The invitation had arrived in two different cities, addressed to two people who had never met.

For Hao, it came with a handwritten note from Wonyoung tucked inside the envelope.

You have to come. No excuses. And don't spend the whole reception hiding at the dessert table.

He laughed when he read it. Wonyoung had been one of his closest friends since university, and after moving away for work, opportunities to see each other had become painfully rare. Missing her wedding had never been an option.

Across the country, Hanbin received a similar message from Sunghoon.

You'd better show up. You're my best man, and if you're late, I'm replacing you with the ring bearer.

Hanbin snorted, already picturing Sunghoon's dramatic expression. He booked his train that same night.

---

The ceremony went exactly as everyone hoped. Wonyoung looked radiant. Sunghoon couldn't stop smiling. By the time the vows were exchanged and the applause echoed through the venue, every guest was in high spirits.

The confusion started during the cocktail hour.

Hao stepped away from the crowd with a glass of champagne, searching for somewhere quiet. At the exact same moment, Hanbin rounded the corner carrying two untouched drinks after a guest had changed their mind.

They collided.

"Oh—sorry."

"No, that's my fault."

One glass wobbled dangerously before Hanbin caught it, and the two of them exchanged embarrassed smiles.

"There you are!"

Wonyoung's cheerful voice cut through the moment as she hurried toward them, Sunghoon following close behind.

"I've been looking everywhere for you two!" she said, slipping an arm through Hao's. "Honestly, you could've told us you were dating."

Hanbin blinked.

"...Dating?"

Sunghoon looked just as confused. "You mean you didn't come together?"

The four of them stared at one another in silence.

Then, somehow, every nearby conversation stopped.

Someone whispered, "That's them."

Another guest smiled knowingly.

"Oh," Wonyoung murmured, finally realizing what everyone seemed to believe.

Hanbin glanced at Hao, who looked just as helpless.

"...If we correct them now," Hanbin said under his breath, "we're going to spend the rest of the wedding explaining."

Hao sighed, already seeing curious relatives heading their way.

"...Then I guess we're dating."