4

Jun pulls away from the embrace, still processing the decision he’s made. His mother wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath, shifting back to her usual calm demeanor.

Jun’s Mom: Now, we should get going. There’s a lot to do before tomorrow.

Jun: (frowning, confused) Tomorrow? What do you mean?

His mother turns to him, giving him a knowing look.

Jun’s Mom: We need to go shopping—for your wedding.

Jun’s eyes widened in shock.

Jun: (stammering) Tomorrow? Why so soon?

His mother sighs, her face showing signs of stress.

Jun’s Mom: Our company is facing some difficulties, and I need to leave the day after tomorrow to handle the situation. We need to have the wedding before I go.

Jun stands there, feeling the ground shift beneath him. His life is moving too fast, and he can’t keep up. The reality of getting married tomorrow hits him like a wave.

Jun: (nodding slowly, trying to mask his anxiety) Alright… let’s go, then.

His mother smiles at him softly, knowing how overwhelming this must be for him.

Shopping District

Jun and his mother walk through various stores, picking out wedding outfits and accessories. Jun feels distant, like he’s moving through a dream that doesn’t quite feel real. His mother chats with the shopkeepers, happily making arrangements for tomorrow.

As they browse through suits, Jun glances around, watching other couples excitedly shopping for their weddings. He feels a pang of sadness, realizing how different his situation is.

Jun’s Mom: (holding up a suit) What do you think of this one?

Jun forces a smile, barely able to focus.

Jun: It’s fine.

His mother notices his lack of enthusiasm and pauses, placing the suit down. She touches his arm gently.

Jun’s Mom: I know this isn’t what you wanted, Jun. But your father believed in this. And maybe… maybe it’ll turn out better than you expect.

Jun looks at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty, but he nods, not wanting to argue anymore. They continue shopping.

Jun and his mother enter a high-end jewelry shop, the soft chime of the door signaling their arrival. The store is elegant, with rows of sparkling rings displayed in glass cases. Jun trails behind his mother, his mind elsewhere, as she eagerly begins browsing the selection.

His mother turns to him, holding up a few rings, her face full of excitement.

Jun’s Mom: Jun, look at these! Aren’t they beautiful? Why don’t you pick one?

Jun stares at the rings, but his heart feels heavy. The idea of choosing a wedding ring—a symbol of a bond he doesn’t truly want—feels suffocating. His thoughts drift to his ex, and the love he had waited for never came. The weight of his father’s last wish presses on him, making the moment even harder.

His mother waits, smiling, unaware of the emotional storm within him.

Jun’s Mom: Jun? What do you think?

Jun clenches his jaw, a mixture of frustration and resignation building up inside. His eyes flicker over the rings, but he feels no connection to any of them. The entire process feels meaningless.

Jun: (voice low and heavy) You choose it. I don’t want to.

His mother’s smile falters slightly as she notices his tone, but she brushes it off, thinking he’s just overwhelmed by the preparations.

Jun’s Mom: Oh, don’t worry, I’ll pick the perfect one. It’ll be fine.

She turns back to the display, her excitement returning as she carefully selects a ring. But Jun’s eyes drift away, staring blankly at the other items in the store. His heart feels cold, the weight of obligation makes him feel more distant than ever.

As his mother continues shopping, Jun remains quiet, his thoughts miles away from the life that’s being planned for him.

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