* * *
The bright July sunlight lit up the hotel lobby, which buzzed with guests gathered to celebrate the wedding.
“It’s been a while. Thank you so much for coming.”
“Congratulations, President Han. Your son is very handsome.”
Standing with his parents, Wookyung greeted the guests.
But then, his gaze drifted.
Even in the bustling crowd, it wasn’t hard to spot Saheon.
A head taller than most, with striking features and a commanding presence, he stood out even at a glance.
He was chatting busily with the guests who had come to see him, but no one stood beside him.
Chairwoman Choi had popped in earlier just to say hello before heading to the waiting room.
CEO Choi had also offered her formal congratulations and disappeared.
The only one who’d accompanied her was Min Kyowon; Secretary Ahn was nowhere to be seen.
Ever since it had come to light that Min had been the one helping Saheon behind the scenes, things seemed strained between her and Secretary Ahn.
Min had stayed behind to talk for over five minutes with Saheon, even after her mother left, but judging by Saheon’s unchanged expression, it didn’t seem like anything serious had happened.
‘Still… someone should be standing with him.’
How could they just leave him all alone like that?
Dozens of people had probably greeted him by now.
But he’d been alone the entire time.
‘If I’d known, I would’ve gone to him from the start.’
They hadn’t even talked about this when they spoke on the phone that morning.
A careless oversight on Wookyung’s part.
It made sense, though.
Saheon had lost his parents early, and spent his teens and twenties in the U.S.
From what he knew, he hadn’t come back once during that time, meaning he never had the chance to build any bonds with his extended family.
‘Then he should’ve said something.’
But no matter how he turned it over in his mind, the fault lay with himself—not with Saheon or anyone else.
“Wookyung, what is it? Looking for someone?”
Han Seokyung, who had been busy welcoming guests, noticed his son’s attention was elsewhere and gently spoke.
“Oh, no.”
But it was clear from his eyes that he was looking for someone.
Seokyung smiled and softly patted his son’s shoulder.
“Thinking of going to Saheon? Go ahead. Taejin and I can handle things here. It’s actually nice to see the two grooms standing together to greet the guests. And the company folks will be arriving soon, right?”
“Do you think so?”
The look on Wookyung’s face already betrayed his desire.
Ever since his secondary gender had manifested, he’d grown more emotionally guarded, his expressions rare.
It had always made Seokyung feel like his son was deliberately keeping the world at arm’s length.
Like the time Wookyung declared his intention to move out the moment he reached adulthood.
He’d been torn—worried, but wanting to respect his son’s wishes.
‘This is a relief.’
The fact that his son now cared about someone so deeply—it was both a surprise and a comfort.
That it was Saheon who had brought about that change made him grateful.
So sending Wookyung to him was the obvious choice.
“Don’t worry about things here. Go.”
Wookyung gave his parents a grateful look before turning to walk away.
There was no hesitation in his steps as he made his way toward Saheon—they were quick and full of intent.
“Thank you for coming.”
Saheon had just been greeting a guest when he sensed someone approach.
He looked up—and as soon as he realized it was Wookyung, his expression softened completely.
“Wookyung.”
“Yeah. I’m here.”
Wookyung replied and stood beside him.
Without hesitation, he reached out to take his hand, and Saheon’s eyes naturally dropped to the gesture.
At work, he was always cautious about colleagues watching—never making the first move in public.
So Saheon was surprised when Wookyung came up to him like this.
“What about your parents?”
Of course, Saheon didn’t actually say that out loud.
What mattered most was that Wookyung was here with him.
Still, he was curious.
Why had Wookyung come to him when he should’ve been with his parents?
“Over there. Seokyung’s dad said it’d be better if we were together. People from the company should start showing up soon anyway.”
“That’s true.”
Saheon quickly realized that Han Seokyung had sent Wookyung over to be considerate.
He glanced in the direction Wookyung pointed, but his parents were too busy chatting with guests to notice.
Even so, Saheon silently thanked him.
Not long after, Manager Pyeon, Senior Associate Sun, and Senior Associate Lee appeared.
“Director! Deputy Manager Gil! You both look amazing today. You’re seriously glowing!”
