Two Weeks Before the Wedding
We can do it. It's been four months since Carlyle returned. A cold but heartwarming winter flew by in no time, and the fresh sprouts of spring began to bud. Nothing particularly eventful happened. If anything, they grew even more affectionate than before his time abroad—cherishing each other more deeply. They were always together, whether on campus or at home.
"Ja, ah—"His girlfriend Bianca had always been full of charm, but now she was even more so, trying to feed him bites during their packed lunches. "Is Carlyle here...?" She'd drop by his office every single day. "I really, really like you." In the hallways, outside, even in the occasional shared general elective lecture. She'd throw herself into his arms at every opportunity, link arms tightly, pour on the charm, and make her feelings blatantly obvious. Honestly, Carlyle loved it.
Oh, right—there was one major event. One very important one.
"Please grant us your permission for marriage."
He bowed deeply. He'd succeeded in getting their formal blessing. He'd gone to her family home with Bianca and received it officially.
"When you were abroad, I told them ahead of time."
Bianca had already won her parents over, so it went smoother than expected.
"So... when are you planning to do it?"
"In the coming spring. The month of Bianca's birthday."
"February, then...?"
"Yes, Father-in-law."
Of course, he'd heard that last year, when the news leaked once, her father had fainted—but who knows if that's true.
And just like that, February arrived. The pivotal month drew near.
A drizzle had fallen overnight, the herald of early spring. The rain seemed to have washed away every speck of dust from the world. Sipping from her teacup while gazing at the clear sky and scenery beyond the window. Slurp— The hot, freshly brewed tea settled her mind somehow. Or rather, no—this place itself was profoundly comforting to him. Bianca Shama's room, her neatly tidied girlfriend's space. It wasn't his own home, but by now it felt utterly familiar.
Lately, Carlyle's heart had rarely known such peace.
'All this time, I've just been...'
Running nonstop. Endless part-time jobs alongside studies, napping on the academy rooftop countless times to catch up on sleep.
But now? Leisurely days, no part-time work, and vacation to boot. Sticking close to Bianca had become routine. There was zero chance he'd dislike spending every moment with his pretty, adorable girlfriend. Neither of them could bear to be apart.
They'd slept together last night too. It happened pretty often since his return—sometimes three or four nights straight without him going back to his place.
It was two months ago already.
"If our parents find out, we're dead."
Bianca Shama had poked at him teasingly as she said it, but then handed him a spare key. A sign that he could come over anytime—essentially proposing they live together.
Her face flushed bright red, head slightly bowed—it was unbearably cute.
"...So, as long as we don't get caught, it should be fine, right? We're getting married soon anyway..."
Too cute. That night, Carlyle teased her relentlessly until the early hours. When she whined about being exhausted, he massaged her all over, hugged her tight, soothed her, and begged forgiveness.
"Mmm..."
A rustle from behind him made Carlyle set down his teacup. Bianca must have woken up. He approached the bed.
Her delicate, lush double eyelids fluttered open. Slender, dainty fingers rubbed at her eyes little by little.
'Why is she this cute.'
Bianca Shama truly had no flaws—she wasn't pretty anywhere. Every little action was impossibly endearing. Her lovely amethyst eyes gazed up at him blankly.
"Awake already, Bianca?"
He smiled as he asked, and instead of answering, Bianca Shama patted the spot beside her.
Carlyle got it right away and lay back down.
"...Cold, Carlyle."
The room was fully heated—there was no way it was cold. But he didn't mind his girlfriend's spoiled whims one bit.
"Why? It's warm."
"...Nooo, it's cold."
Carlyle chuckled and pulled her slender frame into his arms.
"Warm now?"
Bianca nodded. "...Yeah, super warm."
Her thin arms wrapped around him in return, her soft cheeks rubbing against his chest nonstop. An even more clingy pose, burrowing right into him. She sniffed like she was savoring his scent.
Like a total cat, Carlyle thought to himself.
"...Your smell is nice."
Bianca Shama's voice was still thick with sleep.
"...Arm pillow, please."
