Ch.189189. My Slightly Naughty Bride [Illustration]

Today’s schedule at the studio can be summarized as follows. Bride and groom makeup, dress fitting, concept photoshoot, main photoshoot.

When listed out like this, it doesn’t seem like much, but surprisingly, each process takes a long time. It’s natural that dress fitting, concept photoshoot, and main photoshoot consume a lot of time, and on top of that, the studio explains that it inevitably takes very long considering the additional time needed to complete makeup.

Well, thinking about it, this is natural, right? Today will be an extremely special day for both me and Hwa Nabi.

If I were to rank it by importance, it would definitely be among the top three days of my life, and it makes sense that such lengthy preparation is necessary to preserve memories of such an important day.

“…That’s true.”

Yes, I understand that. But I didn’t know I’d have to wait this long. The staff warned me to mentally prepare since bridal makeup often takes several hours. I thought they were just trying to scare me and laughed it off.

I tapped the dressing table and checked the wall clock. It’s almost lunchtime already, so about an hour has passed? When I first started waiting, my heart was pounding with excitement, but after sitting like a statue for an hour, I’m starting to get bored.

I understand putting effort into makeup since these photos will last a lifetime, but this seems excessive. If I’d known, I should have asked if I could watch the preparation process. Though I probably would have been refused.

“Hmm.”

Sitting in front of the dressing table, I looked in the mirror. I’m currently wearing a white formal suit for the ceremony, a tailcoat-style formal wear with three buttons in front.

Hmm, when was the last time I wore a suit like this? I wore one for an interview and haven’t worn one since, so about 6 months ago? Since it’s something I rarely wear, it feels strangely awkward despite fitting perfectly.

I placed my finger under my chin, then adjusted the angle to see my profile. After trying various poses and examining myself, I let out a small laugh. What am I doing?

“Seriously…”

Looking in the mirror, I noticed my smile looked awkward too. It must be because of the outfit. Until recently, it didn’t feel real that I was actually getting married, but seeing myself in this formal attire makes it sink in.

The time has really come. To think that such a moment would come for me too. Well, should I say it’s deeply moving, or that my feelings are too complex to define in one word.

Happy, joyful, and blissful.

“……”

With various emotions welling up, I cleared my throat unnecessarily. At this point, when we haven’t even set a date for the actual ceremony, I shouldn’t be like this already. At this rate, will I cry on the actual wedding day? Nothing looks more foolish than crying on what should be the happiest day.

Ah, I need to pull myself together. After making this mental note, I buttoned up my jacket. As I checked myself in the mirror again, my phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket.

Checking it, I saw it was my mother, or rather, Mom calling.

“Hello, Mom?”

[Yes, Siwoo? Where are you now?]

“Me? I’m out right now.”

She’s not one to call first usually, so I wonder if something’s up. Judging by the background noise, she’s not indoors either.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

[Nothing’s wrong, but are you perhaps at a photo shoot?]

“Yes. I came for the wedding photoshoot.”

How did she know when I didn’t tell her? Did my brother mention it? As I was about to ask, a loud sound came through.

[What? Siwoo, why didn’t you tell me something so important beforehand?]

Why? Obviously because I was afraid of this reaction, I thought to myself, but swallowed those words.

“Ah, you startled me. Why are you suddenly like this?”

[What do you mean suddenly? My baby is having a wedding photoshoot! Where are you now? I’ll come right away!]

“Why would you come? The shoot is almost over, and we’ll be gone by the time you arrive.”

The main shoot hasn’t even started yet, so the real thing begins shortly, but I said it this way. No point in prolonging the call and giving myself a headache.

[So you’re still in wedding attire? Can you at least send photos?]

“Photography is prohibited inside… I’ll try to take some before changing if I get a chance.”

[Yes, make sure to send photos. Understood? Oh, and send photos of yourself too!]

“Yes, I got it. Go back inside.”

I’m her son but clearly an afterthought. Well, that’s not bad. It means Mom really likes Hwa Nabi.

After making some excuses, I hung up. Just as I was about to take a breather, coincidentally, my phone vibrated with a KakaoTalk message.

