Archive of Our Own

Wise men say only fools rush in—but what’s the harm in rushing, if you’ve already found the one you want to spend your whole life with? 

Not just this life, but all of them. Because somehow, in every universe, in every version of forever, you know you’ll always find your way back to each other. The future may be something we dream of, but there is no time like the present. And in this moment—hand in hand, hearts aligned—life is simply more worth living with the people you love by your side.

[University: We’re Still Here]

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The café was warm, cozy, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, where the hum of soft conversations blended with the gentle notes of music playing in the background. Their usual booth sat by the window, the sun’s golden light spilling over the street outside. The soft cushion of the seats inviting, as the three of them settled in, the familiar scent of coffee and baked goods in the air. Across from them, Yujin sipped his iced drink, eyes gleaming with something like quiet amusement as he watched his friends fidget.

Ricky’s hand hovered just above his strawberry smoothie, the ice inside clinking faintly. He took a slow sip, his thoughts half-there, half somewhere else. The soft clink of his cup against the table barely registered before Yujin’s voice cut through the stillness.

"So," he paused slightly, preparing the others for what he was about to say next, "when did you tell your parents?"

Ricky froze mid-sip. The words hit him like a cold splash of water, his brain trying to process the simple question, but it felt like his thoughts had slammed into a wall. He blinked, eyes wide, looking up at Yujin as if he’d said something completely foreign.

“Wait, we never did that?” Ricky’s voice was small, laced with confusion.

The question hung there, settling heavy over the table. Gyuvin, who had been chatting with Gunwook, suddenly stopped, his words trailing off. Gunwook, lazily scrolling through his phone, blinked, then slowly pulled his attention to the others, eyes widening just enough to show that the weight of the question was finally sinking in.

The silence that followed stretched on, thick and uncomfortable. Three pairs of eyes met, then quickly broke, a silent exchange of panic and disbelief.

The moment hung in the air, and Ricky finally broke the silence, leaning back in his seat with a sigh. “I seriously can’t believe we forgot to tell them. We’ve been dating for months—no, a year! How did we even let this happen?”

Gyuvin rubbed his face with his hands, frustration evident. “It’s not like we forgot on purpose! How did we let it slip for so long?”

Gunwook leaned forward, eyes wide with mild panic. “Oh, my god. My mom is definitely going to flip out in the family group chat.”

Ricky put his cup down with a soft thud, his fingers running through his hair in a familiar gesture of frustration. “I don’t even know where to start. Like, what do we even say to them?”

Yujin, sitting across from them with his usual calm demeanor, took another sip of his iced drink. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched their panic unfold. “You guys are seriously overthinking this,” he said casually, leaning back in his seat. “I’ve been saying it for years—this was obvious. They’ve known. They’ve always known.”

Ricky shot him a look, eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. “What, you think they already figured it out?”

Yujin smirked. “Come on, guys. You think they haven’t noticed? You’ve been practically glued to each other since forever.” He paused, taking a slow sip from his drink as he casually observed. “I’m just saying, I’ve been right from the start. Number one boyfriend truther, right here.”

Gyuvin snorted, his earlier tension easing a little. “You’ve been so smug about it. It’s like you’ve been waiting for us to admit it.”

Gunwook, who had been pacing a bit in his seat, finally sighed, looking a little less tense. “Okay, okay. I guess you weren’t wrong. But still, telling them feels like a big deal.”

Yujin raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. “You’ve known them forever, right? Your parents are basically your second set of best friends. It’s not gonna be as big a deal as you think. Probably just a ‘finally’ moment and then it’s done.”

Ricky rubbed his face again, his voice half-exasperated. “I’m just worried about how it’s gonna go. What if they react badly? What if they think we’ve been hiding it from them?”

Yujin grinned, giving them a teasing look. “Trust me, it’ll be fine. They’re gonna be all like, ‘About time, idiots.’ And then they’ll probably be asking when the wedding is.”

Gunwook chuckled at that, but his shoulders finally relaxed. “Yeah, knowing my mom, she’ll be all over it in a second.”

Yujin gave them a proud look, raising his iced drink in a mock toast. “See? It’s not that hard. You guys are just making it worse in your heads. All you need to do is say it—nicely, of course—and then let them deal with their own reactions. You’ve got this.”

Ricky paused, then let out a sigh, looking at Gyuvin and Gunwook. “Maybe he’s right. It’s been overdue anyway.”

Gunwook grinned. “Well, I guess it’s now or never.”

Gyuvin gave a playful roll of his eyes, but his tension seemed to ease. “Alright, alright. Guess we’ll just tell them and get it over with.”

Yujin winked at them as he stood up. “Good luck, lovebirds. And don’t forget, I’m your number one fan.” He gave them a thumbs-up, his grin wide and teasing. “And I’ll be here when you need a shoulder to cry on afterward.”

Ricky, Gunwook, and Gyuvin shared a look—half nervous, half amused—and then, with one last glance at Yujin, they stood up together. The weight of the moment still hung over them, but somehow, with Yujin's calm reassurance, it didn’t feel as scary anymore.

As they stepped out into the sunlight, they could almost feel the relief of knowing that whatever came next, they'd face it together. And maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

They were at Ricky’s favorite restaurant, a place that struck the perfect balance between refined and relaxed. The soft glow of ambient lighting reflected off polished wood, and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The décor was elegant but understated—crisp white linens on the tables, artfully arranged flower vases, and wine glasses that caught the light just right. The menu was a curated selection of gourmet dishes, and tonight, Ricky was enjoying the restaurant’s famous steak paired with a glass of deep red wine. It was the kind of place where the food felt special, but the vibe was far from stuffy—just the right setting for something significant to happen.

At the table, Ricky, Gunwook, and Gyuvin sat, surrounded by their parents. This evening was supposed to be a turning point—a moment of truth. The words they’d rehearsed so many times in their heads were finally about to be spoken. After weeks of stressing, preparing, and getting their nerves under control, it was time. Ricky cleared his throat, trying to calm the fluttering in his chest. He stole a glance at Gunwook and Gyuvin, both of whom were just as nervous, their expressions a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

"Mom, Dad... we have something to tell you." Ricky’s voice was tight, his fingers fidgeting with the napkin in his lap.

Gyuvin nodded, his voice a little more confident. “All three of us.”

Gunwook, trying to keep his cool, added, “We love each other.”

“And we’re boyfriends,” Ricky finished.

The parents looked up from their meals, but none of them seemed particularly shocked. Mrs. Shen raised an eyebrow, barely breaking her gaze from her salad. “Oh, finally.”

Mr. Park, who had been poking at his steak, gave a casual smile. “Took you long enough.”

Mrs. Kim, scrolling through her phone, barely looked up as she said, “We literally knew before you did.”

The boys exchanged bewildered glances. “Wait, what?” they all said at once.

Mrs. Park laughed lightly. “You three were practically inseparable since kindergarten. It was pretty obvious.”

Mr. Shen, leaning back in his chair, casually sipped his drink. “Honestly, we were waiting for this announcement years ago.”

Mr. Kim raised an eyebrow. “We even made bets.”

The three of them froze. “Bets?” Ricky asked, his voice rising in disbelief.

Gunwook leaned toward his mom, whispering, “Mom, please tell me you didn’t bet against us.”

Mrs. Park raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “I’ll neither confirm nor deny,” she replied with a wink.

The boys let out a collective exhale, the tension dissolving into laughter as they realized they had been stressing for nothing.

“So, all this time, you knew?” Ricky asked, shaking his head, still in shock.

Mrs. Kim shrugged. “Of course we knew. You practically lived at each other’s houses.”

Mr. Park gave a nonchalant wave. “It wasn’t hard to figure out. You three were practically glued to each other.”

Ricky sighed, his shoulders relaxing. “Well, I guess we could’ve saved ourselves a lot of stress.”

Mr. Park raised his glass. “You think we’d let you keep it a secret for too long?”

Gyuvin smirked, his mood lightening. “So, who won the bet?”

At that moment, Mrs. Kim leaned back in her chair with a satisfied grin. “I won.”

The three of them widened their eyes in surprise. “Wait, you ?” they exclaimed in unison.

Mrs. Kim shrugged, enjoying the moment. “I figured you all would take forever. Guess I was right.”

Mrs. Park sighed, rolling her eyes. “Of course you did.”

The boys shook their heads, chuckling as the weight of the situation finally lifted.

———

As the conversation settled, the mood lightened, and everyone seemed to relax. But then, out of nowhere, Mrs. Kim suddenly sat up straighter, pulling out a notebook from her bag.

“Okay, so we were thinking spring,” she said, flipping open the pages with a grin.

The three boys froze, eyes wide, exchanging nervous glances. “Wait, what?” Ricky asked.

Mrs. Kim barely looked up, already scribbling notes. “We’ll need to start planning early. You know, get the right flowers, the perfect suit—”

Mr. Shen, not missing a beat, chimed in. “Or maybe a beach wedding? Since you guys love the ocean. It could be perfect.”

Mrs. Park, always the organizer, nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! We should book the venue soon.

The boys, completely overwhelmed, blurted in unison, “WE JUST STARTED DATING.”

But the parents didn’t even seem to notice their panic. Mr. Kim looked at Mr. Shen, already planning logistics. “Oh, and we need to figure out who’s doing the catering. We can’t have just any food, it has to be perfect.”

Mrs. Shen nodded. “Absolutely. And don’t forget the guest list. It’ll be a big one.”

Gunwook, who had been silently processing the absurdity of it all, finally broke in, voice a little tight. “Hold on, do we really have to decide this now? We just… we just started dating!”

His mom gave him a reassuring look, as though she were explaining something obvious. “Oh, sweetie, this is just the first step. You’ll figure the rest out later. We’ve been waiting for this moment for years. We’re just excited.”

The three boys were left in stunned silence, realizing that their parents had jumped straight from the reveal to full-on wedding planning.

The whole thing felt like déjà vu. They had thought their big reveal would be the hardest part, but now they were facing wedding details, guest lists, and catering. Yujin’s words echoed in their minds—he’d predicted this exact reaction from their parents. “ They’re gonna be all like, ‘About time, idiots.’ And then they’ll probably be asking when the wedding is.” he had said with that calm look.

And sure enough, here they were—being bombarded with wedding ideas before they’d even had the chance to process what just happened. The realization hit all at once: Yujin had been right. It had been inevitable.

———

As the dinner continued, the parents, clearly enjoying the moment, turned their attention to their kids, each with a mischievous glint in their eyes.

Mrs. Shen leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a smirk. “I always knew Gyuvin had a crush on Ricky. He used to follow him around everywhere.”

Mrs. Kim added, “And he’d get so jealous whenever Ricky paid attention to someone else. It was adorable, really.”

The three immediately ducked their heads, faces flushed with embarrassment. “Wait, what?” Ricky stammered, eyes wide.

Mr. Park chuckled, tapping his fingers on the table. “Oh, and let’s not forget about Gunwook. He literally declared at age seven that he was going to marry Ricky. Then he got mad when Gyuvin said the same thing.”

The three boys collectively groaned, all sinking lower in their seats to hide from their parents’ teasing. Gunwook buried his face in his hands. “I was a child, okay?”

Gyuvin muttered under his breath, “I regret everything.”

Ricky, his cheeks burning with embarrassment, couldn’t help but smile softly, his heart swelling from all the love. He paused for a moment, the warmth of the moment settling over him, before speaking in a quiet voice, almost a whisper. “I guess we’ve always been kind of obvious.”

Then, as if the teasing wasn’t enough, Mrs. Park turned to Mrs. Shen, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Remember when they had that fake ‘wedding’ in kindergarten?”

Mrs. Shen laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, yeah! They made little flower crowns and everything.”

Mr. Kim joined in, his voice full of nostalgic humor. “And Gunwook tried to say vows but forgot his lines and just hugged Ricky.”

Gunwook’s face was now completely hidden in his hands, his shoulders shaking with a groan. “Why do you remember this?!”

