Chapter 4 - After the Marriage

When the door opened it was Jihye, her wife.

"Are you doing something?" Jihye asked, "Can I come in?" She asked again "Yeah sure you can and no I'm not doing anything" Jihye nodded and sat beside Lauren. They were just silent but Jihye's heart is already skipping a beat since she was beside her crush. She just can't believe Lauren was her wife and she promised she will do everything to make Lauren fall in love with her.

"I'm Jeung Jihye" Jihye managed to say as she took her hands out for a handshake Lauren was confused at first but manage to realize what Jihye is trying to do she just chuckled and took Jihye's hand and shook her hand "Lauren Walton," she said, "Uh, so how are you?" Jihye asked

"I'm okay, you know just trying to sink in everything for now but I'm doing okay. How about you?" Lauren asked "I'm fine. So, your Mom told me that you will be going back to L.A. to fix something how long will you stay in there?" Jihye asked not wanting to sound like she's already desperate to be with her and make her madly in love with her.

"Maybe two weeks. You'll be okay...right?" Jihye was shocked 'does she care for me?' 'does she perhaps also has some feelings for me?' "I mean, now that you know you're my wife. I know that I need to look out for you because well..you already know the reason" Jihye found it cute, Lauren was blushing and still felt a bit uncomfortable but she understands it.

"You don't have to worry, I'll be fine. I have a schedule for one week in the company and it will die down since YGs group schedule has a comeback after my schedule so I decided to help my Mom in her company or maybe fix everything in my penthouse" Lauren knows that she will be staying in Jihye's place, her Mom already told her.

"U-Uhm can you wait for me so I could help you fix something in the penthouse?" Lauren asked, she wanted to help Jihye since she is still a girl even though she has that condition "No, it's okay. I can do a man's work because of my Dad and brother. You just need to rest when you come back because I know there's for you to do in the upcoming months. I also have my members with me so you don't have to worry" Lauren was about to answer when Jihye cut her off "Everything will be okay" Lauren just nodded she still feels really shy around Jennie.

"So, I really came here to know all your schedules and plans. I also wanted to check if you're doing alright and uh I want to open the gifts with you. Uhm if you're just okay with it I really don't mind if you open it alone." Lauren smiled and stood up as she moved the box to the floor so it's easy for them to gather everything. Lauren patted the floor beside her so Jihye can sit so her wife did.

"What gift do you want to start? the smaller ones or big ones?"Lauren asked "How about the smaller ones? Ara was the one who bought I'm very curious" Lauren chuckled and took Ara's gift and handed it to Jihye she told her to open it because it was from her members "Oh, it's a scented candle. Here smell it" Jihye handed her the candle as Lauren took a smell it was her favorite scent, Vanilla. "Where shall we place this? In the living room or our room?" Lauren was taken aback she couldn't believe that Jihye said that 'did she just say our room?' she doesn't find it disgusting but she found it cute.

"Oh yeah let's put it in the living room. I really like scented candles and I'm also gonna buy new ones in Los Angeles so we could also have it in the dining area" Lauren said she really likes these kinds of things because it was also her Mom's favorite. She set aside and took Yujin and Megan's gifts. Lauren was the one who opened Megan's it was a picnic basket with some utensils while Yujin bought them some new plates that Lauren really likes since Suzy and Marceline told them that Lauren really likes the Aesthetic plates but luxury Yujin doesn't mind the price at all since she's hella rich. She gave them two boxes of it that's why her gift look so huge "How come did they know that I like these kinds of things?" Lauren asked Jihye to check the plates one by one if it has some damage.