Her demands kept coming. A sleeping princess if there ever was one. But to Carlyle, she was a princess—the most precious, one-of-a-kind being in the world.
In this relationship, he was utterly at her mercy. Sure, it looked like he held the reins, but in reality, Bianca Shama had him wrapped completely around her finger.
Any man would want to do anything for a girl this cute, lovable, and devoted to him. He'd fetch stars from the night sky if she asked.
Carlyle offered his arm, adjusting his position for her comfort.
"Lean however you like."
He stroked her hair gently. A kiss on her cute little nose bridge, another on her soft cheek, and finally a flurry on her forehead. Bianca Shama's lips curved into a soft smile.
"...Nice, yeah."
That reaction drew a faint smile from Carlyle too. Probably the next hour—no, maybe two.
'Bianca's a heavy morning sleeper.'
She loved sleeping in. Even though he was awake, he might have to stay perfectly still. His arm would go numb.
But Carlyle was fine with it. It felt leisurely, comfortable. Bianca's presence brought these small joys, a sense that everything was okay.
'...I'm in deep now.'
He could already picture his post-marriage future clearly. A total pushover husband, frozen at her every word. Lately, that's all he could think about.
And now, it was just two weeks away—right before his eyes.
That lunchtime, the two headed out to get fitted for their wedding attire at a fairly renowned shop in the bustling downtown area.
"How's... this one?"
Bianca spun around nervously, the fabric fluttering.
"It suits you perfectly—amazing!"
"You're too pretty, bride-to-be!"
The female clerks beside them fawned excitedly.
Such energetic folks.
Probably why they worked at a high-end place like this. He'd lost count of how many outfits she'd tried already.
"Hmm..."
Carlyle let out a long groan. His dazed expression wasn't his imagination.
He cleared his throat, then spoke up.
"...Pretty. This one too."
Not quite the praise she'd hoped for—Bianca pouted.
"Carlyle, come on. Pick the prettiest one."
This one's pretty, that one's pretty. At this rate, they'd be here all day without deciding.
Carlyle furrowed his brow, sighed faintly, and smirked.
"What am I supposed to do? They're all pretty. Not a single one misses. Because you're wearing them."
"Eut..."
Bianca's face flushed crimson. The clerks cooed and giggled. The red spread straight to her earlobes.
"Seriously, ha..."
Bianca ended up laughing helplessly too. Annoyed, but not really.
A truly bizarre feeling. Still, Carlyle looked genuinely torn.
"Not kidding. Hard to pick just one."
"Just choose something."
Of course, she could pick herself.
...But it's our wedding dress.
If she was the one wearing it, the groom should choose.
After much deliberation, Carlyle settled on one.
"This one's the best."
The very first dress she'd tried. The one that had left Carlyle Schultz gaping, forgetting to breathe.
"...Should've gone with this from the start."
Bianca grumbled, but joy bubbled up at finally deciding—her wedding dress was set.
'Me... wearing this at the wedding?'
We're really getting married? Me?'
It hit her all at once. She couldn't tear her eyes away.
The clerks chimed in.
"You've got a great eye."
"The Bellaine dress definitely suits you right now, bride-to-be. So cute, and that subtle figure..."
The Bellaine was a classic princess-style gown, emphasizing the waist and hips for a deeply feminine vibe.
So when Bianca first slipped it on, Carlyle had wondered for a moment if he was seeing a fairy—if he was too lucky, meeting one like this.
"Then, this one it is."
With that, Bianca's wedding dress was decided, and it was Carlyle's turn.
She'd scolded him earlier, but Bianca struggled just as much to pick his tuxedo.
"Bianca, you choose."
"...Ah, okay."
They were all so handsome—Carlyle Schultz was just that striking.
'Carlyle was always this handsome...'
Her boyfriend, soon her lifelong partner. She'd been too stunned to focus.
It ended up taking far longer to pick his outfit—a ridiculous situation.
Wedding preparations were hectic. After attire came rings, then a place for their newlywed life—though it still didn't feel real. Days blurred together.
Today too, they toured houses hand in hand.
Yeah, really—it hadn't sunk in.
"Not cold, Bianca?"