Mrs. Kim smiled sweetly, her voice warm with affection. “Sweetie, we remember everything .”

The three exchanged looks, utterly mortified but secretly touched by how long their families had been invested in their relationship. It was as if, all along, they had been in-laws in everything but name. The warmth of the moment made the boys feel both embarrassed and comforted, the years of subtle love and care from their families finally coming full circle.

After the whirlwind dinner, the three trudged back to their apartment, completely drained. They kicked off their shoes and collapsed onto the furniture, each in a different position of emotional wreckage.

Ricky, still processing everything, flopped face-down onto the couch with a dramatic groan. “That was so much worse than I expected.”

Gunwook, slumping into a chair, groaned as if his very soul had been exhausted. “Why did they have to bring up kindergarten? I can never show my face in public again.”

Gyuvin, always one to exaggerate, threw himself dramatically onto the floor, his arms flailing out to either side. “Our parents are a menace. They’ve known us too well for too long. I can’t even breathe right now.”

The three of them lay there in silence for a moment, each trying to shake off the shock of their families’ casual wedding planning and unrelenting teasing.

Ricky sighed, his voice muffled by the couch cushions. “It’s like they’re all in on some joke we missed.”

Gunwook, eyes half-lidded, couldn’t help but chuckle despite himself. “At least they’re invested, right? Though I’ll never live down that kindergarten wedding.”

Gyuvin lifted his head slightly from the floor, giving them both a half-smile. “Yeah, well, I’d rather have them overly invested than—I don’t know, completely uninterested?”

Ricky, still face down, muttered into the cushions, “You know what? Yujin was right —this was inevitable.”

Gunwook snorted, flopping back into the chair. “I hate it when he’s right.”

“Same,” Gyuvin mumbled from the floor, finally pulling himself up to sit. “But we’re never doing that again.”

The three of them sat in a comfortable silence, the weight of the night’s absurdity still lingering, but also lightened by the ridiculousness of it all. Their parents had taken a simple "announcement" and turned it into a full-blown event—and somehow, it felt like their relationship had gone from hidden to fully public in a matter of hours.

And yet, despite the emotional damage, they couldn't help but smile. This was their life now. The drama, the teasing, the over-the-top excitement from their families—it was all part of the package deal.

The next day, the three of them met up with their friends at their usual cafe. They were still trying to process the absurdity of the night before when, naturally, their friends would offer even more ridiculous comments.

Jiwoong wasted no time, his voice full of that all-knowing tone they all knew too well. “So,” he began, leaning back with a smug grin, “your parents already knew?”

The trio exchanged exhausted glances, already feeling the weight of the inevitable teasing. Gyuvin groaned and put his head in his hands. “Of course they knew. They practically raised us together. 

Hanbin shook his head in disbelief. “You guys really thought you were being subtle?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm. “You’ve been practically joined at the hip since forever. Who did you think you were fooling?”

The trio felt their cheeks burn as their friends snickered. Yujin, never one to miss a chance to tease them, looked up from his phone with an amused smirk.

“So, you’re all officially engaged now?” he asked casually, as though they had already had a long and serious conversation about it.

The trio froze, eyes widening at the suggestion. “WE ARE NOT—” they shouted in unison, almost shouting over one another to deny the claim.

Yujin, however, just shrugged nonchalantly. “You will be.” His voice was so confident that it made the trio pause for a second, questioning whether Yujin really knew something they didn’t.

Matthew, who had been watching all of this unfold with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, leaned forward eagerly. “So when’s the wedding?” His grin was wide, as if he was already imagining the event. The trio’s collective groan could probably be heard across the room.

Taerae, who had been sipping his drink quietly, suddenly perked up. “I call dibs on being the flower boy.” He grinned at them, clearly claiming his role with all the seriousness of a toddler.

Yujin, ever the show-off, shot back immediately, “Too late, that’s my job.” He looked absolutely delighted with himself, like he had won an important battle that no one else had even known they were fighting.

Hao, who had been quietly observing the situation, burst out laughing. “This is going to be amazing.” His infectious laughter had the others cracking smiles, even if they still couldn’t fully escape the absurdity of the situation.

But then, the trio looked at one another, and in a single, synchronized moment, they all realized that they would never, ever know peace again.

“Oh no...” They said together, their faces filled with both amusement and dread. They knew full well that every hangout, every conversation, and every group gathering from now on would somehow lead to more wedding jokes, more teasing, and the ever-present question of when the ceremony would take place.

[Graduation: The End is Just the Beginning]

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More than a year had passed since that chaotic moment in their lives, and here they were again—at the same venue, in the same space, yet with a feeling they couldn’t quite place. For the entirety of their university life, they had been in the crowd—cheering others on, feeling proud. Now, as they step further into this vast hall bathed in bright, glowing lights, a sense of achievement washes over them, a sense of satisfaction. They know this is a major milestone in life, but it’s all gratifying, yet terrifying.

Time has moved too quickly. One moment they were freshmen, navigating university with clueless eyes, and now they stand on the brink of closing this chapter, ready to open the next one—a chapter they choose for themselves, one fueled by passion. Because what is life if you don’t live it with passion?

Back then, this moment felt distant, something far off in the future.

The three of them were no longer on the sidelines. They were here, at the threshold of something new, standing at the cusp of an unfamiliar, yet inevitable future.

They had spent so long wondering how this moment would feel.

And when the day finally came, it wasn’t fear or doubt that filled them. It was relief. Excitement. A strange mix of nostalgia and longing—the feeling of something ending, and something else beginning.

They walked into the venue together, just as they always had. Side by side, the three of them stood, their names inching closer to being called.

It was real now.

"Kim Gyuvin."

Gyuvin let out a slow breath. Calm, of course—happy, but calm.

The moment he stepped forward, the crowd erupted.

"YEAH, THAT’S OUR GYUVIN!"

Their voices were deafening, laughter spilling between their cheers. It was overwhelming—almost humiliating—but as much as he wanted to roll his eyes, he couldn’t stop the warmth that spread through him.

He walked across the stage, took his diploma with practiced ease, and nodded at the camera like he had everything under control.

But as he turned back toward his seat, something inside him cracked.

This was real.

All the years, all the work, all the uncertainty and struggle—it had all led to this.

He sank into his seat, exhaling sharply, trying to keep it together.

Gunwook leaned over, nudging him just slightly.

"Dude, breathe."

"You did great, Gyuvin." Ricky patted his back.

Gyuvin let out a weak laugh.

"Park Gunwook."

Gunwook puffed out his chest, shaking his shoulders loose as though he had nothing to worry about.

But the moment he took a step forward, he felt his throat tighten.

The cheers were immediate, almost violent in their enthusiasm. His friends chanted his name, the sound so loud it rattled his ribs. He wanted to act unbothered, to take his diploma without a hitch, but he felt it the moment he stepped onto the stage.

The weight of it.

The finality of it.

His grip on the diploma tightened, his breathing just a little uneven.

By the time he made it back to his seat, Gyuvin was already grinning at him—also overwhelmed with too much emotion.

"Were you crying?"

Gunwook tried to keep his emotions in check.

"Obviously not."

“I’m proud of you, Gunwook,” Ricky said, his palms cupping Gunwook’s cheek.

"Shen Quanrui."

The cheers were deafening before Ricky even moved.

He stood with the poise of someone who should be studying modeling, not fine arts. He smoothed down his gown, tilting his chin up ever so slightly. His steps were measured, his expression unreadable—the very picture of composure.

But then, he heard them.

"RICKY-HYUNG!"

Yujin's voice rang out through the venue, sharp and unfiltered, before Matthew tackled him to shut him up.

Ricky let a smile slip onto his face.

He exhaled slowly as he accepted his diploma, his fingers curling around its edges, gripping it carefully—as if grounding himself.

He had always imagined himself unshaken at this moment. Untouched by sentiment, too refined to get caught up in emotion.

But when he turned back, when he met Gyuvin and Gunwook’s eyes—both of them sniffling, their hands tight around their own diplomas—something stirred in his chest.

Gyuvin and Gunwook didn’t say a word, simply reaching over to grab his wrist for a brief, quiet touch—a grounding connection.

Ricky didn’t pull away.

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur.

The speeches, the applause, the final moments of closure.

Before long, they would be outside, surrounded by family and friends, arms slung around each other as cameras clicked and recorded a day they would never get back. They would look back at the photos years from now, remembering how it felt—this moment, this turning point in their lives.

The moment they stepped out of the official ceremony area, their friends swarmed them, filling the air with a storm of voices, laughter, and light-hearted teasing.

Jiwoong was the first to reach them, his eyes scanning each of them with a look of quiet pride. He shook his head slightly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Look at you all,” he said, his voice filled with admiration. “I’m so proud of you.” The weight of his words hung in the air, a silent affirmation of all their hard work, and it made something warm stir in each of them, grounding them in the moment.

Yujin was next, his bright smile lighting up the space around them. Despite being the youngest, his pride was unmistakable. He looked at his friends, feeling as though he, too, had walked every step of their journey with them. "Hyungs, congrats!" he said, his voice soft but full of warmth, the words carrying a weight of admiration.

Hao, dramatic as ever, placed his hands on his hips and threw his head back with exaggerated emotion, fake-crying into the air. “They’re all grown up. My babies!” He had a knack for making even the most emotional moments lighthearted, but there was real affection behind his theatrics.

Taerae, Matthew, and Hanbin were right behind, each of them presenting a bouquet with an enormous grin on their face. The flowers were vibrant and colorful, a mirror of the pride they all felt. Their grins were wide, almost as if they’d done something monumental themselves, just by supporting their friends.

Ricky’s smile was more subdued, but it was no less genuine. His usual composure seemed to slip, as though the weight of the moment was catching up with him. Beside him, Gyuvin laughed, the sound light and airy despite the thickening emotions around them. Gunwook nudged Yujin playfully, teasing him in a way only they could, a sense of comfort and camaraderie that only years of friendship could bring.

They were still keeping it together—for now.

The excitement and joy of the moment were thick in the air, but an unspoken understanding hovered over them all: this was the calm before the storm. The finality of the ceremony had yet to settle fully, and though they were surrounded by celebration, something was quietly shifting beneath the surface.

What happened next was almost something they couldn’t handle.

Hao stepped forward first. He didn’t say a word—he didn’t need to. His arms wrapped around Ricky in a tight, enveloping hug, and for a split second—time seemed to stop.

Ricky barely had a chance to react. As Hao’s embrace enveloped him, the world around him seemed to melt away. The warmth and quiet understanding in the gesture overwhelmed him in the most unexpected way. It was as if the universe had finally given him permission to break, and he didn’t know how to hold it in anymore.

His breath stuttered, each inhale sharp and shallow. His fingers, unsteady, grasped Hao’s sleeve like a lifeline, a desperate attempt to anchor himself.

And then, without warning, Ricky crumbled.

Everything he had held inside for years, all the weight of expectations, struggles, and unspoken feelings, surged forward. His body shook violently, as though his very foundation was cracking apart. A quiet sob escaped him, muffled against Hao’s shoulder, his tears soaking into his friend’s shirt. The enormity of the moment—the finish line, the end of a journey, swept over him like a tidal wave, leaving him breathless and undone.

Before Gunwook or Gyuvin could even process what was happening, Jiwoong and Hanbin had already pulled them close, their presence offering a safe cocoon from the emotional chaos.

Jiwoong’s hand settled gently but firmly on Gunwook’s back, grounding him in the present. The touch was steady, unyielding—an anchor in the storm of emotions that swirled around them. “You did so well, Wook-ah,” Jiwoong said softly, his voice a quiet reassurance.

Gunwook’s breath hitched at the weight of Jiwoong’s words. For a fleeting moment, he thought he might stay composed, but then Jiwoong’s hand pressed a little more firmly against his back. That touch was a silent permission to let go.

A breathless laugh escaped Gunwook, quickly followed by a sob. His hands gripped Jiwoong’s jacket, pulling him closer, as if the fabric could hold him together. All the years of striving, of feeling both seen and unseen—everything came rushing out.