"Oh, you know them. It really is for you" Jihye said causing Lauren's eyes to furrow "What do you mean just mine?" her wife asked "Well you know I guess they are tired of giving gifts to me since they usually give me gifts whenever I finish some things for the fans if I have some promotions for the product, photoshoot everything regarding with work they never stop buying me things. They were all about you for now" Jihye said grinning "What do you mean by that?" "To be honest we are competing with each other, whoever will be married first we need to treat each other the foods and a trip to the country they like but I can just also pay for it if I don't want to go with them but when they knew that I would be marrying you they decided to change the plans a while ago. They wanted to travel with you and be close to you. They really admire you just so you know" Lauren smiled, she can't believe that her wife's friends admire her, does this mean she's in safe hands?

For the remaining gifts, Gabbie bought them some non-stick pans, while Mai bought them a rack of wine, Gia being the luxury girl she is she bought an Oven Air fryer and a microwave Jihyw was laughing about it since Lauren was telling her how sassy Gia is but also ended up telling her kind and lovable she is, Elle bought them some things for the dogs.

"Why did she decide to give us some dot things?" Jihye asked in amusement "two days before the wedding she was asking me about the things that you like I didn't know what to answer and I remembered that you have one dog and I could tell that you really love him so I told her to just buy some things for your dog because you will appreciate it and I also asked about it to Marceline" Jihye couldn't help but smile and blush she was trying to hide but she couldn't. Lauren was looking at her "Thank you but why does she also buy two big dog collars?"

"Oh, I guess this is for my dogs" Jihye was surprised that her crush has a dog "You have a dog?" Lauren smiled seeing Jihye's shocked face "Yeah I do have two dogs, their names are Lei and Liz. They are big dogs, Dobermans. They are also the reason why I need to go back so I can take them with me when I came back" Jihye smiled gesturing for her to continue "My Dad bought that for me when I was twenty - two, so I really take good care of them and train them. Since you have some small dogs maybe I can just leave Lei and Liz to my Mom and Dowon's place I'll just visit the--" Lauren was cut off.

"No, it's fine. I know Dobermans are the sweetest, you can take them in the house and we'll let Kum be friends with them" Lauren smiled, she can't believe that Jihye is a sweet and understanding girl "Okay if you say so" They continued opening some gifts ended up making fun with them since they found it funny.

Lauren is still very uncomfortable since she just met her today and she wanted to know her more. She really doesn't want to lie to herself that she's very interested in talking to her since while they were opening some gifts she's talking about her culture and she was amazed by it. 

Jihye on the other hand couldn't contain her happiness, her heart is fluttering whenever she hears Lauren's giggle and laugh. She just wants to kiss her and make love to her, she really wanted to ask about the honeymoon but she also wants to take everything slow since she doesn't want to scare Lauren but she's very sure that she wants to have a family with Lauren and she'll do everything to make Lauren fall in love with her.  

They gather all the things that their friends gave, Jihye was holding the bigger ones while Lauren is trying to help her but she doesn't want to she said she could do it.

"Are you sure you don't need a hand?" Lauren asked while coming down from the stairs, she was just holding the basket and the plates "No, I can manage" Jihye said even though it's getting heavy and her arms are sore "William can you gather up the remaining gifts in the room?" William nodded and went upstairs as Lauren opened the door and waited looked out after her wife since the floor is a bit slippery "Careful, you might slipt" Jihye's heart fluttered when Lauren is looking after her. 

"Jih, you should have called us," Ara said running towards Jihye so she could help, "I told her I can help her but she's insisting," Lauren said getting the car keys from Jihye "Oh, you know she wouldn't let you since she doesn't want you to get tired...you really don't know how to whip--ouch, that hurts" Ara pouted while rubbing her head, Jihye glared at her "I still managed to get it from here though," Jihye said opening the trunk of her car. 

Lauren shook her head while smiling. She could tell that Ara is playful and loud that she could just tell that she's like Jihye's sibling. They weren't stopping to bicker causing Lauren to laugh lowly. When William was already carrying the remaining gifts Lauren decided to open her car. 

