172. That Was Unexpected

'It's time I admitted to myself that I do feel a bit apprehensive about the transitioning from dating to tying the knot. I should be happy... I am happy but still, I wonder to myself why I'm developing cold feet over this matter. Perhaps it's the thought of feeling like the best moments of my life appear to be fading, the lack of official attachment even though this man...this handsome man is already fated to me. He always had a strong conviction over his decisions, executing them courageously without a second thought. Why couldn't I be just like him? If I tell him I'm anxious, will he be angry? Will he be disappointed in me? Will he doubt my affections for him?

For sure I'll miss living here, I always felt safe. The first time I came to this house, forced to move with the news of being fated, the right for me to make a decision for myself taken away, of course I was furious but then I had no say. I needed his help to recover and through his determination, his sheer commitment to see me love again, I fell in love with him. We've shared moments in this compound, intimate moments, kisses, laughter... Our memories here are special to me that often times in the past, whenever I'd think of leaving him after he'd completed my mark and we'd go our separate ways, I knew I wouldn't want to forget the memories we'd shared together.

I miss those times so much... I don't want to move past where we are... I fear the unknown and refuse to think of it.

What if more danger awaits us? Our relationship has literally been a spectacle for everyone, sort of like a movie. Still, it's time for me to face the reality. Even if I were to tell him I'm having second thoughts about us getting married, he'd still find a way to have his way and force me to the altar. I just can never win against that good looking face of his.

Should I tell him I'm stressed? It's been a week and his uncle seems to not have said anything however, knowing him, he'd soon nag me every chance he gets.

What do I do?

What should I do?'

"Yeon... I've been calling you for sometime now. You seem lost in thought."

"It hurts so much."

"What was that?"'Damn it. I spoke my mind out aloud' "It's nothing.""Did I do something wrong?"

"No. Why?"

"Your scent is different. What's making you so upset?" Stan asked as he rubbed the tip of his nose with the back of his hand.

"I'm not upset"

"Oh," Stan hesitated, his eyes facing ahead at the path they were following. "I can sense you are mad about something. We can stay indoors if you wish. We don't have to go for a stroll today if you're feeling apprehensive about leaving the house."

'He can sense my anxiety alright, read my mind about leaving this place but not hitting the nail on the head exactly.' "You are right about me being skeptical of us leaving your parents home but not for what you're thinking. You see, in truth, I am indeed upset."

"Why?"

"Just because I'm often calm doesn't mean I don't get upset..."

"T-That's not what I was insinuating love... The scent you have on now is hard for me to balance."

"Stan, you used to have such a cynical character, at least that is what I could see from everyone's faces while in campus. Maybe that was the reason a lot of people were fascinated by you and those that you pushed away only longed for your company more."

Stan appeared completely confused and took Yeon's hand to hold it, bringing them both to a halt. He rubbed onto it gently, unsure of what was going on inside his fated's mind and wished to find out a way to calm him down. "Yeon, you're worrying all by yourself and saying things I don't understand. What's bothering you?"

"I'm going to miss your silly childishness, this side of you that only I know of. Will it change once we get married?"

A light chuckle escaped Stan, sending him to cover his face in embarrassment but when he took his hand away, he appeared more flustered than Yeon had ever seen him before. "Perhaps this is not a topic we should be having with two bodyguards following us behind. Would you like us to go back inside the house? We've hardly gone far..."

"Why did you pretend to be cynical? Was it all an act? You always appeared like someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone except Elric."

Yeon's words seemed to be taking Stan on a repetitive roller-coaster that he couldn't read whether he was flirting with him or he was upset despite his angry scent still lingering in the air. Thankfully, they were outside hence his scent filtered out quickly.

"Stan, I'm feeling giddy and my heart won't stop beating fast whenever the thought of us getting married crosses my mind. It's overwhelming. Just a few days ago, I was fitting my suit and Elric's mom made a big deal over the buttons being less than 22 carat. I just wanted something simple but because I love you, I accepted to go along with your extravagant idea and everyone else's who seems invested in our wedding. Elric's mother has also invited people I hardly know of, people of high caliber perhaps for us to network during the ceremony. Your dad's on he other hand seems to be taking care of the little stuffs left out like catering, wedding décor, theme and so forth. All I have to do is just show up for that day and be a puppet, play along until the show is done. Additionally, your uncle brought back the horse issue again. How could I say no to his offer when he badly wanted to partake in the planning? Everyone is excited for us, too excited that I'm becoming more and more afraid of failing them again.

You see, I've never experienced this kind of attention before neither did I dream of receiving such love and affection from everyone. My plan was to live alone and I knew I'd be happy by myself. I'm happier now of course but at what price? It's always darkest before dawn and vise versa. I don't want to be this happy just so I can be hurt again..."

