As I watched my friend emerge from the bedroom of the opulent suite at Haiku Gardens, tears welled in my eyes. The sight was breathtaking. Her white gown cascaded down her body like a delicate river of lace, and the purple sash around her waist added an almost ethereal grace.

Though I'd seen the dress when Poppy first tried it on, the finished masterpiece—now exquisitely tailored—left me utterly speechless.

"Poppy, I've never seen a more beautiful bride," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Jimin is a lucky man."

"She's right," Leilani agreed, gently swaying back and forth. "If I didn't have my two guys, I'd 100% be hitting on you... even though I'm not into girls."

"And how's our little Kealoha doing?" Michelle asked, peering over Leilani's shoulder to admire the sleeping infant. "How did his hearing check-up go?"

It was hard to believe Leilani and Woo's son was already three months old. Just two days after Valentine's Day, while Yoongi and I were on our way back to the marina, we received the joyful news of little Kealoha Jung's arrival. When we heard his name, Yoongi's face lit up with a smile, remarking that they had chosen the perfect one. He explained that Kealoha means 'the loved one,' and I couldn't have agreed more. This little boy was destined to be cherished—not only by his parents but by all of us in our circle.

Although Kealoha was born healthy, he failed his newborn hearing test. Follow-up appointments with a paediatric audiologist confirmed he had hearing loss, though the full extent was still unclear.

"The results of the otoacoustic emissions test came back the same as before. There hasn't been any improvement," Leilani said, her voice tinged with sadness as she shared the news. "This time, they tested his auditory brainstem response to see if his auditory neural pathway was functioning properly, but..." Her words trailed off, heavy with concern for her son's future.

As Michelle gently lifted the baby from his mother's arms, Poppy and I pulled Leilani into a tight embrace and held her close as she wept. Her heartache was palpable; words were unnecessary—her tears spoke for her.

"So what happens next?" Poppy asked softly once our friend's sobs had subsided.

Leilani's hands trembled as she took the tissue box from Michelle, her smile a fragile mix of gratitude and nervousness. "The audiologist and paediatrician both suggested that Woo and I consider early intervention," she began, her voice quivering slightly. "They believe cochlear implants could be incredibly beneficial for him."

After blowing her nose, she continued, "They also mentioned other possibilities, such as speech therapy and auditory training. But cochlear implants seem to hold the most promise."

As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears again. I could see she was imagining her son's future—a future where he could hear the world around him. "The doctors said the implants could help Kealoha develop spoken language skills and might even enable him to attend a mainstream school someday," she added, her voice thick with emotion.

"And how are you feeling about all of this?" I asked gently, mindful not to add to her stress.

"When we found out he didn't pass his hearing tests, I felt like I failed as his mother," Leilani admitted, her voice shaking. "I created him and carried him for nine months, yet I couldn't make him perfect."

The three of us immediately jumped in to reassure her, our words overlapping as we insisted she was an amazing mother.

Leilani raised her hands, signalling us to pause. "I understand that now. Despite his hearing issues, my little guy is healthy and happy. The thought that he might one day hear our voices, listen to his father's beautiful singing or even learn an instrument from Hongjoong made Woo and me determined. We want Kealoha to have the surgery and get the implants."

As the atmosphere in the room shifted from solemn reflection to hopeful anticipation, the four of us found ourselves drawn into a celebratory embrace. Michelle, still cradling the sleeping Kealoha, joined Poppy, Leilani, and me. The baby's soft, steady breaths as he slept reminded us how precious life is.

Leilani, her eyes were still wet but shone with renewed hope, nestled into the group hug. Her arm rested on Michelle's shoulder as she leaned in to kiss her son's tiny forehead. "I'm so grateful for all of you," she murmured, her voice full of emotion. "You've been my strength."

Michelle, her face glowing with a gentle smile, looked down at Kealoha. "We're all in this together," she said softly. "And we're here for you, Woo, and Kealoha, every step of the way."

"Ladies, it's almost time!" I squealed in a slight panic, pointing to the clock. In less than an hour, Poppy and Jimin would exchange their vows.

Michelle, always the master of lightening the mood, turned up the volume on the playlist she had carefully curated for the occasion. Upbeat tunes filled the suite, creating a lively backdrop for the next phase of our day.

Leilani glanced at the clock and groaned. "Ugh, there's barely enough time to fix my eyes and redo my makeup. I refuse to look like a crying mess in the wedding photos."