"Mrs. Jeung, Are we gonna put this in your car?" William asked Jihye while Lauren is opening the trunk but also looked at the two "Oh no, maybe in my wife's car" Lauren smiled whenever she heard the word her wife. She doesn't know but her heart is fluttering and she feels like Jihye is a perfect girl but still, the trust issue is still in her heart and she wants to see more. Like Dohyun said everything will take time. 

Suzy and Gabbie were getting out of the car they went to the office so they could take Lauren's ticket and her friends "Woah, I see all the first were open. Did you open mine?" Gabbi asked making her way to Lauren giving her a kiss on the cheeks, this was really their routine and how they greet each other. Gabbie is a guy, muscular and tall a lot of people think that they are a couple but they are just really best friends "yeah, we did. Jihye really likes it" Lauren said replacing everything. 

"what do you mean we?" Suzy asked, "OOOOOH, did you like open unwrap it together?" She heard Elle's voice she looked around to see the rest of her friends. Gia is wearing her normal dress while Mai is wearing a skirt. Lauren shake her head knowing her friends will tease her already so she decided to just answer them directly since she don't want to deal with it right now "Yes we did" Lauren said while Gabbie closed the trunk as Laurene lean her body in the car and looking at Jihye talking to Ara. 

"So? how was it? Did you kiss?" Gia asked looking at Lauren wiggling her brows, Lauren blushed and shale her head instantly "but why are you blushing?" Mai asked teasingly "Does she have any effect on you?" Suzy followed, Lauren blushed more causing her to shake her head instantly so it wouldn't continue her friend's laugh because she knew that it was really Lauren's habit to do that whenever she sees something that will really make her blush and her heart flutter "Aish, stop it. You know, I just agreed on this marriage because I need to fulfill my parent's wish" Lauren said while still looking at Jihye's who's raising her shirt a bit and she saw a glimpse of her abs, and Lauren's mouth instantly watered. She doesn't know but her friends are also looking her way and laughed when they saw Lauren's reaction "Rene, don't look at her like she's a snack. You know someday soon you will have the chance to hold it" Lauren was taken aback by Gabbie's sudden words causing her to smack her head and her friends just laugh "Ughh, come I need a cold drink" Lauren said getting inside quickly while her friends are laughing following her from behind laughing knowing it was confirmed that it really did affect her friend. 

"So, you're telling me that Lauren will be gone for two weeks?" Ara asked while her hands is leaning on Jihye's car while Jihye is sitting in the trunk and she nodded "How about the Honeymoon?" Jihyee smack her shoulder and rolled her eyes "What was that for? Hey, if you're thinking that you two will fuck well that's not what I'm saying. You know Honeymoon can also consist of roaming around a beautiful city and getting to know more about each other Jihye" Ara said rubbing her shoulder "Yeah I know, but the way you just say it sound so disgusting. I feel like I'm a maniac fr something when I ask her that. I just need time to think of it. You know that 'thing' would happen if I got her heart already" Jihye stood up and close the trunk and saw her two-friends with beers in their hands and waving at them as they waved back. 

"I thought you both are with Lauren's friends?" Jihye asked opening two beers for Lauren "Well, the three girls bought some snacks and they decided to go first so they could cook the beef and melt the cheese for the nachos." Jihyee nodded and drink her beer, just then Lauren is coming out with Gia with some things in their hands maybe it was for the barbeque "What do you think of Lauren's friends?" Megan asked looking at Lauren

"I want to keep an eye on that Hank Guy named Gabbie," Jihye said jealousy bringing up, she saw when Gabbie kissed her wife's cheek a while ago. For sure, she would get jealous knowing Lauren isn't hers completely even though they are married she still thinks that Lauren can do everything that she likes and she doesn't have any rights since as of now this is like a one-sided love since she could tell that her wife is still uncomfortable. 