Hwa Nabi♡ [Siwoo, is your makeup done? Can you come to the bride’s waiting room now?]

Me [It’s done, but why? Is something wrong?]

I sent the reply and waited a moment. But even after thirty seconds, there was no response.

Is something really wrong? Should I call her? Just as I was thinking this, a message arrived.

Hwa Nabi♡ [You’ll see when you come!]

It sounds like there’s something she can’t say over messenger. Or is it just my imagination? Even if I ask what it is, she won’t give a clear answer.

“…What is it?”

In this case, I have no choice but to go check myself. I got up with an uneasy feeling.

Leaving the groom’s waiting room, turn left and walk for about ten seconds to reach the bride’s waiting room. I rushed there in one breath and stood in front of the door.

Since she might be changing clothes, I knocked first before opening the door.

“Nabi, are you there?”

─Yes. I’m here.

Normally she would open the door directly or ask me to come in, but as expected of this unique woman, she responds in an unusual way.

But only an amateur would be flustered by this. I grabbed the doorknob and asked again.

“Are you dressed?”

─I am, but there’s a bit of a problem right now…

“Problem? What problem?”

─It’s kind of hard to explain in words.

I understood immediately after hearing that. So that’s why she called me. I’m not completely sure since I haven’t seen it myself, but it’s probably a situation that would be embarrassing to show others or something similar.

─So, can you come in for a moment?

“Okay, I understand. I’m coming in now?”

─Yes.

It’s better to handle these things quickly before drawing attention, right? I opened the door without thinking much.

Creak.

“…?”

I was surprised as soon as I entered. There was something large covered with a veil in the center of the waiting room. What is this, a mannequin? But why would a mannequin be here?

The situation didn’t make sense, and I unconsciously gulped. Where did Hwa Nabi go after calling me? I approached slowly, very carefully.

But at that moment…

“…Wah!”

Suddenly, the veil was lifted, revealing pink hair. Startled, I instinctively stepped back.

Hwa Nabi grabbed my wrist firmly. Holding the veil with her left hand and me with her right, she wore a playful smile.

“Ta-da, surprised?”

“Yeah, really surprised.”

I almost screamed out loud, I was so startled… I muttered something about nearly having a heart attack, which for some reason made Hwa Nabi look up at me and giggle.

“Did you already change?”

“No. This is something I tried on before the main dress. How is it? Does it suit me?”

Hwa Nabi asked me while making a flower pose with both hands. This caused the veil on her head to slip down.

I caught the veil and lifted it back up, then looked her straight in the eyes and said:

“Yes, it suits you. You’re extremely beautiful.”

“Hehe, thank you. It suits you too.”

“Hmm, really? I feel a bit awkward.”

Since slim-fit is supposedly the trend for suits, I got one that fits snugly, but it feels awkward around the shoulders and waist. I tugged at various parts of the suit.

Hwa Nabi stared at me for a while, then took a step forward.

“Siwoo is very handsome, so you can be confident.”

Even though I see her face every day, my heart races when I look at her this closely. Is it because of her light makeup, or because her outfit is a bit… revealing?

In terms of exposure, the clothes she wears at home show more skin. But given the place and situation, her current attire seems even more sensual.

“……”

But is it really okay to walk around in such a revealing outfit? Of course, from my perspective as the observer, it’s more than fine… but other people can see too.

I looked down at Hwa Nabi with a strange mix of worry and excitement. She seemed to notice my gaze and placed her hand on her upper chest as she spoke.

“What’s wrong? Worried someone might see?”

“…It would be a lie if I said no.”

Of course, with such a sensual and beautiful bride in front of me. As a man, it would be a lie to say I don’t feel anxious.

But it’s not just anxiety either. How should I put it? I’m happy but worried at the same time. As Hwa Nabi said, I’m concerned someone might see her and have impure thoughts.

“Heh, don’t worry too much.”

“Yeah, I’d like not to…”

Just as I was about to speak, Hwa Nabi placed her index finger directly on my lips. Then, with the most beautiful smile, she gazed at me intently and said:

“…This dress, I’ll only show it to my man.”