"No, I'm good."
Even as she said it, Carlyle always tugged her collar closed.
"Your cheeks feel a bit chilly."
He cupped them with both hands, sharing his warmth. It felt like being cared for.
When hunger hit mid-walk, they'd duck into a street vendor for walnut pastries and share some tteokbokki. If sauce smeared on a mouth, they'd giggle and wipe it away.
Being with Carlyle always felt reliable, her heart utterly at ease. Just holding his hand through all this—even hunting for a place to live together—Bianca loved it. She was simply happy.
"This spot's great. Plenty of sunlight."
They'd seen house after house. Sure, Bianca had her current room, but marriage meant independence—their shared view.
She'd diligently saved her allowance. Not specifically for this, but checking her account, it wasn't insignificant. Carlyle had part-timed for years too.
Combined, their budget wasn't lavish but enough for a decent-sized rental room.
Still, wanting the best within limits made it no easy task.
"Another bust today."
"We can take our time."
They headed home empty-handed again. But with attire and rings sorted, their smiles lingered.
Back home, Bianca prepped dinner.
"What's for dinner tonight?"
Arms wrapped around from behind—her face warmed. His forearm circling her waist was familiar, but still shy-making every time. It meant she loved it tons.
"Your absolute favorite."
"Risotto, then."
His voice in her ear made her shrink back.
"Ah, seriously. Stay back while I cook."
"I'll handle all the dishes."
Carlyle Schultz chuckled lowly and stepped away.
He loved risotto for one reason: it was the first dish she'd ever made him, and that's why it was his favorite.
Butter in the pan, sautéing ingredients till fragrant. Broth added gradually, stirred slow and steady.
Soon ready—they ate together, then sat side by side on the sofa, heads leaning.
When the mood struck, quick kisses, big hugs tumbling onto the sofa amid giggles.
Then, suddenly—
Carlyle Schultz's golden eyes turned serious.
"Bianca... I have something to say."
"Yeah, what...?"
Before speaking, he guided her head to his shoulder. His hand took her small one on his knee, wrapping it warmly.
And then:
"Wait for me, Bianca."
Wait for what? Bianca didn't get it at first, but soon she did.
"Maybe getting married was a bit hasty..."
Carlyle began baring his innermost thoughts.
Marriage wasn't simple. The biggest hurdle: finding a newlywed home.
But he couldn't ask his maternal family—or his own parents for help. He hadn't begged for their precious daughter with such half-hearted resolve.
It might seem like pointless pride, not wanting to look pathetic. He wanted to prove he could manage fine on his own.
"So just wait a little."
Firm resolve laced his words, mingled with confidence. Pure Carlyle Schultz—utter certainty he could pull it off.
So typical of you, Bianca realized quickly. He was feeling responsible for their situation. She'd half-expected it.
'But we're students... Of course finding a place is tough.'
Loans were tricky, savings limited—easy? No way.
She'd considered asking her parents once, but decided against it. Good call.
From the sidelines, he seemed set on solving it himself. She wanted to respect that pride. Didn't want to risk hurting his feelings by stepping in.
'And above all...'
She was truly fine with it.
So Bianca said:
"Carlyle."
She gripped his hand back, confessing her true heart.
"I only need you...?"
Poking him playfully with her fist. She chuckled.
"What, you don't know me that well...?"
She hadn't decided to marry as a student without resolve. Hadn't taken parental support for granted.
"Am I an idiot...? Saying 'let's marry' without that much determination?"
Carlyle's face went blank, then he burst out laughing.
"No, I do have it."
With a woman like this beside him, even nonexistent confidence would sprout. He felt grateful, sorry—hence the silly words.
But he'd never doubted his own resolve or Bianca Shama's faith in him.
"We can do it."
At those words, Bianca stroked his larger head, bolstering his courage.
"Yeah, we can."
Both of them. Still lacking in many ways, but proper adults now. A tiny room was fine. Anywhere. They'd start there and build up.
"I'll work hard too."
She'd put in the effort alongside him.
No doubts about their hopeful future.
So the young lovers smiled at each other.
It was two weeks before the wedding.