Preparing for the Bachelor Party

It had been a long and difficult six months since Jin and Namjoon broke up. Both of them threw themselves into their work to keep busy, and as a result, they hadn't seen much of anyone during that time. Mrs. Jung had already made arrangements for Namjoon's wedding, but due to their families being related, the in-laws decided to hold both weddings on the same day.

Today, they were all meeting up for Jin and Namjoon's bachelor party. The wedding was just two weeks away, and everyone was going to be very busy with the preparations. As a result, Shin Hye had decided to throw the party today to make sure they could all get together and celebrate before things got too hectic.

The Jung family was gathered in the living room, discussing the upcoming wedding.

Mrs. Jung asked Hobi and Namjoon what time they would be back the next day.

Hobi replied, "Mom, please don't expect us to be back before lunch. It's a bachelor's party, and all of us are meeting after a long time. We have a lot to catch up on. Don't worry; all work for tomorrow will be taken care of."

Mr. Jung assured them, "Don't worry, son. I will take care of everything. You all go and enjoy your party. Have a great time together."

Hobi expressed his excitement for the upcoming wedding, saying, "I'm so happy that two of my cousins are getting married, and that too on the same day. We have three weeks off from work, and I am going to relax."

Mrs. Jung reminded him, "Hobi, I think you forgot that it's Joona's wedding. You're not going to get any time to relax."

Namjoon seemed lost in thought, and his father asked him, "Joona, are you okay? What are you thinking?"

Namjoon replied, "Nothing, Dad, just thinking about a case. You all continue your talks; I have some work to finish."

But Hobi was not going to let him work. He dragged Namjoon along with him to get ready for the party.

On their way to Hobi's room, Hobi confronted Namjoon, "What do you think, Joona? I will not understand what you are trying to do."

Namjoon asked, "What are you talking about?"

Hobi continued, "You are trying very hard to avoid the situation. Even downstairs while talking to Mom and Dad, you were just trying to avoid the conversation about marriage preparations."

Namjoon sighed, "When you know everything, then why are you even trying to stop me? You know how difficult it is for me to come to this party. It will be awkward and difficult for us to meet like this. I have not seen nor spoken to him since we broke up."

Hobi understood Namjoon's reluctance to attend the party but reminded him that he had to face Jin eventually, especially since their weddings were on the same day. He added, "Today, you both should meet so that on the wedding day, you both don't feel awkward seeing each other."

Namjoon couldn't deny that, "Trust me, if this party was not organized by Shine, then I would have never come. I can't say no to her."

Hobi agreed, "I know, come on, let's get ready. The maid has already kept our clothes here. Get ready quickly. In the meantime, I will call Kookie and inform him to be ready as we will pick them in the next one hour."

Namjoon headed to take a bath, while Hobi called Kookie. As they got ready, Namjoon couldn't shake off the feeling of dread about seeing Jin again after all this time.

Jin sat in his room, staring at himself in the mirror as he got ready for the party. He felt anxious about seeing Namjoon again after their breakup six months ago. Tae, his younger cousin, came into the room to check on him.

"Tae, are you okay to attend this get-together? I mean, you didn't see or meet Joon Hyung in the past six months. Will you be okay seeing him after your breakup?" Tae asked with concern.

Jin sighed deeply. "I don't know. I'm just coming there because you forced me to, otherwise, I wouldn't have come."

"I forced you because I want you to face him. You just can't ignore him," Tae replied, trying to encourage him. "We are cousins, and someday you have to face him. Why not today? I know it's an awkward situation for both of you but talk to him and overcome your past. Be good friends again. All other relationships come after that. I know it's difficult, but you both need to be strong for others because everyone is doing this to cheer you both."

Jin knew that Tae was right, but he didn't want to admit it. "Not again Tae, I've listened to your lecture so many times, and I am coming. Just don't remind me of things that I don't want to think about."

"Okay, I got it," Tae said, sensing his cousin's unease. "Get ready fast, and I'll call Jimin to check the arrangements. He's helping Shine for arranging tonight's party."

As Tae left, Jin was left alone with his thoughts. He whispered a prayer to himself, hoping that he could control his feelings and avoid any awkwardness at the party.