With a playful twinkle in my eye, I sashayed over to her and adopted a faux French accent, dramatically announcing, "Ah, you must be my next client, non? I hear you're a top-tier celebrity in desperate need of my exceptional makeup skills. Come, let me show you to my studio, Mon Cheri." I guided a bewildered Leilani towards the bathroom, casting a smile at Poppy and Michelle. Out of the four of us, I had the best makeup skills to transform my friend from a hot mess to a sexy mama in no time.

Once I had Leilani seated in front of the vanity, her earlier anxiety began to melt away.

"Let's get you looking flawless," I said, dropping the accent as I pulled out makeup wipes and started removing the smudged remnants of her makeup. The professional artistry from earlier was now a distant memory.

Watching me with a grateful smile, Leilani said, "Poppy deserves a day that reflects all the love and support we have for her."

"And you deserve to look like a million bucks," I replied, applying foundation with precision. "Remind your husband that he's married to a stunning, sexy woman who's also an incredible mother."

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸🖤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

"Ladies and gentlemen," Hongjoong's voice rang out with infectious excitement, filling the Haiku Gardens reception area. "It is my distinct honour to present, for the very first time, Mr and Mrs Park!"

A wave of anticipation rippled through the room as applause and cheers erupted. Jimin and Poppy, glowing with happiness, made their grand entrance as newlyweds. They walked hand in hand, their faces radiant with the pure joy of the moment. The sound of clinking glasses and joyful shouts filled the air, creating a crescendo of celebration that seemed to lift the very roof of the hall.

Like the other guests, I couldn't contain my excitement at seeing my friends, both glowing after tying the knot. I glanced towards Hongjoong, who was beaming with pride, microphone in hand. I recalled how proud and excited he'd been when asked by the couple to be their MC. To Joong, this wasn't just a duty; it was a heartfelt celebration of our friends' love and commitment.

Jimin and Poppy had thoughtfully included all of us in their special day, making each of us feel cherished and valued. Michelle, Leilani, and I were thrilled to serve as bridesmaids, while Yoongi, Seonghwa, and Mingi proudly stood with Jimin as his groomsmen. In a refreshing departure from tradition, Poppy and Jimin had chosen not to have a Maid of Honour or Best Man and opted instead to honour everyone equally.

Yeosang added a unique touch to the ceremony as the officiant; his presence brought warmth and grace to the occasion. Meanwhile, Yunho, San, Wooyoung, and Jongho each had a special role, though what exactly they were remained a mystery.

As Jimin and Poppy made their way around the reception room, greeting each table with warm smiles and heartfelt thanks, I couldn't help but admire how radiant they looked together. Their joy was infectious, spreading through the room like a soft, golden glow. Just as I saw Jimin laughing with a group of guests, my attention was gently pulled away.

Yoongi's arm draped casually over the back of my chair, his fingers brushing my skin in tender, lazy strokes. A shiver ran down my spine as he leaned in close and pressed a soft kiss onto the curve of my neck. His breath lingered there for a moment before he whispered, "You look so beautiful in that dress." His voice, low and full of affection, made my heart skip a beat.

Poppy had chosen strapless, floor-length gowns in a lavender shade to match her sash. The dresses, made from a textured, satin-like fabric with a subtle shimmer, had a fitted bodice that flowed into a gently draping skirt. The design flattered all of us—Michelle's and my curvier figures as well as Leilani's slender frame. Poppy had chosen perfectly for us; these dresses were timeless, elegant, and far from the typical bridesmaid dresses everyone dreads.

I turned to my boyfriend, closing the distance between us and gently pressing my lips to his. "Thank you, Baby," I whispered, accepting his compliment with a smile. "And you look so incredibly handsome in your suit. I caught Poppy's sister and some of the other women sneaking glances at you."

Yoongi chuckled softly. His hand slid from my shoulder to the back of my neck, pulling me closer until his breath brushed against my ear. "Let them look," he murmured. "They'll never have me. Every part of me belongs to you, Angel."

"Sorry to interrupt," Hongjoong's voice echoed across the room. "I've been asked to let you know dinner's about to be served. Please make your way to your tables."

Unlike most weddings where the bridal party sits in a long line, Poppy and Jimin had opted for a round table, just like all the others, with each couple seated together. Wooyoung and Yunho joined their spouses, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. The newlyweds made their way to the table, each looking slightly tired but incredibly happy.

