"Are you absolutely certain about your decision? No turning back now, right? Our next meeting will be at your wedding—no backing out. Our relationship is more than just a plate of hot rice, I've been telling you that from the beginning," my older brother reminded me, as he always does, looking out for what's best, yet always granting me freedom. As long as I can handle it, I'll do everything in my power.
"Brother, it seems like you haven't given your blessing to Logan, huh? I bet you made him work hard before forgiving him. Hopefully, that's not the case," I said to him.
"Of course, he hurt my only sister, so it's only natural for me to be protective. Besides, it's crucial that everything is settled now. Take care on your way back to Clayland, say hi to Mom for me," he replied.
I know he's happy because he gets to spend more time with Alice here in Azura. But before we all go our separate ways, I need to tease my brother a bit. We can't let each other off the hook without some playful retaliation.
"You know, brother, be careful. Alice seems to be getting into K-dramas and K-pop lately. I'm not implying anything, but there are also plenty of handsome guys here, so watch out," I playfully warned him.
And before my brother could catch me, I ran away. That's how we are, my brother and I. We're competitive, often teasing each other, but we love each other deeply.
I went to find Logan. We were already at the airport, ready to head back to Clayland. It's been a long time since I last visited home. And although not all the wounds I left behind in Clayland have fully healed, I've chosen—and will continue to choose—to live there because that's where we'll begin creating better memories.
"Did you say goodbye to your future brother-in-law?" Logan asked me.
"Future brother-in-law already?" I laughed. I don't know why I feel like teasing.
He gave me a sharp look. "Yes, I'm going to marry you, right?"
I laughed and hugged him, playfully pinching his straight nose. "You know I'm just teasing you; don't take it too seriously," I told him. This handsome man, my soon-to-be husband, is too intense.
He sighed and gave me a peck on the lips. "You know I'm always serious when it comes to you. That's how much I love you," he said, his expressive eyes revealing how important I am to him.
"I know that. And there's no need to doubt anymore, okay? I was the one who proposed to you. Do you really think I'd let you go? In your dreams," I playfully retorted.
And before we got too caught up in the moment, we boarded the plane.
Now, we're on the airplane, spending most of our time sleeping or eating.
When we finally landed at the airport, a warm breeze welcomed us. This is the place I decided to leave years ago, and I'm genuinely delighted to be back. It's a joy to be here and start a new life.
Mom was already waiting for us. She's going to pick us up so that Clayland can come along too.
"Mom! I missed you so much," I said, embracing her tightly.
"Child! It's been too long since I saw you. I'm sorry I couldn't visit all these years; I wish I could have been there in person instead of through video calls," my mom apologized.
"Mom, it's okay. It's my fault. I had the choice to come back here, but I'm just your stubborn only daughter," I playfully teased my mom.
"Because you can't forgive your dad yet, is that it?" Mom asked me.
"Mom, let's not dwell on that for now. I just came back from Azura, and I'm really tired. I'm sorry," I told her.
"I understand. And son, you're here too. How was the proposal?" Mom asked Logan, and he respectfully greeted her, bowing.
"It was beautiful, Auntie. Your daughter is amazing, and she beat me to the proposal," the clever man replied. Now the tables have turned, huh? It's amusing.
"Oh, come on. Call me Mom. You're going to marry my daughter, after all."
"Okay, Mom." Look at that. Logan is already comfortable with my family. Now it's just me who's nervous about his side.
I hope I'm still welcome in his family. I hope there are no more complications. I just want to be in love and be happy.
We got into the van, and now we're on our way to Clayland. We're starting to get bored due to the long journey, so I dozed off.
I woke up in my old room. It seems like nothing has changed. Everything looks just the way I remember it, and it fills me with nostalgia because all my memories with Logan and my friends were made here. It's a comforting feeling.
Wait?
When I looked beside me, Logan was sleeping peacefully. He let out a slight snore, and I couldn't help but think how handsome and adorable he looks right now.
"Oh, you're awake," he said, still groggy. He must have just woken up.
"Hey, did I fall asleep because of the long journey?" Why am I even asking when the answer is obvious? Am I crazy? Well, I guess I'm still half asleep and a bit disoriented.
"Yup, I carried you here. It's already late, and you haven't eaten yet. Let's go downstairs quietly, so we don't wake anyone up," he said, sounding like an excited child. My fiancé is quite mischievous.
"Wait, didn't you go to your house? To the mansion?" I asked him, almost whispering. People are probably asleep by now. It's already past ten at night.
He scratched his head in response. "I'm not used to sleeping without you by my side, so I decided to stay here. Why? Do you want to go to the mansion?" he offered.
Our faces turned as red as tomatoes from what Mom said. It's too embarrassing, isn't it?
"Just let it be. That's how couples about to get married are," our housekeeper reassured us.