His body shook as if it had been holding back a flood for too long. The relief was painful, a bittersweet release of everything that had been kept inside.

Gyuvin, standing just behind, felt Hanbin’s steady presence at his side. Then Hanbin stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Gyuvin in a quiet, grounding embrace. One hand settled on his back, the other gently resting at his shoulder—a silent promise of support. His voice was low and comforting.

“We’re proud of you, Gyuvin,” he whispered.

And that small phrase broke something inside Gyuvin.

It wasn’t the words that broke him—it was the weight of everything he had endured, finally finding a way to escape.

Gyuvin’s breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest. He clutched at Hanbin’s shirt, pressing his forehead against his shoulder, overwhelmed by the release. He had tried so hard to hold it all together, but in that moment, it all unraveled.

His shoulders trembled as emotion overtook him. The weight of everything—every moment of doubt, every burst of hope—came rushing forward, each sob another piece of him coming undone in Hanbin’s arms.

The world around them disappeared. There was no more ceremony, no more cheers—just a quiet, sacred space where they could fall apart and be held together in their shared vulnerability.

It was raw. It was messy. But it was beautiful in its raw honesty.

[Adulting: It’s Never Easy]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺💙༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Adult life. It was exactly what they had expected: hard. But even with the expectations, they didn’t quite realize just how hard it would truly be.

When they had walked across that stage to receive their diplomas, it had felt like a triumphant end. But in reality, it had only been the beginning—the start of real challenges, new expectations, and paths that were far from easy.

Gunwook had always been captivated by history, which is why he became a historical anthropologist. There was something beautiful in learning about the past and connecting with it. He believed in ensuring the knowledge of past civilizations would be passed on to future generations. The past shaped the present, and thus, would always be an integral part of the future.

It was also what made their bond so unique. If they had not met in kindergarten, life would have been different—maybe their paths would have crossed eventually, but it wouldn’t have been the same. Gunwook often thought about how history, in its many forms, had shaped his life and relationships. It was a reminder that the moments they shared and the people they became were not random—they were meant to be.

But diving into the world of academic research and fieldwork had proven to be far more demanding than he had anticipated. Between traveling to remote archaeological sites, poring over ancient texts, and staying up late finishing reports, there were days when he wondered if he would ever find balance. The weight of responsibility—carrying the legacy of cultures past while shaping the future with his findings—was heavier than he had imagined.

Gyuvin, on the other hand, had always dreamed of working with athletes. With years of experience in various sports under his belt, he understood the mental and physical toll it took on them. He knew what athletes felt because he had been in their shoes since childhood.

But the world of sports psychology came with its own intense pressure—not just from athletes, but from the expectations placed on him as a professional. Managing the mental health of national-level athletes was no small task, and there were times when he questioned if he was truly making the impact he had hoped for. Each day felt like a tightrope walk between success and failure, and no amount of training could prepare him for the emotional toll of guiding others through their darkest moments.

Then there was Ricky, who had always known that art would be his world. The way he saw beauty in everything around him made it no surprise that he chose a path in the creative field. How could a person so immersed in beauty—art itself personified—create such wondrous pieces of art?

But the world of curating and painting was more competitive than he had imagined. Balancing his passion for creating art with the pressures of running exhibitions, dealing with collectors, and maintaining his own creative flow was exhausting. There were nights when he stayed up until dawn, questioning whether he was truly good enough to make it in such a high-stakes industry.

As they navigated their careers, the realities of adult life became clear: it was hard, relentless, and demanding. There was no clear path to success, no guaranteed sense of achievement. Yet, despite all the obstacles they faced, they found comfort in knowing they weren’t alone. They had each other—bound by years of shared experiences, laughter, struggles, and dreams.

Over time, they learned to adapt to the challenges. Though nothing came easily at first, they began to find their rhythm, adjusting to the work-life balance they had to carve out for themselves. As they settled into this new phase, they also took a step back to reflect on what truly mattered—prioritizing their own lives, each other, and the future they were steadily building together.

[Prosopal: Will You Be Forever With Me?]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺💙༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Ricky had planned everything. A private dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in the city, dimly lit with warm golden lights, a secluded table just for the three of them, a personalized menu featuring all of their favorites. It wasn’t unusual for Ricky to pull out all the stops—after all, he had a taste for luxury. The two didn’t even question it. But this night was special. Tonight, he was going to propose.

He had rehearsed what he was going to say over and over in his head. He had picked out the perfect rings, each one reflecting the others in a quiet, understated way, just like their relationship. All he needed was the perfect moment.

Everything was going well at first. Gunwook and Gyuvin were impressed by the setting, both teasing him for being dramatic, but Ricky had just laughed it off, heart pounding in his chest.

Then things started going downhill.

First, the appetizers took forever. Ricky kept subtly reaching into his pocket to feel the ring box, waiting for the right moment. But as soon as he thought about speaking up, their food was still nowhere to be found. He could tell Gyuvin was getting fidgety—he always got restless when he was hungry. Gunwook was slightly better, but he was starting to make dramatic sighs, slumping over the table.

“You think they forgot about us?” Gyuvin whispered, leaning in. “Should I ask?”

“No, just—” Ricky cut himself off, forcing a smile. “They’ll be here soon.”

By the time the food arrived, Gyuvin was practically inhaling his steak, and Gunwook was focused on his pasta like it was a life-or-death situation. Ricky had imagined the moment to be romantic, maybe even a little emotional, but instead, both of them were completely distracted, stuffing their faces without a second thought.

Then, the wine disaster happened.

Ricky had asked the waiter to bring out a special bottle, one that paired perfectly with their meal. It was supposed to set the mood, make the atmosphere even more perfect. Except…

Gunwook, in his excitement, reached for the bottle too quickly. He knocked over his glass, the red wine spilling all over the table—and right onto Ricky’s lap.

“Ah! Ricky, I’m so sorry—”

Ricky froze, feeling the cold liquid soak through his pants.

“Oh my god,” Gyuvin wheezed, trying (and failing) not to laugh. “It looks like you pissed yourself.”

Gunwook grabbed a napkin, dabbing frantically at Ricky’s lap, but it only made things worse. Ricky could only sit there, fists clenched, thinking about the ring box still hidden in his pocket—now dangerously close to getting drenched in wine.

“Well,” Ricky sighed, closing his eyes. “There goes the mood.”

Finally, there it was, the utter obliviousness.

Even after the chaos, Ricky tried to salvage the night. He waited for dessert, thinking this is it, this is my chance . He placed the ring box in his lap, ready to pull it out as soon as the perfect moment struck.

And then—

“Oh my god,” Gyuvin gasped, suddenly staring past Ricky with wide eyes. “That couple over there is proposing!”

Gunwook turned immediately, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Oh, wow, look at them. That’s so cute.”

Ricky, still holding the ring box under the table, just stared at them in disbelief.

“Man,” Gunwook sighed dreamily, resting his chin on his palm. “Imagine being proposed to like that. Must be so romantic.”

Ricky’s eye twitched.

Gyuvin hummed in agreement. “Yeah. I mean, if I were to propose, I’d make sure it’s the most memorable thing ever.”

Ricky gritted his teeth. “Oh?”

Gunwook nodded, grinning. “Yeah. Like, I’d want it to be something really meaningful, something that—”

‘They are literally describing their ideal proposals while I’m about to do it right now.’

Ricky quietly slipped the ring box back into his pocket.

The night ended with Gunwook and Gyuvin still gushing about the other couple’s proposal while Ricky sat there, sipping his wine (what was left of it, anyway), silently mourning his first failed attempt.

Maybe next time.

Gunwook thought he had the perfect idea.

A classic romance proposal—something heartfelt, dramatic, unforgettable. He had convinced them it was a good movie, hyping it up as the romance film of the year. The plan was simple: they’d sit through a beautifully crafted love story, get swept up in the emotions, and just as the male lead confessed his undying devotion, Gunwook would turn to them and make it real.

It should have worked.

The problem?

The movie was so bad.

Ten minutes in, Ricky was already shifting in his seat. Twenty minutes in, Gyuvin had his head in his hands. By the forty-minute mark, Gunwook could physically feel his plan slipping through his fingers.

"This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen," Ricky whispered, barely holding back laughter as the male lead delivered a particularly over-the-top monologue about how his love burned brighter than a thousand suns.

"No, no, keep watching," Gunwook said desperately, gripping the ring box inside his pocket. "He’s about to—"

And then, the female lead interrupted the confession by breaking into an off-key love song.

Loud. Off-key. Dramatic arm movements.

Gyuvin physically recoiled, mouth agape in silent horror. "No way."

"Oh my god," Ricky wheezed, sinking into his seat as tears welled in his eyes—not from emotion, but from sheer secondhand embarrassment. "Is this real?"

Gunwook was dying inside.

The scene was supposed to be beautiful. It was supposed to be the part where he gathered all his courage, turned to them, and said, ‘ I love you both. Will you marry me?’

Instead, he was gripping his ring box like a stress toy while Ricky tried (and failed) to stifle his laughter, and Gyuvin looked like he was actively considering his life choices.

Gyuvin groaned audibly. "I can’t do this. I’m leaving."

"No, you’re not," Ricky hissed, reaching out to yank him back down. "We have to suffer together."

Gunwook buried his face in his hands. This was a disaster.

By the time the credits rolled, none of them had any tears left—except for Ricky, who was wiping away stray ones from laughing too hard. Gyuvin was staring blankly at the screen like he had just survived a near-death experience.

Gunwook exhaled sharply. So much for a perfect proposal.

As they stepped out of the theater, Ricky stretched, still giggling. "That was so bad, it was almost impressive."

Gunwook sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "It was supposed to be romantic."

"Yeah, well, the only romance in there was between me and my will to live," Gyuvin deadpanned, making Ricky burst into laughter again.

Gunwook huffed but couldn’t help but grin when Ricky looped an arm around him. "Well, at least we all suffered together."

Gyuvin was already dragging them toward the nearest café. "Now, who wants to cleanse their brain with actual good food?"

Gunwook sighed but let himself be pulled along. His moment had been ruined, but at least, if nothing else, he’d learned one thing: never, ever trust online movie reviews again.

Gyuvin’s plan was foolproof.

As a sports psychologist, he knew the significance of mental and physical endurance, and this charity marathon was important—not just for fundraising, but for athletes pushing themselves beyond their limits. He had talked Ricky and Gunwook into signing up, framing it as a meaningful cause for the sports community.

But in reality? It was a setup—his perfect opportunity to propose.

They’d run together, support each other through the 10km, and cross the finish line hand-in-hand. The moment they did, Gyuvin would drop to one knee and ask them to spend forever together.

Except.

He had tragically overlooked one fatal flaw: They were all ridiculously competitive .

The moment the race started, Ricky took off like a bullet.

“Are you kidding me?” Gyuvin gaped, barely processing what just happened before Gunwook scoffed beside him.

“Oh, hell no,” Gunwook muttered—and then he was gone, too.

Gyuvin stood there, blinking. This was not part of the plan.

“Guys??” he called out, already running after them. “We were supposed to stay together!”

Ricky didn’t even glance back. “Then keep up!”

Gunwook smirked. “Yeah, Gyuvin. Show us what you got.”

Gyuvin groaned, momentarily debating whether love was worth this. But then Ricky turned to him—face glowing under the sun, smiling, teasing—and God, okay, yeah. It was worth it.

“Fine,” Gyuvin muttered. If they were going to ruin his romantic moment, he was at least going to win.

At first, Ricky and Gunwook laughed, not taking him seriously.

But then Gyuvin passed them.

Gunwook’s grin faltered. “Wait.”

Ricky’s brows furrowed. “Did he—”

“Oh, hell no.”

And just like that, the charity event turned into a full-blown war.

