started the next song.

I laughed seeing her playful reaction when Cupid Shuffle started blaring through the speakers.

The song choice was impactful, especially when it comes to Danny's side of the party.

Mrs. Pearson quickly found her husband and the couple started dancing with Danny's father as his wife joined them on the dance floor too.

Makayla and her cousin were already coaching up the groom and as I looked around to each of my other brother boys, the intimidated looks on their faces were priceless.

A huge majority of Danny's guests stepped onto the floor to participate in the line dance, but the boys had no idea what to do. Similar to the other Korean guests here.

Danny's stunning and confident mother knew exactly what to do, though. She danced across the floor and pointed at Chairman Nam before she encouraged him to join her and his wife.

Despite the stern reputation he was known for, Min-seok's father stood up and even ditched his suit jacket before he did as requested.

"No way." Eun-woo gaped, our jaws dropped as the Chairman started dancing and mimicking the steps Danny's family were teaching him and Lady Nam.

We looked around in shock as the Chairman's influence did more than any of us ever could have imagined. Many of the Nam guests joined him, and the two sides of the wedding were finally starting to come together.

They boys and I joined the good time, laughing as we continued making incredible memories on this special day. Danny's side of the family got to see that like their line dances - us Koreans had some pretty impressive moves and catchy tunes too.

A good hour of partying happened before we watched Min-seok and Danny cut the cake and when it was time for the bride to throw her all white bouquet, Min-seok, Min-jun, and myself were in tears witnessing Ji-soo, Amy, and even Kayla go out of their way to dodge the toss.

"Did she really have to do that in front of my parents?" Nam-joon sighed.

"Here I was, wondering which of you would be next." Min-seok cackled.

"I guess we've got a couple of years until we find out, huh?" Min-jun added, his arm draped around Min-seok's shoulders.

"If all goes well, maybe not?" Eun-woo said, startling us. "I'm going to pop the question while we're vacationing in Thailand. I hope that's okay, Min-seok?"

We all gasped, Min-seok's smile probably the biggest.

"Are you kidding me? Of course, hyung! Congratulations!"

"No, don't congratulate me too soon." Eun-woo nervously chuckled. "As you just saw, Ji-soo isn't interested in marriage. I'm hoping that after experiencing all the love at this wedding, and what I have planned for her while in Thailand she'll be moved and more open to it."

"Of course she will." Min-jun encouraged. "You two have the longest history out of all of us, and stop being naive. You know better than anyone, Ji-soo always says and does the opposite of what she wants when it comes to you!"

"True." Nam-joon and I sang, earning a reassuring smile from our nervous friend.

"Let us know what we can do to help." I affirmed. "She's going to say yes brother. Don't worry."

We all continued to encourage Eun-woo, listening to his idea of a grand proposal when I noticed my father trying to get my attention.

I pardoned myself from the group and followed him to the outside patio, where it appeared he wanted to have a private discussion.

"I'm about to fly back to Korea, and I wanted to see you before I left." He started. "Did you have fun? I must admit, that was one hell of a party."

"Yeah, I'm not too surprised though. So many cultures came together, and Min-seok's always said Danny's family is a good time."

He nodded. "I saw your interaction with one of them. The lady you danced with. I heard she was the mother of the bridesmaid you were partnered with?"

"Yeah, she is. The bridesmaid is Danny's cousin."

"Well is everything okay?" He asked. "You're my son. Even though your back was facing me, I could tell you were upset. I wish you would have come to me, instead of a stranger though."

"I'm sorry." I apologized. "I lost control of my emotions for bit."

"Well what are you feeling? Talk to me."

"Lonely, father."

He dryly chuckled. "Well maybe you wouldn't have felt so lonely if you brought Samantha with you, today. I was surprised to see she wasn't here. What's that about?"

"Why would I bring her to such an important occasion, when I've still not accepted the arrangement?"

"Ho-seok-..."

"I don't want to marry her." I stated. "Father, I have never disobeyed you before. I have always done as told, no matter how miserable it makes me. I've always been a dutiful and filial son to you and mother. I've always stayed out of trouble. I've always made good grades. I've always gotten into the best schools, performed the best at my internships, and now I'm leading major cases at AHS Boston with Johnny.

"I've done everything to make you proud, even living in unfamiliar places to learn English and expand the reputation of our brand. I've sacrificed so much to support you and to be the son you've always expected of me. So why is none of that enough? Why can't you let me make a decision for my myself for once?"

"Son." He cooed, seeing me at my breaking point. I crumbled, and finally let the tears stream down my face. "You know what this marriage means for the group."

"The group? What about me?" I pleaded. "Don't I mean anything to you?"

"You mean everything to me, hence why the group is named after you."

"Then pay attention to my plea and take it seriously, father. I'm begging you for both my sake and yours. Even though I don't feel it right now, I want to believe you love me as much I love you. But the moment you force me to walk down an aisle with her, our relationship as father and son is over."

"How could you say that to me?"

"The same way you can look at me, and force me to marry a woman I don't love." I wept. "I'm not a father, but I can't imagine gaining anything in life at the expense of my child's happiness. There's no way anything like that, can be considered love."

His lips parted, my father sighed as he contemplated his next words.

"I was trying so hard to do everything but this Ho-seok." He stated, making me scrunch the skin between my eyebrows. "I know exactly who that bridesmaid is, what she means to you, and the fact that she's the reason you don't want to marry Samantha."

