CHAPTER EIGHT POINT FOUR

As Oner and Khynny walked back toward the reception hall, their fingers intertwined. The cool night air lifted the tension from their shoulders, but the intimacy of their earlier conversation lingered like the last notes of a song. The moment they stepped inside, their families' gazes settled on them—subtle but unmistakable.

Oner felt the shift—the air thick with a new understanding forged in just a few heartfelt words.

"They're all staring, right?" Khynny whispered, a shy smile dancing on her lips as she glanced at their joined hands.

"I'd be more worried if they weren't," Oner replied, grinning as his thumb brushed the back of her hand. "Besides, we're in too deep now."

"Too deep?" She raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like we're in a spy movie."

"Maybe we are," he teased, leaning in slightly. "I'm just the undercover guy blending in with the crowd."

"You wish," she shot back with a soft laugh, warmth radiating from her. She squeezed his hand gently as they approached their families.

The reception hall pulsed with laughter and music. The rich aromas of adobo and bulgogi mingled with the sweet scent of wedding cake, the decorations twinkling like stars under the warm lights. Vibrant hanboks twirled next to barong-clad guests, painting a picture of unity in diversity.

As they navigated through the crowd, Oner caught sight of his older sister across the room, sipping champagne. When her eyes landed on their joined hands, her glass froze mid-air. A slow smile spread across her face.

"Well, well, well," she said, gliding over with a knowing look. "Look who's finally come out of the friend zone."

Khynny chuckled, shaking her head. "Technically, we're STILL in the friend zone. We agreed to take it slow."

"Oh please. It's obvious where this is going," Hye Jin grinned. She shot her brother a mock-serious look. "You better treat her right."

"But of course," Oner replied, his expression earnest but playful. "Do I look like I want to get killed by six overprotective brothers?"

"Oh, they'll get you first," Hye Jin said with a wink before turning to Khynny. "Glad you could keep this one in line."

"'In line' is a strong word," Khynny mused, her gaze softening as she shot Oner a fond look that didn't go unnoticed.

Their mother approached next, her gentle smile saying everything without words. She enveloped Khynny in a warm hug. "I'm so happy for you two. I just knew the moment you stepped into our home with the surprise visit with my children, and my boy's eyes fixated only on you that he will not let you go," she whispered, her tone rich with approval. Then she glanced at Oner, mock stern. "But don't think I won't keep an eye on you."

"Wouldn't expect anything less," Oner chuckled. His heart swelled with warmth as each interaction confirmed his place in this new chapter.

Across the room, Khynny's brothers had taken note. Kyrht, quick with a sharp comment, raised his glass toward Oner with an approving nod. "Welcome to the family, Moon Hyeun Jun," he said, his teasing tone buoyant. "About time someone locked her down."

Khyrby added with a grin, "Just don't get too comfortable. She's still a Cuenca—we'll come after you if you slip up."

"I'll keep that in mind," Oner replied, mock solemnity in his tone. "I have no plans to run."

Laughter erupted around the table, and Khynny shook her head, amused by how effortlessly Oner blended into her world. The camaraderie in the room wrapped around them, making it clear that this wasn't just a passing moment; it was the start of something real.

As the night wound down and the last guests filtered out, Oner walked Khynny to where her father's car was parked. The cool evening air felt refreshing after the festivities.

"It's been quite a night," Oner said softly, their hands swinging lazily between them.

"Yeah," Khynny replied, eyes tracing the twinkling lights overhead. "Didn't think I'd end up singing Disney songs in front of everyone... or, you know, holding hands with you."

He smiled at her words, his heart buoyant. "You handled both like a pro."

"I had a pretty decent duet partner," she teased.

"Oh, Khyrby? Yeah, he's okay."

She laughed, shaking her head. "You know I meant you."

"I know," he replied, grinning wider.

They stopped in front of her father's car, the moment bittersweet as the night drew to a close. Her parents pretended not to watch, but their eyes were unmistakably fixed on them.

"Your Apa and Eomma are watching," Oner murmured, glancing toward the car.

"Always," she replied, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "They're protective."

"I can see that. Good thing I'm not planning to mess this up."

"You better not," she said, her tone teasing yet underlined with seriousness.

Oner stepped closer, his free hand gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. The softness of the moment stretched between them, the city around them fading as their eyes locked.

"I'm really glad we had that talk tonight," he said quietly, sincerity anchoring his gaze. "I'm glad we're giving this a shot."

"So am I," she whispered back, warmth enveloping her words.

Without overthinking, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, letting the gesture linger just long enough to convey everything he felt but hadn't yet said.

When he pulled back, Khynny smiled, her eyes sparkling under the streetlights. "You're going to make saying goodbye hard, aren't you?"

"I hope so."

With a final smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand, she stepped back toward the car. Her father rolled down the window, a wry grin on his face. "Ready, Langga?"

Khynny nodded, opening the car door. She turned to Oner one last time. "See you soon?"

"Definitely," he replied, promise and hope weaving through his words.

As the car pulled away, Oner stood there, hands in his pockets, the cool night air settling against his skin. A sense of peace enveloped him—a peace he hadn't known in ages. This was just the beginning, and for the first time, the future felt full of promise.

A soft smile lingered on his face as he watched the car disappear into the distance, leaving him with the bittersweet thrill of new beginnings.