They pushed each other, sprinted like their lives depended on it, tried every underhanded tactic possible. At the 8km mark, Ricky pretended to slow down, only to speed past them the second they let their guard down. At the 9km mark, Gunwook fake-tripped to make Gyuvin stop.

Gyuvin didn’t fall for it, but Ricky did.

With a startled gasp, Ricky immediately slowed down, reaching out to steady Gunwook. “Are you okay?”

Gunwook, completely fine, burst into laughter. “You’re too sweet for your own good.”

Ricky blinked, realizing he’d been tricked. His concern turned into a glare. “You—” He huffed, shaking his head before lightly shoving Gunwook’s arm. “Unbelievable.”

Gunwook just grinned, breathless but fond. “But you still fell for it.”

Ricky rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched into a smile. “Because I love you, idiot.”

Gunwook’s grin softened, and for a second, he forgot all about the race.

By the time they hit the final stretch, all three of them were neck and neck, grinning like idiots.

And then—they crossed the finish line at the same time.

For a second, there was silence, all three of them panting, sweaty, exhausted.

And then—

Gunwook threw his arms up. “WE WON.”

Ricky shot him a glare. “That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Doesn’t matter. I won.”

Gyuvin, hands on his knees, tried to catch his breath. This was supposed to be a romantic proposal. Instead, he was fighting for his life in a 10km battle of egos.

Ricky turned to him, eyes twinkling. “You okay?”

Gyuvin let out a breathless laugh, still feeling the weight of the ring in his pocket. “…Yeah.”

Gunwook grinned. “Regretting loving us yet?”

Gyuvin sighed dramatically. “Every day.”

Ricky chuckled, leaning closer to kiss his cheek. “Liar.”

And just like that, Gyuvin forgot why he was ever frustrated.

He smiled, pressing a kiss to Ricky’s forehead before turning to Gunwook and doing the same. “Alright, alright. You guys are worth it, I guess.”

Gunwook nudged him. “Only guess?”

Gyuvin smirked. “Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

His fingers brushed over the ring box in his pocket, already planning his next move. Next time, he wouldn’t let them ruin it.

Gunwook thought he had finally curated the perfect plan this time.

A baking class—something cute, something fun, something completely unsuspecting. His plan? Simple. He’d slip the rings inside Ricky’s and Gyuvin’s cakes, and when they took their first bites, they’d find them. A grand, heart-fluttering moment, all wrapped up in the rich aroma of melted chocolate and freshly baked cake.

Flawless.

Except…

Gyuvin caught on immediately.

"Wait a second—" Gyuvin narrowed his eyes at Gunwook as they stood at their baking station, rolling out dough. "What are you up to?"

Gunwook stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"You’re acting weird." Gyuvin’s gaze flicked from Gunwook’s face to the cake batter, then to the way Gunwook’s hand twitched ever so slightly toward his pocket.

Then, realization struck.

"Oh my god."

Gunwook’s heart nearly stopped. "What?"

"You have rings."

Silence.

Gunwook didn’t confirm it, but he didn’t need to. The way he froze—eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights—was more than enough for Gyuvin to piece it together.

And then Gyuvin froze.

Because Gunwook wasn’t the only one prepared with rings.

Gyuvin swallowed, his mind racing. Wait. Does this mean I shouldn’t propose yet? Should I let him go first? Or…

Gunwook, meanwhile, had already reached the same realization.

They stared at each other, wide-eyed, flour dusting their faces, hands motionless mid-bake—like two thieves caught red-handed.

Ricky, completely unaware of what happened, looked between them. "Are you guys okay? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Gunwook and Gyuvin exchanged a look.

"We’re fine," they both said in unison.

Too quickly. Too suspiciously.

Ricky raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. And I’m a world-class pastry chef who loves strawberry tarts made by his grandma. And I was also once enrolled at St. Marie Academy."

Gyuvin forced a grin. "No, seriously, we’re good. Just… soaking in the moment!"

Gunwook nodded. "Yeah. Just, um. Thinking about how nice this class is."

Ricky didn’t look convinced, but he shrugged, turning back to the bowl of ingredients. "Okay, you’re being weird."

The second he looked away, Gunwook and Gyuvin turned back to each other, their silent crisis far from over.

New plan.

If they were going to do this, they had to work together.

If they were going to propose, it had to be perfect.

And this—flour-covered faces, half-baked cakes, and a very, very suspicious Ricky—was not the moment.

So, for now… the rings stayed hidden.

———

Finally, when their cakes were done, Ricky and Gyuvin took their first bites of the cake Gunwook had made. He’d chosen the flavor, after all.

Ricky hummed in delight. "Wait… is that strawberries?"

Gyuvin, tasting his own slice, gasped. "And mangoes?"

Their eyes snapped to Gunwook.

Gunwook groaned, already regretting how obvious this was. "Okay, don’t make it a such a big thing—"

"You made chocolate cake," Ricky pointed out.

"And you put fruits in it," Gyuvin added.

Gunwook crossed his arms, cheeks heating up. "So? Everything’s better with chocolate."

Gyuvin and Ricky just grinned at him, teasing lovingly.

"Aren’t you just the sweetest, our Gunwookie?" Ricky teased.

Gyuvin shot him a playful look. "You really love us that much?"

Gunwook, despite the heat rising in his face, smiled softly. It didn’t matter if the proposal was still on hold for now. This moment was enough.

Gunwook was sprawled across the couch, one arm draped over his eyes, the other resting on his stomach. His phone sat forgotten beside him, screen dark. Across the room, Gyuvin was perched backward on a chair, arms folded over the backrest, knee bouncing restlessly. The velvet box in his pocket felt like it weighed a thousand tons.

“This is stupid,” Gyuvin muttered.

Gunwook let out a long-suffering sigh. “Told you that an hour ago.”

“No, like, actually stupid. We’ve known him since we were five. He’s been ours. Why is proposing suddenly terrifying?”

Gunwook sighed again, heavier this time. “Because it’s different.”

Gyuvin squinted at him. “How so?”

Gunwook finally lifted his arm, staring at the ceiling. “It’s not just us knowing we belong together. It’s putting a name to it. A promise.” He hesitated. “And what if…”

Gyuvin sat up. “What if what?”

Gunwook pressed his lips together. “What if he’s not ready?”

Gyuvin let out a sharp laugh. “Ricky? The same Ricky who used to make us hold his hands before crossing the street, even in high school? The one who gets grumpy if we so much as roll away from him in bed? The Ricky who’s probably also freaking out about this right now?” He scoffed. “Yeah, I’m real scared he’s not ready.”

Gunwook groaned. “You don’t get it.”

Gyuvin rolled his eyes. “No, I do get it. I get it because I’m scared too.”

Gunwook turned his head to look at him, frowning slightly.

Gyuvin sighed, resting his chin on his arms. “It’s not like anything will change. But it’s also like… everything will.”

Gunwook nodded slowly. That was exactly it.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of it all settling between them.

Then Gyuvin exhaled sharply. “Okay, we need a plan.”

Gunwook groaned. “Oh god, not a plan.”

Gyuvin ignored him. “We’ll do it at the exhibit. Ricky will already be emotional because it’s his art, and you know he looks the prettiest when he’s proud of something.”

Gunwook huffed a quiet laugh. “True.”

“See? Good plan.”

Gunwook sat up. “Okay. So how are we doing it? Who goes first?”

Silence.

They just stared at each other.

Gunwook narrowed his eyes. “You.”

Gyuvin pointed at himself. “Why me?”

“You always blurt out whatever comes to mind.”

Gyuvin scoffed. “Yeah, but you’re the sentimental one! You cry at movies. You should go first.”

Gunwook crossed his arms. “First of all, why point that out? Second, I don’t want to mess it up.”

“You won’t mess it up,” Gyuvin said, rolling his eyes. “It’s Ricky. Even if we just shoved the rings at him and mumbled something incoherent, he’d still say yes.”

Gunwook snorted. "Yeah, and then he'd never let us live it down for making it unromantic for the rest of our lives."

Gyuvin groaned. “Okay, okay. Here’s what we do—we wait for the right moment. When it’s just us.” He gestured vaguely. “Then we just… do it.”

Gunwook raised an eyebrow. “That’s your plan?”

“Yes.”

“That’s not a plan. That’s ‘wing it and hope for the best.’”

“Exactly.”

 “You’re impossible.” Gunwook buried his face in his hands and sighed, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket and flicking it open slightly. The ring inside glinted under the apartment lights.

Gyuvin mirrored him, holding up his own box.

Two rings. One future.

Gyuvin swallowed. “We’re really doing this, huh?”

Gunwook exhaled, looking from the rings back to Gyuvin.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “We are.”

And just like that, the chaos of their plan—or complete lack thereof—was set in motion.

Little did they know, Ricky was sitting in his own room, staring at a velvet box of his own, overthinking the exact same thing.

The night of Ricky’s art exhibit arrived, and it was everything Ricky had dreamed of. The soft glow of the gallery lights highlighted the carefully curated pieces, each telling a story of his journey, his emotions, and the quiet beauty of his world. Guests milled around, admiring his work, and yet, for Ricky, the most important people weren’t the ones admiring his art—they were the ones standing quietly behind him, watching from the sidelines.

Gunwook and Gyuvin were there, of course. But something was different. They were acting a little... odd . Ricky couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he noticed the way their eyes would meet across the room, the slight tension in their stances. It was as if they were waiting for something—but Ricky couldn’t figure out what.

And Ricky, always the overthinker himself, was more preoccupied with his own feelings than anything else. He had his ring—slipped quietly into his pocket, away from prying eyes. As the night wore on, he found himself both excited and terrified. What if they weren’t ready for this? What if they didn’t want the same thing? His heart raced at the thought.

Amidst all of this, Ricky’s friends were there, happily chatting and congratulating him on the exhibit, but none of them could have known about the secret tension building between Gunwook, Gyuvin, and Ricky. The chaos was slowly building up, the pressure mounting, but none of them could bring themselves to take that step. They were so terrified of stepping on each other’s toes, they couldn’t even bring themselves to ask about the possibility of proposals, let alone plan one.

And then, during a quiet moment of the night, when most of the guests had wandered outside for a brief break, Yujin stormed into the back room where Gunwook, Gyuvin, and Ricky had gathered for a moment of peace.

How did Yujin get here, you ask? Well, it’s simple. The three of them had been texting him—individually, ranting about how they couldn’t figure out how to propose. They all claimed that they just knew their child would be able to figure it out before they could. Yujin had listened to all their ridiculous doubts, their overthinking, their plans, and he was done .

“You’re all ridiculous!” he snapped, his voice cutting through the quiet air like a blade. Without warning, he grabbed each of them by the wrist and dragged them into the center of the room, shaking his head in disbelief. “You all have been talking about this for months, and none of you have actually done anything! You’ve all got rings, right? Stop overthinking and just do it!”

The three of them froze. Ricky’s heart skipped a beat. He was caught. Yujin, it seemed, had figured everything out, and now the pressure was real.

Without a word, each of them reached into their pockets, pulling out their rings in sync. The shock in Ricky’s eyes mirrored the disbelief in Gunwook and Gyuvin’s faces. And then the silence filled the room. They all just stared at each other.

The tension was electric, but before any of them could process what was happening, the moment exploded into a mix of laughter and tears.

Gunwook’s voice cracked as he managed to speak, his hands trembling as he looked from one of them to the other. “Are you serious?” he asked, as though he couldn’t believe this was happening.

Gyuvin, his face flushed and streaked with tears, wiped his eyes before letting out a nervous laugh. “We’re so stupid. I can’t believe we’ve been this ridiculous!” The absurdity of it all finally hit him, and he laughed through his tears.

And then Ricky, standing still, barely able to speak, finally let out a quiet, fragile sound. “You both... wanted to marry me too?” His voice was barely above a whisper, overwhelmed by emotion.

Gunwook’s laugh came out shaky. “We talked about it. Even before—when we were at university.” His voice softened, his smile still fragile but sincere.

Gyuvin, nodding through his own tears, added, “Yeah, and we both just kept waiting for the other to do it first.”