"you don't have to," Ara said looking at Jihye "why not?" Yujin asked "Gabbie told me that he has a girlfriend and he's planning to propose soon it was really their way of greeting each other since they are friends since middle school and you really don't have to worry because he will probably look after your girl when she's in Los Angeles"  Jihye sighed in relief. Jihye is really a jealous girl, she's really possessive but will ct cute whenever she's jealous, this was also mentioned by her friends in some interviews so they really know when Jihye is really jealous. 

The four decided to come inside to help everyone to fix everything. They decided to hang out and have dinner all together to celebrate the wedding since it doesn't have any reception like a party or something. It was Lauren's idea since she doesn't want anything to be in the media yet. Their parents are having their own gathering in Chahee and Beom suk's home so they really don't mind for now. 

Lauren was washing the champagne glass and Jihye put the beer near to her "Drinking at this time?" Lauren asked while Jihye grinned "It's really not that early to grab a drink it's four in the afternoon. You should drink one, it helps you relax while washing that champagne cups" Lauren shake her head while smiling and drank some beer. 

"You didn't tell me about your flight," Jihye said looking something at the fridge "Oh yeah, I'm leaving at four am and I will pass by at the company real quick to get some files to sign and gather the remaining things that I need to finish in Los Angeles. Are you sure you'll be okay?" Lauren really couldn't help but ask it any time since she really feels sad leaving Jihye right after the wedding. It's not that she likes her but as her wife, for sure she has the right to look out for her most especially when her Mom Chahee told her to look after her since she was the only child that's staying in their house.

Jihye smiled of course deep inside her she's sad that Lauren will be leaving but she needs to let her go at the moment because she knew that her wife needs to fix something and it's work calls. But, all she needs right now is assurance that there's no one else but her. She's thinking of that because she knew they are just in an arranged marriage. 

Lauren felt it she knows she needed to say this "Hey if you're ever thinking that I have a secret boyfriend I don't have it alright? I don't have anyone since birth and not really planning to now that I'm married" Lauren doesn't know but it just came out from her mouth but still she deserves to know it right? 

Jihye smiled and chuckled finally her wife assured her that no one else owns her heart she didn't mention that it belongs to her but she knows Lauren is trying to get comfortable by it "Yeah, I know. But, Can you like to text me? Or update me? Uh, I want to know all bout your whereabouts. So, I wouldn't be thinking too much in the evening. I want to know if you're doing okay or not" Then again Lauren's heart fluttered, this is something else. She really likes the sound of it, she feels like she was really owned by someone, and makes her feel like that she's gonna be safe in her and she seems like Jihye was really sincere about it. 

'she wants to look out for me" Lauren said to her mind 

"I want to look after you because I need to because I know how you Dad Ben look after you whenever you're working overseas or he even looks after you even though you're just around Los Angeles. I also promised your Mom and Dowon especially your siblings they are literally throwing daggers at me when they are saying that" Lauren couldn't help but laugh she finds it so sweet that Jihye is really looking after her and cares about her. As of now, she's feeling relieved that Jihye cares even though this is arranged.

"Yes okay, you don't have to worry. I will update and tell you about my whereabouts" Jihye grinned "But how can we text each other if we're not exchanging numbers?" Jihye said confused, Lauren chuckled and handed her her cellphone so is Jihye.

Jihye instantly gave Lauren her phone and leave instantly not wanting to see Lauren's reaction to the contact name that she input. Lauren was very confused at first but decided to look at it. Lauren doesn't know but it felt right that it should be at it is. 

'My Wifey huh?'  Lauren said to herself and smiled like a teenager who's in love. She came back to reality when Yujin entered the kitchen 

"Hey, Lauren" Yujin said getting the champagne glass "Oh hey, need a hand?" she asked as the idol nodded and Lauren happily helped her.