"Father." I gasped.

"It's because I love you, I cannot allow that relationship to happen. You're not like your friends, Ho-seok. Our wealth is new. You're the first generation to experience it the entirety of your life. That means it can be taken from us with one bad move or scandal.

"I can see you think you can live without our fortune, but you have no idea what it's like to be poor. What it's like to know exactly what's in your bank account. You couldn't even fathom the idea of eating one meal a day and that's if you're lucky.

"That was my upbringing, but I was fortunate to have brains and determination. Then I had the nerve to fall for your high-end mother while I was drowning in student loans and even brought you into this world. You also turned out to be my motivation. I clawed my way to the top to give you the life you're living today and I have every intention of making sure my grandchildren experience the same lifestyle you've been blessed with.

"You don't want to marry Samantha? Fine. But I promise you, I'll do everything to bring that girl down before I witness my son in a wedding like the one I just saw today. Have all the fun you want with that foreigner, I won't stop that. But you'll never walk down an aisle with her."

"Father, please." I begged. "She's so capable and way more decorated and established than any woman you could ever match me with! Just give her a chance! I promise you'll be so impressed with her. She's incredible! I'm begging you!"

"No, Ho-seok!" He roared. "We can end your engagement with Samantha if you want. But in return, I pick your next bride and she will be from our prestigious society. That's the only way this works. Understood?"

My head falling, I chose not to answer my father as I quietly cried between us instead.

"Enjoy yourself with your friends during the vacation, son." He gently encouraged. "I'll see you when you get home, next week. We'll talk more then."

Acknowledging my disappointment, my father caressed my shoulder and left me to weep on the patio while the celebration of Danny and Min-seok's marriage continued inside.

I was so distraught, I had to stay to myself for quite sometime. I couldn't stop crying though, and even if I did there was just no hiding the state I was in anymore.

I was depressed and so miserable. I couldn't understand how this was how my life turned out.

How could someone who apparently had everything, still have nothing?

"Hyung." Nam-joon called for me. I took a deep breath and wiped down my flushed face before I exposed it to him. "Do you need some more time?"

I shook my head, despite how badly I knew I looked. "Is the party over now?"

He nodded. "Danny and Min-seok just made their grand exit. Our ride to the vacation house is outside and waiting for us."

"Is she in the car? Is Makayla coming with us?" I hoped, and the apologetic look in his eyes answered my question before his words could.

"I'm sorry, Ho-seok."

"Don't be. It was dumb of me to even ask you that." I awkwardly chuckled. "She couldn't even take a picture with me, today. Why would she trap herself in a house with me for a week? Hell, today was probably the last time I'll ever see her again, huh?"

My brother was speechless, and could only watch as I walked past him and through the venue.

The reception hall had cleared out, but the guests were still lingering throughout the main lobby of the resort.

I had to be quick, given how red my stuffy nose was - just like the puffy eyes above them.

Nam-joon followed my pace, and we didn't bother sharing excessive goodbyes with the guests we were familiar with. We'd bow and briskly kept it moving until we joined our fiends in the limo that was waiting for us. However, I was surprised to see only my brothers once we climbed inside of it.

"Where are the girls?" I questioned.

"We set them up with another limo the moment you stepped outside with your father." Min-jun confirmed. "The house is 30 minutes away. Do what you need to before we get there, hyung."

Nibbling on my lip, I embarrassingly accepted my brothers' kind gesture.

As the tears poured down my face, I looked out the window while we silently headed towards the house that had become quite symbolic to Min-seok and Danny's relationship.

Those 30 minutes were barely enough time for me to pull myself together and I didn't want the girls to see the emotional mess I was.

When we arrived at the house, I had the staff escort me to my room pronto.

I took advantage of its large shower, and cried a bit more before I let the hot steam nurture my swollen face. I didn't want to be the one to ruin the evening, and the night was still so young.

While the bride and groom enjoyed their one-night honeymoon on a private property nearby, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were to have our own party and break in the vacation home the boys and I hadn't been to in years.

"It's just another evening." I said to myself, attempting to boost my confidence in the mirror.

I was dressed for comfort now, and though my eyes were still a little red I was much more presentable than before.

"You've been the single one all this time." I continued. "For Min-seok and the boys, you can handle a few days of this."

As I headed towards the main area of the house, I continued to pep myself up. Just as I did, while I walked down the stairs where I found the boys lined up side by side.

"Okay, I'm ready!" I chimed. "Min-jun, I hope you brought multiple bottles of the Ki One. It's been too long since I've enjoyed proper Korean whiskey."

"Hyung." Eun-woo gaped.

"What?" I asked, and like him all of the boys were looking right past me with wide eyes.

"Ho-seok, turn around." Nam-joon encourage, a smile even forming on his face.

Eyebrows drawn together, I did as told before a flutter of hope appeared in my stomach seeing the woman I thought I'd never lay eyes on again.

"Sorry, I'm late." Makayla said, wearing a shy smile. "Where should I get settled?

____

Author's Note: I know this was such a long chapter, but it was THE wedding!

How did you enjoy the update, and seeing so much love and the different cultures come together to celebrate Min-seok and Danny?

I am so pumped for the next few chapters! What do you think gave Makayla the courage to show up for the vacation, and do you think she's there for Ho-seok or the newlyweds? 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support!

- Zelene