Ricky blinked, his chest tight with emotion. “I-I thought I was the only one thinking about this.”

They couldn’t stop crying. They couldn’t stop laughing. All the pressure, all the doubts—they just melted away. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted from their shoulders.

Without words, without rehearsed speeches, they just stood there, completely caught in the moment. No kneelingJust three people in love, crying, laughing, and holding onto each other for dear life.

And then, in the middle of the mess, right there, in the quiet back room of Ricky’s art exhibit, they all slipped rings onto each other’s fingers. No grand gesture. Just the pure, simple truth—they were meant to be together, and nothing else mattered.

Tears continued to fall, mingling with laughter, as they pulled each other into the tightest, most chaotic, beautiful hug they could muster.

"I love you both" Gunwook whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"We're just fools" Gyuvin managed through his tears, still laughing.

Ricky smiled, wiping his eyes as he pulled them both closer. "Yeah, but we always are."

Gunwook kissed Ricky first, a soft press of lips that lingered just long enough for them to feel the quiet promise of forever. It wasn’t grand or planned. It was just them—comfortable, and yet, it felt new. There was something in it, a weightless understanding.

Then Gyuvin’s kiss followed, gentler this time but just as full of meaning. His lips met Ricky’s with the kind of tenderness that said everything words couldn’t. It wasn’t about declarations—it was simply about being here, right now, with no more doubt.

When they all found themselves together again, lips meeting once more, it wasn’t about the need to say anything. 

Pulling away, there was nothing left to say. In that moment, they all knew—that this was the most perfect mess they could ever have dreamed of.

As the exhibit carried on, the three of them quietly returned to the public eye, but they carried the secret of that moment in their hearts. Ricky didn’t need to announce anything to the world. He didn’t need the grand proposal. He didn’t need anyone’s approval. All he needed was this chaotic, perfect love that only they understood.

[The Squad: Looking Through the Lens of Others]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺💙༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

If there was one thing their friend group had learned over the years, it was this: Ricky, Gunwook, and Gyuvin were stupidly in love with each other. The kind of love that was so obvious that it made everyone else want to roll their eyes—and yet, somehow, those three were also the last to figure things out.

So when Jiwoong, Hanbin, Hao, Matthew, Taerae, and Yujin started noticing the weird energy between the trio at Ricky’s exhibit, they knew something was up.

Gunwook and Gyuvin were acting suspicious as hell, sneaking glances at each other across the room like they were planning a heist, while Ricky kept nervously touching his pocket like he was hiding contrabands or something.

It didn’t take a genius to figure out that whatever was happening had to do with them and, more importantly, with Ricky.

Hanbin was the first to say it, crossing his arms as he observed the disaster unfolding before him. “This is a mess.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Jiwoong deadpanned.

“I give it an hour before someone cracks,” Matthew added.

Hao sighed, rubbing his temples. “How did none of them think to coordinate?”

“They did coordinate,” Taerae pointed out. “Just… separately. ”

Yujin, sitting beside them with his arms crossed, exhaled sharply. “I cannot believe I’m their child in the makeshift family dynamic.”

“Poor you,” Jiwoong muttered, patting him on the back.

Yujin rolled his eyes. “They’ve all been texting me about this, by the way.”

“Wait, what?” Hao turned to him.

Yujin pulled out his phone, scrolling through an endless flood of messages. “Look at this.” He gestured to the screen.

Gunwook 🍫: I think I’m gonna propose tonight. But what if I ruin everything?
Gyuvin 🥭: Can you give me ideas on how to propose? Please help me Yujin…
Ricky 🍓: Do you think they would both say yes if I proposed? What if they don’t want to get married yet?

Taerae let out a wheeze. “They’re literally proposing at each other and don’t even realize it.”

“This is so dumb,” Jiwoong muttered, shaking his head.

“Okay,” Yujin said, cracking his knuckles. “I’m handling this.”

Yujin’s patience had officially run out. He had obviously supported them from the beginning but he cannot handle how foolish the three were being. They were too stupidly in love to even talk to each other.

So he did what any reasonable person would do—he stormed into the back room, grabbed each of them by the wrist, and dragged them out.

“You’re all ridiculous!” Yujin snapped, cutting straight to the point.

Ricky, Gunwook, and Gyuvin froze like deer in headlights.

Yujin pointed at them, eyes blazing. “You have all been talking about this for months, and none of you have done anything! You all have rings, don’t you?”

More silence.

Then, hesitantly—feeling guilty—each of them reached into their pockets and pulled out their own set of rings.

The friend group, watching from their hiding spots, lost it.

"OH MY GOD," Jiwoong exclaimed softly.

“They all brought rings?!” Hanbin hissed.

“Each of them has a pair.” Hao pointed out, eyes wide.

Matthew had to physically clamp a hand over his own mouth to keep from laughing.

Meanwhile, back in the center of the room, the trio was staring at each other in stunned silence, completely oblivious to their audience.

Then, finally, Gyuvin sniffled. “We’re so stupid.”

Gunwook let out a choked laugh. “I cannot believe this.”

Ricky, still frozen, whispered, “You both… wanted to marry me too?”

From their hiding spot, Taerae muttered, “I am about to cry.”

Hao sniffed. “Shut up.”

Jiwoong wiped at his eyes. “Not a word.”

As Ricky, Gyuvin, and Gunwook slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers, their laughter and quiet tears blending into one, the friend group watched, huddled together like proud parents at a kindergarten recital.

“Okay, but technically, who proposed first?” Matthew asked.

“They all just kind of… realized at the same time,” Hanbin whispered back.

Hao chuckled. “Of course they did.”

Jiwoong crossed his arms, smirking. “As long as it happened, that’s what matters.”

They all nodded in agreement.

And when Ricky, Gyuvin, and Gunwook leaned in to kiss at the same time, their smiles breaking through their tears, the friend group, hidden in the shadows, silently cheered.

Mission accomplished.

Now, they just had to figure out how to get through the wedding without all three of them accidentally proposing again.

[Wedding Planning: City of Stars]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺💙༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

The whole fiasco with the proposal had finally ended, but the end of one chaotic moment only signaled the start of another.

It began with the venue. Or, more accurately, the complete inability to decide on one.

Gunwook suggested that they should at least consider their parents’ advice, even if it was from years ago. “They mentioned the beach.”

Gyuvin perked up. “Oh! That could be romantic—sunset, waves, sand—”

Ricky shot him a flat look. “And what if it rains?”

Gyuvin hesitated. “Well… then it rains.”

Ricky’s unimpressed stare was enough to shut that conversation down. Gyuvin immediately knew he’d lost this argument.

Gunwook tried again. “Okay, what about a garden? Full of flowers, especially roses, kind of ethereal—”

“Again. What if it rains?”

Gyuvin let out an exasperated sigh, leaning into Ricky’s side with a dramatic pout. “You really don’t like getting wet, huh, our sweet kitty?”

Ricky, who normally tolerated their teasing with a mere flicker of amusement, actually let out a tiny laugh. He reached up, patting Gyuvin’s cheek. “I love water. Just not when it messes up my wedding.”

Gunwook chuckled, slipping an arm around Ricky’s waist and pulling him close. “Fine. Indoors it is. We can theme it the way you like.”

Ricky hummed in approval, leaning into Gunwook’s warmth.

And just like that, the decision was made. Because if there was one universal truth among them, it was that Ricky always got what he wanted.

———

Their friends, who had been watching the entire debate unfold like it was premium entertainment, exchanged amused glances.

Jiwoong, who had somehow been roped into the role of unofficial wedding coordinator, rubbed his temples. “At this rate, we’ll be deciding the menu on the wedding day itself.”

Yujin, sprawled across the couch, grinned. “Let’s just do a surprise wedding. You all show up, and we reveal the theme then.”

Matthew, sipping his drink, added with a smirk, “Honestly, I’m just here for the show.”

Taerae, who was bringing his hands together, looked at them with a teasing smile. “We should turn this into a reality show; it would really be amusing to watch.”

Hanbin, already emotionally invested in the whole ordeal, sniffled. “I’m just thinking about the vows. Oh my god, they’re going to say the most beautiful things, and I’ll be gone.”

Jiwoong handed him a tissue, unfazed. “They haven’t even written them yet.”

Hanbin shook his head, dabbing his eyes. “I know, and it’s already too much.”

Meanwhile, Hao was lounging smugly in his seat. If Yujin was the narrator of this chaotic saga, Hao was the watcher, sitting front row to the madness, thoroughly enjoying himself.

“I’ve never seen two people more whipped than Gyuvin and Gunwook,” he murmured, just loud enough for the group to hear.

“You’re exaggerating,” Ricky huffed, curling into Gunwook’s embrace.

“Am I?” Hao pointed lazily at Gyuvin and Gunwook.

The two were currently having a deep, serious debate about whether Ricky should have one bouquet or two, because “one wasn’t enough to match his beauty.”

Ricky blinked. “Okay, fine.”

Their friends lost it.

———

Once the venue was settled, the next inevitable debate was the theme.

“Starry night,” Ricky declared, voice final.

Gyuvin blinked. “Again with Van Gogh?”

Ricky shot him a pointed look. “No, like the actual sky. It’s not as if Van Gogh’s the only reason I like stars.” His eyes brightened, hands already forming shapes in the air as he painted the vision in his head. “I want the ocean to reflect the stars. I want it to feel like we’re floating in the universe.”

Gunwook, soft for him as always, immediately nodded. “Done. We’ll figure it out.”

Jiwoong, ever the responsible one, scribbled in his planner. “Okay. We’ll need to find a venue with large windows, or maybe a glass dome—”

“We could do it near the water and use lighting to reflect the stars onto the surface,” Gyuvin suggested, actually thinking it through.

Ricky beamed, eyes full of wonder. “That’s perfect.”

Gunwook squeezed his hand. “We’ll make it happen.”

There was something deeply comforting in the way they always did this—how they always turned Ricky’s dreams into reality, no matter how impossible they seemed.

Gyuvin pressed a soft kiss to Ricky’s temple, murmuring, “You’re really a dreamer, huh?”

Ricky turned his head, catching Gyuvin’s lips in a fleeting kiss. “Only because I know you’ll catch my dreams before they fall.”

Gunwook groaned playfully. “You two are so dramatic.” But his hand tightened around Ricky’s waist anyway.

Their friends made gagging noises in the background.

———

Jiwoong sighed, flipping through his wedding planning notebook. “You guys need to pick colors that complement each other.”

Gyuvin, draped in three different jackets, each in varying shades of blue, grinned. “What if we all wear different versions of blue?”

Gunwook, already comfortable in a sleek black suit, shrugged. “What if we just wear whatever we want?”

Before Jiwoong could even scold them, Ricky crossed his arms and said, unimpressed, “You two are wearing what I pick.”

Gyuvin and Gunwook, without hesitation, replied, “Okay.”

Jiwoong let out a slow, exhausted exhale and scribbled something aggressively into his planner. Meanwhile, their friends were watching with barely concealed amusement.

Matthew, leaning back against the couch, smirked. “If Ricky’s choosing, then it’s all black. It’ll look like we’re in mourning, not at a wedding.”

The group hummed in agreement, nodding solemnly as if mourning their fashion fates.

Ricky opened his mouth to argue—only to suddenly pause. His ears turned pink.

Gyuvin’s eyes widened. Gunwook raised an eyebrow. The room went completely still.

“Oh my god,” Jiwoong muttered, realization dawning on him like a tragic epiphany. “You were planning all black, weren’t you?”

Ricky’s blush deepened as he scoffed, turning his head away. “It’s elegant.”

Hao burst into laughter, while Hanbin, already overwhelmed, clutched his chest. “Ricky, I love you, but please.”

Gyuvin, still staring in disbelief, leaned closer with an exaggerated gasp. “Baby, no wonder you didn’t fight back.”

Gunwook, laughing softly, nudged Ricky’s shoulder. “You’re adorable.”