"Doesn't my wife look stunning?" Jimin beamed; his smile so wide that his eyes turned into tiny crescents above his chubby cheeks. We all agreed in unison, praising how Poppy looked like an ethereal bride. "I can't believe we're married, Mouse. You're stuck with me now."

Poppy grinned. "Good, because I'm not getting rid of you, Cutie—stinky bed farts and all." Jimin's face flushed bright red as he stammered in protest, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

As the laughter subsided, my attention shifted to the menu in front of me. Still smiling, I picked it up, grateful for the brief distraction as I scanned through the options. I knew Wooyoung had worked closely with the couple to curate the choices, but I hadn't seen the final selection. It seemed Jimin and Poppy had chosen a Hawaiian-inspired menu, celebrating the fresh, vibrant flavours of spring.

"Which one are you hoping to get?" Michelle asked from the seat beside me, her eyes scanning the menu.

"They all sound so good!" I sighed dramatically, completely torn.

Yoongi leaned in with a smile. "Jimin said it's an alternate drop, so no need to worry. You can have some of mine, Angel. As long as you share yours, too."

I flashed a teasing grin. "No promises if I get the panna cotta. You know that's my kryptonite."

He chuckled, planting a quick kiss on my shoulder before whispering, "Oh, I know. That's why I've already decided to swap if you get the lava cake. You can thank me for my heroic generosity later, Babygirl."

⋆⁺₊⋆ 🖤 ⋆⁺₊⋆

"Dojoon! Great to see you, man," Yoongi said, standing up to pull him into a warm bear hug. "Angel, I want you to meet Jimin and Seonghwa's cousin, Park Dojoon. Dojoon, this is my gorgeous girlfriend, Bonnie Sinclair."

Dojoon smiled warmly, his charm unmistakable. "I've heard a lot about you from Hwa and Jiminie."

"All good things, I hope," I teased with a grin. "That song you sang as we walked down the aisle was beautiful. You've got an incredible voice! Yoongi mentioned you're in a famous Korean band?"

Dojoon's face lit up at the compliment as he bowed slightly. "Thank you so much! Yes, I am. My group's called The Rose. The other guys wanted to be here, but we didn't want to steal the spotlight from Jiminie and Poppy's big day."

The conversation was cut short when Hongjoong's voice rang out. "The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived! Jimin and Poppy, it's time for your first dance as husband and wife."

Our attention immediately shifted to the centre of the room, where Jimin and Poppy gracefully made their way to the dance floor, hands entwined and their smiles filled with love and anticipation. The crowd parted, offering them a perfect space beneath the soft glow of twinkling lights.

As they took their place, the room fell silent in expectation. Then, from the far corner, a gentle R&B melody began to fill the air. Yunho strummed the first chords on his guitar, and soon, the harmonising voices of Jongho, Yeosang, San, and Wooyoung followed, blending in perfect unison. The familiar lyrics of Lonestar's 'Amazed' drifted through the space. Even though it was different to the original, this new version still held the same warmth and emotion as the Country version.

Jimin pulled Poppy closer, their movements slow and effortless, as if the song had been written just for them. They swayed gently to the rhythm, lost in each other's gaze, while the heartfelt performance unfolded around them. Time seemed to stand still, with every word of the song echoing the love that filled the room.

"Bridal party, please join the newlyweds on the dance floor," Hongjoong announced, his smile evident in his voice.

Yoongi extended his hand towards me and I took it, feeling the warmth of his touch. He led me onto the dance floor, pulling me gently into his arms. His eyes never left mine as we swayed together. Softly, he began to sing the lyrics as though they were meant just for me, each word filled with tenderness:

"I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps gettin' better

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side

Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do

Baby, I'm amazed by you."

His voice was quiet yet full of emotion, making the moment feel even more intimate—as if the world had disappeared, leaving just the two of us in that perfect, timeless moment.

"I'm so in love with you too, Yoongi Min," I whispered just for him to hear. "And I want to spend the rest of my life with you as well."

Yoongi responded with a tender, lingering kiss that conveyed more than words ever could. As we danced, I couldn't help but feel a combination of uncertainty and hope about the future. I silently prayed to every deity I knew and crossed my fingers in the hope that Namjoon and Jungkook would soon bring closure to the case against Hoseok and Irene. The limbo we were in was wearing me down, and it wasn't fair to either of us to live like this any longer.