Chapter 7

It was only after arriving at the wedding that Da Hee understood why the bride and groom had so earnestly invited her. University classmates, along with former colleagues, were all gathered in one place.

Da Hee and the bride, Hye Young, were rare friends who had graduated from the same university department and joined the same company. At least, that's how it was until Hye Young took an interest in Da Hee's boyfriend, Kang Ho.

Kang Ho was undeniably a dashing man. With a solid build, neat appearance, and enviable wealth, he had pursued Da Hee for a long time. After falling for Da Hee upon seeing her sing at a departmental music festival, he relentlessly pursued her for a year. As a result, Da Hee started dating him, but it ended after three years. Along with the line, "You don't love me!".

Kang Ho, wanting to hurt Dahee, chose Hye Young. Hye Young, despite knowing his intentions, couldn't push him away. Although Da Hee was more emotionally detached than others, she wasn't immune to pain. As Kang Ho wished, Da Hee was hurt and grew tired of every aspect of her life. Since she wasn't working for money, Da Hee resigned and took a year-long break.

Recalling her past wounds, Da Hee looked at the couple's wedding photos. A short while later, Woo Hyun approached her side.

"Where did you go?"

"I just parked the car."

Woo Hyun smiled, and Da Hee looked puzzled. It shouldn't have taken that long to park in the underground parking lot.

"You are Da Hee, right?"

One after one, people who had been unsure began to recognize Da Hee.

"Hello."

Da Hee greeted them.

They responded with phrases like, 'Oh, nice to see you,' and 'Long time no see,' but an undeniable awkwardness lingered on their faces. Da Hee smiled faintly, seeing their expressions that clearly asked, 'Why on earth are you here?'.

"I received an invitation. From both of them."

Da Hee pulled out the wedding invitation from her clutch and showed it to the people. The faces of those surrounding Da Hee immediately crumpled. They all knew the truth. That Da Hee was a friend of the bride and the groom's ex-girlfriend.

"Why on earth would they do such a thing?"

Someone blurted out, unable to hide their true feelings.

"I received a text asking me to attend, saying they wanted to be forgiven."

"Who? From Hye Young?"

One of her classmates asked. Da Hee smiled.

"From both the bride and groom."

At Da Hee's words, people started whispering.

"Why would they do that?"

"How cruel."

The murmurs spread endlessly, reaching others. Some even glared at the bridal waiting room.

"I'll go to the bridal waiting room. Since I'm here, I should at least take a photo."

Da Hee smiled sweetly and headed towards the bridal waiting room.

Hye Young, sitting in a pure white dress, made a strange expression when she saw Da Hee entered.

"Da Hee."

Hye Young called out with a voice filled with a peculiar tenderness. Da Hee smiled at Hye Young, who sat gracefully under numerous lights.

"It's been a long time."

"You came. Thank you."

Hye Young's voice trembled slightly.

"You invited me, so I had to come."

At Da Hee's words, Hye Young's eyes flickered. Hye Young looked at the friends surrounding her and spoke.

"Could you please step out for a moment? I have something to say."

At Hye Young's request, her friends glanced at Da Hee and left. Da Hee also turned her back and looked at Woo Hyun.

"Could you wait outside for a moment?"

At Da Hee's words, Woo Hyun lightly nodded and stepped out. Hye Young watched Woo Hyun's retreating figure with a puzzled expression.

"Who was that?"

"Who else would I bring to a wedding?"

Da Hee replied evasively, and Hye Young's expression became strange.

"So you're seeing someone? That's good. He looked handsome."

"Did you call me in here just to say that? You said you had something to tell me, what is it?"

Da Hee asked. Just as Hye Young was about to hesitantly speak, Da Hee cut her off sharply.

"Let's not talk about 'I'm sorry,' or 'please forgive me.' We're not doing that."

At Da Hee's blunt statement, Hyeyoung's face stiffened. Da Hee crossed her arms and stared at Hye Young expressionlessly.

~~~~~

Miel's Translations