Ricky scowled. “Shut up.”

But even as he sulked, his fingers drifted over the shades of blue Gyuvin had suggested. Navy, soft sky blue, deep royal—colors that reminded him of the ocean, of the night sky, of something vast and beautiful.

“You like them, don’t you?” Gyuvin nudged him knowingly.

Ricky hesitated, lips pursed, before finally giving a reluctant nod. “...It’s better than black.”

Gunwook, watching him closely, smiled. “Then blue it is.”

And just like that, everything was settled—because if Ricky wanted it, then it was already perfect.

———

Taerae, who had been suspiciously quiet up until now, suddenly leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. “Are you guys sure about all three of you getting married at the same time?”

Ricky, immediately confused, narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” Taerae dragged out the word, his fingers tapping absently against the table. “Are you planning to say your vows together, or take turns? How do you even time something like that?”

That one question sent the entire room into absolute chaos.

“I want us to say our vows at the same time,” Gunwook decided, speaking with confidence. “Like, overlapping a little. Like a song.”

Gyuvin, ever the romantic, nodded slowly, tapping his chin. “That could be really beautiful. Three voices, same promises, but layered—”

“But how do we not talk over each other?” Ricky cut in, eyes narrowed in pure skepticism.

Gyuvin blinked. “Good point.”

Hao chuckled. “You could take turns. Build up the emotion, let it all sink in.”

Gunwook frowned. “But wouldn’t that make it feel less like a joint moment? We’re supposed to be in this together.”

Yujin, always looking for something chaotic, just grinned. “You guys should just wing it. No script, no plan. Just vibes.”

Jiwoong, who had been rubbing his temples throughout the conversation, slammed his wedding planner shut.

“No,” he said, voice tight. “Absolutely not. You three are going to take turns like normal human beings.”

Gunwook frowned. “But wouldn’t that make it feel less like a joint moment? We’re supposed to be in this together.”

Jiwoong exhaled sharply. “You will be together. You will just take turns like every sane couple in existence.”

Gyuvin sighed dramatically. “Fine, but I get to go last. I want the final word.”

Ricky, unimpressed, crossed his arms. “No, I'll go last.”

Gyuvin turned to Gunwook. “Are we seriously just letting him—”

Gunwook, who had long accepted his fate, simply nodded. “Yes.”

Gyuvin groaned. “But why?”

Ricky smirked. “Because I said so.”

Jiwoong jotted it down. “Alright. Gunwook first, then Gyuvin, then Ricky.”

Hanbin clutched his chest. “Oh my god. The build-up. The drama. I won’t survive.”

Taerae, pleased with all of this, said, “Good. Now I can mentally prepare for the emotional devastation.”

Jiwoong sighed. “I need another coffee.”

Despite the chaos, the teasing, the never-ending wedding debates, their love never wavered.

On a rare quiet night, away from the madness of wedding planning, the three of them found solace on the terrace of their apartment. The city stretched endlessly below, a canvas of glowing street lights and neon signs, but up here, the world felt slower, softer. Everything just melted into the background.

Ricky lay nestled between them, his head resting against Gunwook’s shoulder, his hand entwined with Gyuvin’s. His fingers traced lazy patterns into Gyuvin’s palm, a habit born from years of comfort and unspoken affection. Gunwook’s fingers combed gently through Ricky’s hair, his touch slow, deliberate, as if memorizing every strand.

For a long moment, none of them spoke. They simply existed , breathing in sync, listening to the distant hush of waves meeting the shore.

Then, in the kind of quiet that only ever invited honesty, Gyuvin whispered, “Are you happy?”

Ricky blinked up at the stars, letting the question settle in his chest before answering. “Always.”

Gunwook hummed in response, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Ricky’s head, his lips lingering as if sealing the sentiment into place. “Then it’s worth it.”

Gyuvin’s grip tightened around Ricky’s hand, his thumb brushing over his knuckles. “It’s only going to get better from here,” he murmured, and though it sounded like a reassurance, it was also a promise.

Ricky let out a quiet breath, feeling the warmth of both their bodies beside him, feeling safe. He tilted his head just enough to see the soft glow in Gyuvin’s eyes, to feel the steady rhythm of Gunwook’s heartbeat against him.

He didn’t need to wish on a star. Everything he had ever wanted—everything he would ever need—was already right here.

So he simply whispered, “I know.”

And for once, in the midst of all the madness,  everything felt just right.

[The Wedding: Forever’s Not Enough For Me To Love You So]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺💙༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

After months of planning, of late-night discussions and playful arguments, of choosing the perfect linens and floral arrangements, the day had finally arrived. Their wedding day.

Spring had painted the world in soft hues, the season of renewal wrapping itself around them like a quiet blessing. It was only fitting—the three of them had built something beautiful together, something worth celebrating, something that would continue to grow like the flowers in bloom around them.

The wedding was held in Busan, the city where the ocean kissed the sky, where the waves carried whispers of love stories older than time. Though they had chosen to be by the beach, the ceremony itself was held indoors—because everything was possible when it was for the love of your life. The venue was a glass-walled masterpiece, overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, allowing the endless horizon to serve as their witness. The waves rolled gently in the distance, reflecting the golden traces of the sun as it began to set.

As the night unfurled its velvet sky, their dream came to life.

The Starry Night theme bathed the space in celestial magic. A canopy of lights stretched across the ceiling, twinkling like the constellations above. The ocean outside mirrored the stars, creating an illusion of infinity—a reminder that their love, too, would know no bounds. Dark blue and silver adorned the space, ethereal yet warm, like a love letter to the very universe that had brought them together. Candles flickered softly along the aisle, casting golden reflections on the polished floor, as if tiny galaxies had gathered to bless this moment.

The air buzzed with quiet anticipation. Their friends and family had gathered, their laughter and whispered conversations blending into the comforting hum of celebration. Somewhere near the front, Hanbin was already dabbing at his eyes, while Jiwoong, despite checking the schedule a hundred times earlier, was now fully caught up in the moment. Yujin, too, was simply enjoying the festivities, not focusing on anything else. Matthew stood nearby, a soft smile on his face, taking in the happiness around him. Hao and Taerae had taken the best seats, soaking in the joy of it all.

And then, the doors opened.

The music began, soft and celestial, carrying the weight of every moment that had led them here. A hush fell over the room, anticipation thick in the air as all eyes turned toward the entrance.

First came Gunwook. 

His suit was deep navy, the color of the sky moments before night fully takes over, dark but rich, carrying the quiet beauty of twilight. The fabric had a soft sheen, reflecting the ambient lights like the first stars flickering into existence. Along the cuffs and collar, fine silver embroidery shaped into delicate constellations—small, personal details that made the suit uniquely his. A cool-toned midnight blue vest peeked from under the jacket, grounding the look in elegance. His tie, a deep silver, complemented the celestial details, and when he moved, the embroidery seemed to shift, as if the stars themselves were coming to life.

Gunwook walked steadily, unhurried but sure. He had always been the steady one, the solid ground beneath their feet. And yet, as he took each step, he felt the weight of it all—the love, the history, the sheer enormity of this moment. But there was no hesitation, only certainty.

Then, Gyuvin followed.

His suit was a striking shade of blue-green, reminiscent of the ocean reflecting the last moments of twilight before fully surrendering to the stars. It shimmered subtly, changing ever so slightly depending on the angle—one moment deep blue, the next carrying hints of teal, like the way the sea meets the sky at dusk. The fabric had a barely-there speckling of silver, like scattered stars across the expanse of his jacket. His vest was a darker blue, closer to the night sky, grounding the outfit while allowing the colors to stand out. His tie, a silver-threaded navy, tied the whole ensemble together, like the final touch of a masterpiece. 

Gyuvin was never one to be silent, never one to hesitate—but as he walked, he found himself unusually quiet. Not because of nerves, but because this moment was something that spoke of a love far too deep for words.

And then, finally—Ricky.

The moment he stepped forward, it felt as though everything in the room stilled.

Dressed in a luxurious midnight blue suit, it resembled the deep, endless sky where the stars shone the brightest. Unlike the others, his jacket had an ethereal sheen, as though the very essence of the cosmos had been woven into the fabric. Across the lapels and trailing down the hem, fine silver constellations danced—a personal touch, delicate yet profound. His vest was a dusky, almost-black shade of navy, and his tie, a soft celestial silver, completed the look. His jet-black hair framed his face perfectly, a stark contrast to the luminous details of his suit. 

He was breathtaking—not just in appearance, but in presence. Poised, graceful, effortlessly theirs.

And then, halfway down the aisle, they met.

Gunwook reached first, his hand finding Ricky’s with a steady warmth. Gyuvin followed, fingers brushing against Ricky’s own before curling fully around them.

Ricky exhaled softly, something easing within him at the touch of their hands in his. He squeezed once, twice—a silent I’m here. We’re here.

And together, step by step, they walked forward.

Not as three separate people.

But as one.

Gunwook reached first, his hand finding Ricky’s with a steady warmth. Gyuvin followed, fingers brushing against Ricky’s own before curling fully around them.

They had started their story under a sky so blue, and now, with each step, they were continuing it beneath a sky even deeper, richer. The stars had watched them grow, the sky had remembered their journey. And tonight, as they stood before each other, ready to carve this day into the cosmos itself—

A new constellation was about to be born.

The air around them seemed to hold its breath as each of them stood there, vulnerable, hearts open, the promises they were about to make echoing louder than the softest whisper. The vows—words that would define their forever—hung in the air between them like fragile stars, waiting to be born.

Gunwook was the first to speak, his voice already thick with emotion. "Since the moment I met you," he began, his eyes never leaving Ricky and Gyuvin, "I knew that I would marry you one day. We’ve always been inseparable, and I’ve never doubted that we would be together forever. But I’ll admit, I didn’t quite picture how this would work with three of us. I didn’t think Gyuvin would be part of this—though, honestly, how could I ever have imagined my life without him here, right by our side? It’s like finding the missing piece to a puzzle I didn’t even know was incomplete."

He chuckled softly, wiping away a tear before continuing, his gaze softening. "But now that I have both of you, I can’t imagine it any other way. The love we share isn’t bound by any definition—there’s no one right way to love. It just... is. You two are my heart, my world, and I promise to always be here with you, for you. No matter what comes, we’ll face it together. I love you both, and that love will never change. It’s ours, unique, and stronger than anything I could have ever dreamed."

His voice broke slightly at the end, and as the first tear fell, it was followed by Gyuvin, who reached out instinctively, as though to hold Gunwook’s heart steady. Ricky squeezed his hand, his eyes also glistening with unshed tears.

Gyuvin was next. He cleared his throat, trying to find his usual playful tone, but it cracked the moment he began. "Eyy, Gunwook-ah," he started, a smile tugging at his lips through the tears, "Alright, so, some people may think this is a very unconventional union. An unconventional marriage between three men." He paused, wiping away a stray tear. "But do you know what? Nobody else matters. The opinion of one person, or anyone, for that matter, doesn’t change what we’ve built—what we have now. It doesn’t change how I feel about you both. The truth is, even when we were kids, I never could have imagined a future this perfect. I always thought my life was complete with you two in it, but I never realized just how deep my love would grow—how much more perfect it could be when we all found our place together."

He let out a shaky breath, trying to steady himself. "I love you both, you know that, right? You are the ones who complete me. My life wouldn’t be the same without you. In fact, it wouldn’t be worth living without you. And I don’t care what anyone thinks. From the moment we started this, there was no going back. I knew we would be forever, even when we didn’t have the words for it. But now, I know we’re starting our forever. I love you, and I always will. No matter what the future holds, this is where my heart belongs—with you two. And I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how much that means."

His voice cracked just slightly, but he held it together, wiping his eyes. Gunwook and Ricky both shared a quiet laugh through their tears, eyes glistening.