"I'd never hurt you..."

"I know." Yeon cut in. "But I don't want to become the cause of anyone's hurt. I see you all whenever something happens involving the case. I can't help but bear the responsibility of how you all feel. You and I both know the case will never end. Moreover, the two of us never got justice for being attacked. We were blamed for being careless instead..."

"Yeon, you're the one who reminded me of the support we have around us. Remember when I was skeptical of us moving out and you said we shouldn't live in fear?"

"I'm not afraid Stan. I'm afraid of change. I want things to remain as they are..." Glancing at the two bodyguards a few feet from them, Yeon added, "minus the security detail of course. Because of me, everyone is living like this."

"This is just a temporary reality. Soon enough, things will go back to normal."

Yeon let out a low laugh, freeing his hand from Stan's. "You still don't get it do you? Somehow, you've identified me as an interesting individual which I find humerous. What if this perception of yours changes? I know you'll refute this but it's the truth. People get bored in a relationship and want out at some point. A wedding is just a ceremony with everyone involved. Marriage is what's left for both of us to handle, even Elric with his laid back attitude has had a truffle with Niel who is one of the most calmest people I know. What happens if we can't resolve our conflicts? All that money put in by everyone and time goes to waste."

"Yeon my love no one is forcing anyone to contribute to our wedding. They are doing it out of the generosity of their hearts and even if I had the power to tell them to stay out of it, the wouldn't hear me out. You know how annoying my parents can be? They like having their way and would act as if I don't exist then do as they pleased. Elric's mom is also excited over this because he considers you as his second son..."

"What if there is an attack on that day?"

"So what if there is? We will deal with it as it comes."

"Everyone will be heartbroken again..."

"No they won't." Stan grabbed onto both of Yeon's hands to assure him, hiding the fact that Yeon's eye color had changed yet again. "We are a family remember? And families protect their own. If any of them were in your shoes, wouldn't you have acted the same?"

"Probably."

"There we have it." Stan pulled Yeon closer to him for an embrace. "You are not responsible for how other people should feel about you neither can you control their actions towards you. For all I know, even if we eloped and wedded in secret, they'd still find a reason to call out for a huge celebration and party till dawn. Our union is a win to them as it is for us. The odds were against us from the very beginning but we managed to get here remember? If we didn't meet that night, if I hadn't spoken to you that day, I would have missed my chance just like that meeting the love of my life, the only love of my life."

"Our paths would have still crossed."

"Yeon my love, our paths crossed plenty of times the four years we were in the same collage but I never paid much attention. That night was probably our last chance at nature bringing us together therefore, if there is one thing I'm grateful for to Niel, it would be him bringing to light the spiking of drinks in that party. Looking back now, it's true that everything happens for a reason, each and every person playing a role that brought our current present. I remember being mad at Elric for making out with Mijin when he should have called for the police but it was probably Niel's scent lingering over Mijin that was making Elric attached to your sister like a fool. Additionally, if your imprint hadn't happened, I'd never have scent manifested. You'd told me earlier of my weak scent as opposed to the strength of yours. Do you believe with your scientific wisdom that the two of us would have scent manipulated under normal circumstances?"

"Probably not." Yeon laughed. "Even while in your coma, I struggled to jumpstart your weak scent for months."

"I'm not going to pretend your reply doesn't hurt my pride. 3.2NAKS you said?" Breaking their embrace, Stan looked down onto his fated and asked, "Is there a trick to make it go higher?"

"Nope."

"Some scientist you are. Helping everyone with their scents except your husband's."

"You're petty Stannie."

"If you know that then don't leave me. I'll be even more pettier once we wed so if that is the change from me you are worried about, it wouldn't be a big deal. As for loving you, there is no doubt I'd be more obsessive too."

"Look at you, reducing my worries to nothing."

"Isn't that my responsibility?"

"Maybe..."Yeon smiled, lifting his ankles to stand on his toes. "Maybe not Stannie."

"If you call me that one more time, I'm going to call you Yeonie."

"I don't mind, at least that is less cringey as opposed to the pet names you've been testing my patience with."The two loved before sharing an intimate kiss however the sound of a car pulling over stopped them in their act. It was strange to receive visitors, especially odd times such as these. The two bodyguards were high on alert however, ready to tackle whomever got out from the taxi only for them to stop upon Stan's request.

"It's alright." Stan assured them as he pushed a reluctant Yeon behind.

"Who is she?"

"Little brother! Come help me with the luggage!"

"How did she find this place?" Stan murmured. "What is she doing here to begin with?"

"You don't seem happy to see her. Should we send her off?" One of the guards asked.

"No." Yeon affirmed. "Knowing her, she must have heard about the wedding."