Jihye was jumping happily in the living room with Ara and Gabbie they are finishing the beers and she couldn't get over the fact that Lauren's name wasn't just like a normal one but 'Lauren (Wifey)' Of course, it's a big one for her since Lauren is her crush and she couldn't contain what she is feeling right now. All she knows is that she's very happy that maybe Lauren is getting used to it in a bit even though the wedding just ended hours ago. Gabbie and Ara just shake their head, Ara has been telling Gabbie how shipped Jihye is to Laurene and he was clearly shocked by it since Lauren doesn't have any idea about this. Ara asked him why and Gabbie's answer made Ara weird out because Lauren really doesn't like scrolling through her media but he also explained that Lauren is just really a workaholic girl especially she's still moving on from her Dad which Ara understands. 

After two hours of getting ready, they are all gathered on the balcony. Jihye and Lauren are sitting beside each other not wanting to blush every time they look at each other because still, they can't get over the contact name. While their friends are happily talking while Gia and Megan are grilling the barbeque, Gabbie, Yujin, Elle, Mai, Lisa, and Suzy are talking and the married couple is just listening. They were talking about Lauren's father Ben how he really is in person. 

Of course, Jihye knows about this since she was searching everything on the internet and watching some interviews. She even listened to Ben's message to Lauren's future spouse which is...her, she's hers and her wife she promised she will protect and love Lauren unconditionally because that's all he likes. 

Once the barbeque is cooked, they already decided to eat. Lauren was talking about the auditions since Jihye's friends were curious about it and Lauren learned that they are the professional fashion designed of luxury clothing and two of them were models which of course she's very glad to meet them and she has her first guests already when the survival show starts. They also talked about Lauren's friends. The idols learned that Gabbie was working in Lauren's company, Suzy as well, While Mai and Elle are law students and Gia is a full-time doctor. Jihye realized that all her wife's friends are very successful and very academically inclined she could tell her wife has very high standards.

She could also tell that Lauren is the one who gets teased a lot by her friends since she realized that she was the youngest one, Gabbie is twenty four so is Gia, Elle, and Mai. Lauren just really started going to school early and that's why she also became a successful girl early and of course, Jihyee was proud ever since then. Jihye's friends couldn't help but coo at the sigh because every time Lauren laugh Jihyee will look at her telling her how in love she is, of course, Lauren's friends saw it too and they couldn't help but be thankful that maybe Lauren really is safe to Jihye's hand. 

Lauren asks about Jenni's plan after she finished her survival show for dance, her members talk about it and Lauren got curious. Jennie is slowly changing her mind when she heard her friend's plans because they were all are dancers. Ara was still thinking about it but planning to have a dance academy soon together with Jihye, while Yujin will pursue her dreams of being a fasion designer, while Mwgan will continue to become a dancer roo. They really wanted to renew their contract but Jihye is married now and for sure she wanted to look out for her wife and work with her. Jihye just told her that she doesn't have any decisions yet but she'll still think about it because of their fans, Lauren just agreed and told her to take her time. 

The night continued Lauren and Jihye didn't drink that much since Jennie wanted to drop Lauren at the airport. Lauren's bodyguard helped her drunk friends to go inside the car so they could rest in the private jet while Lauren told them to go first since they need to pass by Lauren's house to say goodbye to her parents and siblings.

Jihye drove off and went into the house, Leslie and Dokissed her kiss and told her that to be safe and update her while Lauren just gathered the important things that she needs and kiss Dohyun's forehead also Daeun's. For the last time, she hugged her Mom tightly telling her that she will be back in two weeks. The two adults walked the married couple outside as Jihye drove off. 

the car ride was quiet just wanting to relax their mind as of now. After 30 minutes, they reached the airport and Jihye helped the bodyguard to take out Lauren's luggage and other things. Jihye looked at Lauren who's talking to her private pilot. Jihye leaned into her car when Lauren walked to her.

"I'll see you in two weeks?" Lauren said causing Jihye to nod and smile "Text me when you arrived" 

Lauren looked sad her and she looks so sad so she kissed her cheeks "I'll be back wifey"

Lauren winked and left while Jihye was stunned