Finally, it was Ricky’s turn. He closed his eyes briefly, inhaling deeply as he gathered his thoughts, his hand lightly resting between Gyuvin and Gunwook’s. His voice was steady, but even so, it wavered slightly when he began. "With everything both of you have said, I don’t know if I could say much more," he started softly, the weight of his words hanging in the air. “But I will say all of what I feel, because you both deserve to hear exactly how much you mean to me."

He looked up, meeting their eyes with quiet intensity, his words more than just vows—they were a promise of forever. "From the very beginning, when I first met you both, I never imagined this moment. I never imagined the depth of what I would come to feel for you. You’ve both become my constants. You are as constant as the sky, as constant as the stars I’ve loved since I was a child, but even that—" He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "Even that doesn’t do justice to how deeply I love you. No one else in this world matters in the same way you do. No moment in time means more to me than this one, standing here with you."

Ricky swallowed, a small breath escaping as he continued, his words almost a whisper, yet unwavering in their depth. "I would give everything just to be with you for the rest of my life—and not just this life, but for the next lifetimes to come. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love, and you’ve shown me what love truly is. I thank you for that—for giving me the chance to understand it, to feel it, to experience it through both of you."

He smiled, a gentle, soft smile that was all for them. "Love is you, and it always has been. From the moment I met you, from the first time we laughed together, played together, and simply were together. And now, standing here with you, I know one thing beyond all else: I wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ve found our forever in each other, and together, we will start it—today, tomorrow, and for every day after that."

As he finished, there was a quiet pause, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Their love—vivid and palpable—hung between them.

Then, the moment arrived for the rings—symbols of the promises they had just made. Their rings weren’t just simple bands; they were a reflection of the bond they shared, a reflection of the intertwined paths they had walked and would continue to walk.

The rings were designed as a special triple-band design—each band symbolizing one of them, but they were not separate. Instead, they were woven together, a delicate but unbreakable pattern, representing their unity, their shared love. The three bands were crafted from silver, smooth and polished, yet with subtle twists, each of them representing their individual paths, but forever connected at the core. 

As the rings were exchanged, Gunwook gently took Ricky's hand first, his eyes brimming with emotion. "With this ring," he said, his voice catching in his throat, "I promise you my heart. My forever." He slid the ring onto Ricky’s finger, his hand trembling slightly. Ricky’s eyes met his, and the love there was so bright it could have illuminated the entire night sky.

Next, Ricky turned to Gyuvin, his voice steady but full of a quiet reverence. "With this ring, I promise you my soul. My future." He placed the ring on Gyuvin's finger, and as it settled into place, their eyes locked—so much unsaid, yet all understood.

And finally, Gyuvin, who had been holding his breath, turned to Gunwook. He smiled, a hint of tears in his eyes, the silver ring in his hand. “With this ring,” he said softly, “I promise to always be here, together.” And he gently slid the last ring onto Gunwook’s finger.

As the last ring clicked into place, the three of them stood there, hands clasped, their eyes filled with a love so deep, so wide, that it transcended words. The silver bands shimmered under the soft lighting, each one reflecting their intertwined lives, and the love they had vowed to protect, to nurture, and to carry with them into their forever.

The silence stretched, heavy with meaning, before the air seemed to hum with the unspoken promise between them.

It was, undoubtedly, the most beautiful moment of their wedding. A moment not just sealed with rings, but with their hearts—forever bound together under the stars.

The moment the last ring clicked into place, the atmosphere around them seemed to shift, as if the universe itself paused to honor the moment. Gunwook, Ricky, and Gyuvin stood there, hands clasped, gazes locked—each of them caught in the intensity of the love they had just pledged. Their rings gleamed softly in the light, a symbol of their connection, their unity, their forever.

Gyuvin’s heart pounded in his chest. This was it—the culmination of everything. His eyes flickered between the two of them, the overwhelming emotion almost too much to bear. But before he could stop himself, his hands found Ricky’s face, fingers brushing against the soft skin he had longed to touch with more than just words.

He leaned in first, heart racing, and then, ever so gently, pressed his lips to Ricky’s. It was tender at first, the softest of kisses, a gentle promise. Gyuvin could feel the warmth of Ricky’s breath, could feel every bit of the connection between them settle into that simple kiss. It was as if he was claiming the one thing he’d wanted for so long: Ricky, his heart, his forever.

Ricky’s eyes fluttered closed, his hand reaching up instinctively to cup Gyuvin’s cheek, pulling him deeper into the kiss. It was everything, it all came together in that single kiss as his heart swelled.

As they pulled away, Gyuvin’s forehead rested gently against Ricky’s, both of them breathing heavily, the weight of the moment settling in their bones. It was a kiss that was both an end and a beginning—the start of a new chapter, their forever.

But that was not the end.

Gunwook, who had been watching with a smile of his own, could no longer resist the pull of the moment. His heart ached with all the love he held for Ricky, and in that quiet space between breaths, it was impossible to hold back any longer. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Ricky, who turned toward him, his eyes soft, his lips still warm from Gyuvin’s kiss.

Gunwook’s hand came up, palm resting gently against Ricky’s chest, his fingers brushing against the steady beat of his heart. The connection was immediate, natural—like they had always been destined to stand like this. There was no hesitation in Gunwook’s touch, no doubt in the way he looked at Ricky. This was where he was meant to be, right here, in Ricky’s arms.

Without a word, Gunwook leaned in, his lips meeting Ricky’s with the same depth, the same intensity that had always existed between them. The kiss was an unspoken affirmation of everything they were, everything they had fought for, and everything they would continue to be.

Ricky’s hands slid up to Gunwook’s back, pulling him closer. Their bodies pressed together, hearts beating as one. Time seemed to slow, the world falling away as they stood there, entwined in the quiet magic of the moment.

When the kiss finally broke, neither of them moved far. Gunwook’s arms wrapped around Ricky’s waist, pulling him into an embrace that felt as solid and sure as the love between them. Ricky, too, wrapped his arms around Gunwook, resting his head gently on his shoulder, savoring the closeness.

In the quiet after the kiss, Gyuvin stepped closer, his smile soft as he watched the bond between Gunwook and Ricky unfold. He gently pulled Gunwook toward him, their foreheads coming to rest together—a quiet moment of connection before the crowd of emotions could overwhelm them. Gyuvin’s hand cupped Gunwook’s cheek, and without a word, he kissed him lightly. The kiss was soft, a reassuring gesture that the bond they shared was just as real and powerful.

Gunwook’s arms then wrapped around Gyuvin, pulling him into a tender, affectionate hug. The three of them stood there in silence, their connection unspoken but undeniable—a promise that their love, too, would endure. It was a bond that had always been there, understated but unbreakable.

As the three of them embraced, the stars above them seemed to glow a little brighter, as if the universe was congratulating them. A thousand lifetimes could pass, but this moment would always belong to them.

The reception hall was bathed in soft, golden lights, the hum of laughter and music filling the air. The atmosphere was one of pure joy, overflowing with love and the energy of a new beginning. The tables, dressed in elegant white and silver, were adorned with tiny lights that twinkled, reflecting the stars above.

As the soft, melodic sounds of a violin filled the air, Hao stood nearby, playing the delicate, lilting notes with such grace that it felt as though the music was woven just for them. The notes rose and fell, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere as Ricky, Gyuvin, and Gunwook took their place on the dance floor, a gentle spotlight highlighting their figures against the soft glow of the lights.

Ricky reached for Gyuvin’s hand first, his touch light but confident. Gunwook, with a smile that was both affectionate and proud, placed his hand on Ricky’s back, his fingers warm through the fabric of his suit. Their positions were natural—Ricky and Gyuvin facing each other, their hands intertwined, and Gunwook at Ricky’s side, guiding him with a steady presence.

As Hao’s violin seamlessly blended with the soft rhythm of the song, they began to move, slowly, almost as if they were being pulled into the dance by some invisible force. Gyuvin’s eyes sparkled with admiration as he met Ricky’s gaze, his movements fluid and in tune with Ricky’s, matching his steps in a perfect, effortless rhythm. Gunwook, standing just behind Ricky, mirrored his movements with ease, his hand on Ricky’s back steady, providing a sense of support.

The trio swayed in unison, the music wrapping around them like a cocoon, each of them attuned to the other. The quiet yet powerful connection between them was palpable in every step, every turn, every shared glance. Ricky’s smile, small but full of contentment, was the only outward sign of the warmth building in his chest as he felt the love between them.

The violin’s notes swirled in the air, each movement from Hao’s bow echoing the delicate flow of the dance. Ricky’s steps were graceful but unhurried, his body moving with a quiet elegance, Gyuvin following him seamlessly. Gunwook, standing close enough to feel the soft rhythm of Ricky’s heartbeat, pulled him just a little closer, their bodies instinctively drawn together as they glided across the floor.

The world seemed to fall away as the music continued to play, the only sounds were the sweet strings of Hao’s violin and the soft rustle of their clothes as they moved. Their eyes never strayed far from each other, each look a silent reaffirmation of their promises, of the love they had vowed to protect.

As the song drew to a close, the last notes of the violin drifted into the air, and the trio slowed, their movements becoming gentle, tender. The last few beats seemed to hang in the air, as if time itself were reluctant to let go of the magic that had filled the room. And when the final note echoed through the venue, they came to a stop, their bodies still pressed close, hearts beating as one.

The laughter that filled the air was contagious, a light-hearted hum of joy and anticipation as the trio stood in front of the towering cake that stood as a delicious centerpiece to their celebration. The cake, a masterpiece crafted with love, was adorned with stars and constellations. And, of course, it was flavored with chocolate, rich and smooth, with the sweetness of strawberries and mangoes cascading down the sides in vibrant hues, because, again—it was their favorites. The sight of it made them smile, bringing to mind the memory of one failed proposal—Gunwook’s—and how they had once shared a much simpler cake in a baking class.

Gunwook leaned in and raised an eyebrow. “Who gets to feed who first?” His mischievous grin was enough to have both Ricky and Gyuvin rolling their eyes, though their expressions betrayed how much they were enjoying the game.

Gyuvin crossed his arms, teasing back, “Depends—are you planning to be romantic, or chaotic?”

“I think I should feed Ricky first,” Gunwook said, clearly relishing every word. “He looks so beautiful tonight, don’t you think?”

Ricky, always the one with a sharp comeback, laughed but rolled his eyes at the compliment. “I always look pretty.”

With that, Gunwook took the first slice of cake and, with a playful glint in his eye, carefully held the piece in front of Ricky. He gently fed him, his hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “There you go,” he said softly, his voice full of affection.

The sweetness of the cake mirrored the sweetness of the moment, as Gunwook looked at Ricky with a soft smile. The moment was intimate, yet playful, filled with the joy of the celebration and the quiet tenderness of their love.

Now it was Gyuvin’s turn. He grinned, clearly enjoying the lightheartedness of it all, and fed Gunwook the next piece. “Here you go,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with a touch of mischief.

As the three of them exchanged bites of cake, they laughed together, their hands brushing as they each took their turn.

The speeches began shortly after the cake cutting, and as the microphone was handed to Jiwoong, the crowd fell into a comfortable silence. Jiwoong stood tall, his expression that of pride and love.

"The first time I met you three was on your very first day at university," he began, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he looked at them. "You were all so adorable then. Honestly, it was a little funny seeing how uncomfortable you two were around me, though Ricky here seemed pretty at ease from the start."

A gentle smile tugged at Jiwoong’s lips as the crowd shared a quiet laugh. He continued, his voice softening with nostalgia. "But over time, you warmed up, and I couldn’t help but treat you like my little brothers."

His expression grew tender, and there was a momentary pause as Jiwoong tried to hold back his tears. "You were obvious from the start—everyone could see it. But I’m just so grateful that I get to be your hyung, even though we only spent one year together at university. You three are my reminder that not everything has to change. Some things—the important things—can stay the same."

Jiwoong’s smile widened, and he looked at the trio with affection. "Congratulations to you three. I’ll raise the first toast to your happiness."

As Jiwoong took his seat, the crowd erupted into applause, the warmth of his words lingering in the air.