Manager Pyeon greeted them cheerfully with a bright smile. The other two chimed in.
“Congratulations to you both. You look great together.”
“Mind if I snap a photo and send it to the group chat? Everyone’s been begging for a proof shot since they heard we were coming.”
Senior Associate Sun even cracked a joke to lighten the mood.
“Of course.”
Saheon nodded and wrapped an arm around Wookyung’s waist, pulling him close. He smiled at him, his expression glowing like a celebrity. It immediately drew everyone’s attention.
“Wow… Our Director knows how to pose for a picture. You two could be models.”
Sun laughed as she kept clicking the shutter.
“Give the credit to Wookyung. It’s not easy getting him to show this side of himself.”
“Got it! I’ll tell everyone you’re both looking so good it’s making people jealous.”
She swiftly uploaded the photo to the group chat, adding all kinds of praise about Wookyung just as Saheon had said. Naturally, the reaction was explosive.
Smiling in satisfaction, she went into the hall with Manager Pyeon and Senior Associate Lee. Then came members of Wookyung’s Planning Team.
“Ooh, Assistant Manager Gil, you look even more like an idol today.”
Assistant Manager Kim said something halfway between a compliment and a tease before heading inside with his wife.
“Seriously, Assistant Manager—you and the Director both look like models today! You could shoot a couple’s pictorial right now.”
“Exactly. Those suits make you both look like celebrities. You’re a perfect match.”
Team Member Park and Lee Hyojung offered their congratulations and headed inside as well.
Wookyung and Saheon thanked them, wished them a good time, and told them to enjoy the meal.
Meanwhile, with the ceremony approaching, the lobby started to quiet down.
“Please head into the waiting room now. It’s almost time.”
A staff member glanced at their watch and gestured.
“I don’t think I saw Choi Siwon. Did he already come and go?”
Wookyung looked around and even peered inside the hall, tilting his head.
He’d seen Saheon’s family and relatives arriving earlier but hadn’t spotted Associate Choi.
If he had come, he would’ve said hello. But he hadn’t.
“No, not yet. Director Choi is probably taking his time.”
“Ah…”
Wookyung nodded, recalling how Director Choi often showed up just barely on time, never exactly late, but never early either.
Knowing Associate Choi’s personality, he would’ve been here already unless he was coming with Director Choi.
It was like they were talking about him.
Right on cue, the elevator doors opened, and both Choi Siwon and Director Choi stepped out.
“You’re here.”
“Oh, Director—no, Saheon. Congratulations on your wedding, really.”
Director Choi greeted him warmly, trying to act friendly.
But Siwon’s expression was noticeably sulky.
Wookyung immediately remembered he hadn’t followed through on their dinner promise after giving him the wedding invitation.
“Deputy Manager, you’re so mean. I said I wanted to have dinner with you.”
“Sorry, sorry. It’s been crazy lately. But enjoy today—eat lots of good food. It’s all fantastic.”
When Siwon looked ready to complain again, Saheon gently nudged him toward Director Choi’s side.
Finally, the two grooms were able to enter the waiting room.
Saheon sat Wookyung down in a chair and handed him a bottle of water.
Normally, he would’ve stroked his hair or kissed his face here and there.
But today, with his hair styled and a light layer of makeup, he couldn’t.
“You’re really beautiful today, Wookyung.”
“You too. Honestly, when Senior Associate Sun said she was going to post that picture earlier, I wanted to stop her.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t want anyone else to see you.”
Saheon’s eyes widened at the sincere but teasing answer.
Eventually, he lost control and pressed his lips firmly against Wookyung’s before pulling away.
“Oh my gosh! You can’t do that!”
A flustered staff member cried out.
The quick kiss had already smudged the carefully applied lipstick.
Unfortunately, there was no time to fix it.
—Now, please give a warm round of applause for the couple taking their first steps together in love!
The emcee’s voice echoed through the speakers.
A bright wedding march began playing in the hall.
“Shall we?”
“Yeah.”
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Holding hands, they stepped through the open doors.
Their backs, as they walked in, shimmered with joy and excitement.
* * *