Hanbin stood, the microphone in his hand, his familiar smile lighting up his face as his eyes sparkled with warmth. "First of all, congratulations on your wedding," he began, his voice steady but filled with affection. "Even though you three aren't the most well-behaved dongsaengs I have, you’re still incredibly precious to me. I’m so happy that you’re walking this path toward your future together."

He paused for a moment, blinking back the tears that had already started to form. "I’ve been overwhelmed with emotions all evening, just thinking about how beautiful this kind of love is," he continued, his voice softening, becoming more reflective.

His gaze turned distant for a second, as if lost in thought. "It reminds me of my own wedding with Hao-hyung. The beauty of it... I just want to thank you for letting me witness a love as beautiful as yours."

Clearing his throat, Hanbin wiped at his eyes, his voice trembling ever so slightly. "I don’t have the words to express just how happy I am to be standing here tonight. When I think about all the years I’ve spent with each of you—Ricky, Gyuvin, Gunwook—I can't help but smile. You've each taught me so much about love, about strength, and about the beauty of being vulnerable with the people you trust most."

His voice cracked, the emotion overwhelming him for a moment. "Watching you all become who you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life," he said softly. "I have no doubt that your love for each other will only continue to grow. And I’m excited for the journey you have ahead."

He took a deep breath before raising his glass, his eyes now shining with pride and love. "To Ricky, Gyuvin, and Gunwook—thank you for being my family." The room went silent for a moment as everyone absorbed his words, and then, as one, they erupted into applause.

Hanbin smiled through the tears, his heart full. "To your unrelenting love," he said, lifting his glass high. The guests cheered in response, their hearts warmed by his sincere words.

Matthew stood up, taking the microphone with a hint of hesitation. He glanced at the crowd before starting, a slight nervousness in his voice. "I never thought I’d be the one up here, but here we are," he said, a small smile forming on his lips as he paused, trying to compose himself.

"I wanted to come up with something funny," he continued, his voice growing softer. "But honestly, seeing you three together… I can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I've never seen love like this. You guys are it."

His voice cracked slightly as the emotion hit him, and he took a moment to steady himself. "I've watched you support each other, be there for each other in ways no one else could. And now…" His voice faltered, but he pushed through, a tear slipping down his cheek. "Now, I can only hope to experience a love as genuine as yours."

Matthew smiled through his tears, his heart full. "Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love. I’m just so lucky to be a part of this moment."

The room fell silent for a heartbeat, everyone hanging on to his every word. Then, as if on cue, the applause erupted, the guests clapping and cheering in appreciation of his heartfelt speech.

Yujin grabbed the microphone next, his trademark mischievous grin never far from his face. "Okay, okay, I know I can never keep a straight face," he started, holding up a hand as if to apologize. "But you all have to listen to me for just a moment. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short. Mostly because we all know I can get carried away and make everyone cry."

He winked at the trio, his eyes sparkling with affection before his tone softened, and he looked at them with a more serious expression.

"But here’s the thing," he began, his voice thoughtful now. "Love isn’t easy, right? It’s a mess. It’s loud and chaotic and full of drama—kind of like me." He chuckled lightly, then continued, his gaze turning sincere. "But with these three, I’ve seen something I never expected. They balance each other in a way that’s just… beautiful. There’s no drama, no ego, no fear—just a deep, unwavering connection. It’s honestly something to be in awe of."

Yujin’s voice softened even further, and for a moment, the usual playful energy he carried seemed to fade, leaving only warmth and sincerity. "So, to my best friends—I'm proud of you. I’ve watched you grow into something truly remarkable together, and I hope all the joy in this world follows you from now on." His voice trembled slightly, but he steadied himself. "I’ll always be here, cheering you on. Love you all."

Then, with a flash of mischief, Yujin gave them a playful wink. "And if you ever decide to adopt, I’m going to be their favorite uncle, not their big brother," he added as an afterthought, his grin widening as the room erupted into laughter.

He finished with a bow, his usual playful energy back in full force. The applause followed, the crowd delighted by his words. Beneath the laughter, there was a shared gratitude for the beautiful moment they were all a part of.

The energy in the room shifted as Hao stood, his violin cradled gently in his hands. The trio sat nearby, their eyes full of love and gratitude for the friends and family surrounding them. Hao took a moment, his fingers brushing the strings lightly as if gathering his thoughts. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked at the three of them, his gaze warm and affectionate.

"You know, it's funny," Hao began, his voice steady yet rich with warmth. "I’ve watched all three of you since university. From that very first moment, I’ve watched you grow into the incredible people you are today. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m watching my own sons." His words lingered in the air, wrapped in care and fondness. "I’ve seen you laugh, argue, and face the challenges life threw your way, but most of all, I’ve witnessed the love you share. It's something so pure, so strong, and so unwavering."

The trio exchanged glances, their hearts swelling with emotion at the sincerity of Hao’s words. Hao’s gaze softened further, his voice laced with admiration as he continued.

"I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my life. You’ve become everything that love and friendship should be—something deeper than just a bond, something that no time or distance could ever change." His eyes shone with pride. "I’m honored to be here today, watching the three of you step into this next chapter of your lives together. It feels like we’re witnessing the most beautiful story unfold, right before our eyes."

Hao paused for a moment, taking a breath, his voice softening to a quiet, intimate tone. "So, as a gift from my heart to all of you, I’ve written something special. It’s a song—a promise. A reminder of everything we’ve been through, everything we’ve shared, and the future you’ll continue to build together. This song is for the three of you and the love that has only grown stronger."

With a final smile, Hao lifted his violin to his chin, and his fingers began to move across the strings. The room was enveloped in the soft, soothing melody that filled the space, like a gentle embrace. The music wove its own story—one of love, growth, and unwavering support. Each note seemed to echo the depth of their bond, a reminder of their journey so far and the beautiful road that lay ahead.

As the final note lingered in the air, the room fell into a hushed reverence. Hao’s violin had spoken for them all, a perfect reflection of the love and devotion that filled the room.

The room fell into a soft hush, a sense of anticipation filling the air. All eyes shifted to the front of the room, where Taerae stood, his guitar resting comfortably in his hands. The quiet murmur of the crowd faded into the background as the first delicate notes of his song began to resonate through the air. His fingers brushed against the strings with a light touch, and a gentle warmth seemed to fill the space, wrapping everyone in a peaceful calm.

Taerae’s voice, rich and soulful, broke the stillness as he began to speak, a soft, teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Congratulations, you three,” he said, his tone warm and sincere. “As much as it amuses me to see you all sappy and in love… I’m truly happy for you. The word love and loyalty fits you the most. And as you and your love continue to bloom under this starry sky tonight, I’ll sing this song for you.”

The guests fell silent, drawn into the intimacy of the moment. The room seemed to hold its breath as Taerae’s voice filled the space, the melody rising like a soft breeze, inviting everyone to listen. His fingers moved gracefully over the guitar, each note hanging in the air with a gentle promise.

“I wanna run, into your world of bright blue
Woah-oh-oh-oh, touch the clouds
Come to me in the colors of the starry night
Go, pretty, this is us”

His voice carried a depth of emotion that resonated with the trio, a quiet reminder of the love they had built together, the journey they had walked side by side. The words of the song wrapped around them like a warm embrace, filling their hearts with tenderness.

The guests, too, seemed entranced by the song, the room alive with the intimacy of the moment. Taerae’s voice held the weight of every memory, every shared experience, every quiet promise made between them over the years. As he continued, his voice soft yet powerful, the air itself seemed to hum with the truth of the words.

“Everything is simple, what I need is you
In this lonely place I feel like I’m fading away
Why is this so? Wanna see you more
Just look at me, stay by my side”

The trio’s eyes met, and they shared a quiet smile, their hearts echoing in unison with the song. The lyrics felt like their own—like the story they had written together, a tale of love that had been tested and had grown stronger with each passing day.

As Taerae moved into the pre-chorus, his voice softened, and the vulnerability in the room deepened.

“Can you remember days?
When we found each other, when the sky so blue
When seasons pass
And everything begins to change and disappear, yeah”

The room was still, every word hanging in the air like a memory, a feeling too profound for words alone. Taerae’s fingers glided over the guitar as he moved into the chorus, his voice rising with a warmth that seemed to envelop everyone.

“I wanna run, into your world of bright blue
Woah-oh-oh-oh, touch the clouds
Come to me in the colors of the starry night
Go, pretty, this is us”

“Hoping to reach you, to reach you
I prayed every day, I longed for it so much
On those many roads the light that shone on me
And the path I walk leads to you”

His voice trembled slightly with emotion, and as the song built toward its climax, the room seemed to hold its breath, every person in the room caught up in the power of the moment.

“What if I? Could turn back time?
Could choose one more time? (What if, what if?)
What if we had missed each other?
If we hadn’t recognized each other? (What if, what if?)
I’m not worried
This ending is so perfect (What if, what if?)
Think about it
So the colors do not change (What if, what if?)”

“Filled with your warmth in the picture
We’ll be together till the end of the world
Woah, woah, woah, woah
Baby, what if there is a way?”

Taerae’s voice softened again as he neared the end, the room hanging on the final, lingering notes.

“Can you remember days?
This is our song when the sky so blue
In any moment
I can reach out to you, yeah, yeah, yeah”

“I wanna run, into your world of bright blue
Woah-oh-oh-oh, touch the clouds
Come to me in the colors of the starry night
Go, pretty, this is us”

The last chord rang out, hanging in the air like a final promise, a soft, lingering echo of everything that had been said without words.

As the song ended, the room stood in silence, each person lost in the depth of the music and the emotion that filled the space. The trio sat motionless for a moment, their hearts full, before the applause erupted, heartfelt and genuine.

Taerae smiled softly, his face alight with quiet satisfaction. He had given them something truly special—a piece of his heart, woven into a melody that would live on in their memories forever.

Later, as the stars twinkled above and the night grew quieter, the three of them slipped away from the laughter and music, stepping outside the venue into the hush of the night. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, the waves crashing gently against the shore, steady and soft, like a heartbeat.

Ricky stood between them, his suit glowing under the moonlight, hair tousled by the sea breeze. He looked out at the water, then down at his hands—ringed and still trembling just a little.

Then, without a word, he reached for Gyuvin and Gunwook, threading his fingers through theirs.

They both looked at him with the same expression—a quiet awe.

Gunwook stepped closer first. He gently raised Ricky’s hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “Just like a prince,” he murmured with a grin, “but so much more. You’re everything to us.”

Gyuvin followed. His touch was reverent as he took Ricky’s other hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it softly. “And this time, the prince gets the happy ending,” he whispered.

Ricky let out a breath that sounded almost like a laugh, except it caught in his throat halfway. He looked at them—his forever, his heart—and whispered, “I dreamed about this. About you. About us. And I kept thinking… maybe it was too good to be real.”

Gunwook shook his head gently. “No dream could ever come close.”

Gyuvin rested his forehead against their joined hands. “This is real. We’re real. And we’re never going anywhere.”

Ricky smiled, eyes glistening. “Thank you. For staying. For always choosing me.”

Gunwook kissed his temple. “You’ve always been our home.”

Gyuvin nodded. “And now you’re our future, too.”

The sea breathed softly around them. The sky above stretched wide, full of stars—the same ones that had once guided them through every uncertainty. Their rings caught the moonlight like stardust—having the same glow, the same promise.

Ricky looked down at their hands, then up at the sky.

“Let’s always come back to this,” he said quietly. “No matter where life takes us… let this be our anchor.”

Gunwook squeezed his hand. “We promise.”

Gyuvin added, “Forever. And more.”

And so they stood there—fingers entwined, the ocean before them, the sky watching above.

Their rings shimmered under the moonlight, and in that stillness, they sealed something eternal—not just vows, but the kind of love that outlasts lifetimes.

Even if the tide changed, even if time stretched endlessly forward, this moment would remain—etched in moonlight, sealed by the sea, held by the stars, and written across the sky.

♡