Chapter 754: Areum (Beautiful)
The day was uncharacteristically bright, as if the universe was teasing those who were mourning Grandma's death. The sun bathed the funeral house in a soft, warm glow, illuminating the numerous white lilies and chrysanthemums that adorned the room. Friends and family filled the space, each person holding onto Grandma's final request: no one should cry today. June stood at the very back, greeting attendees with a forced but respectful smile. Meanwhile, the other members of EVE, along with Jay, were at the ritual table, helping themselves with the food that Grandma's friends had prepared. He couldn't help but smile as the old ladies gushed at them for appreciating the food. They had been June's confidants since the day of her death, to which he was grateful. It had only been two days since Grandma had died, yet she was already being buried. It was once again one of her wishes—to not prolong her stay on Earth any longer. It seemed like she was thoroughly prepared for her death as she had quite a lot of wishes to be fulfilled. Minjun stood at the entrance with his mom and dad, who took some time off from their jobs to join the funeral, much to the young man's surprise. Minjun clung to his parent's hands, his eyes red-rimmed but dry as they greeted guests at the entrance door. The murmurs of conversation were low, filled with shared memories and expressions of condolence. June moved through the crowd, acknowledging each sorrowful smile. His heart ached, but he held his composure, honoring Grandma's wishes. Finally, it was time for the service to begin. The room fell silent as June took his place at the front. He looked out at the sea of faces, familiar and otherwise, and took a deep breath.
Lena looked at him but quickly looked away, almost as if she couldn't honor one of Grandma's wishes. "Thank you all for being here today," he began. "Grandma would have been so pleased to see so many of her loved ones gathered here." Nods passed through the crowd. June paused, collecting his thoughts, and then continued.
"Hello, everyone. For those who may not know me, I'm June. Grandma's 'Not-So' grandson," he began, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "We weren't related by blood, but she accepted me wholeheartedly into her life, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
He glanced around the room, noting the nods of understanding from the attendees. "Grandma knew that today would be difficult for all of us, and she made it clear that she didn't want us to cry. Though she probably knew it would be impossible to follow that rule when her next wish was to have me say the speech during the service."
The attendees chuckled, and the members, with food still filled with their cheeks, smiled in amusement since they were familiar with June's touching speeches. "However, before I say what's on my mind, allow me to read something." June paused, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper. "Grandma left something for me to read today, a message she entrusted to Dr. Oh to give to me," he said, still remembering how the doctor gave it to him after he had cried his eyes out in the hospital. "I haven't read it yet, so this is a surprise for all of us," he continued. Lena's eyebrows furrowed. She wasn't aware of this, and to have Grandma entrust an important letter to June must mean that he was very important in her life.
Unfolding the paper, June began to read aloud. "To my neighbors," he read, a chuckle escaping his lips, "you wouldn't taste my cooking anymore and would stick to your plain cooking."
The room filled with soft laughter, a gentle easing of the tension that had gripped them all.
"To my friends," June continued, "you're glad that you'll be able to win in Mahjong now."
More chuckles, accompanied by nods and knowing smiles.
"To my son-in-law," he read, "you don't have to give me allowance now. Though, I never really needed it."
The humor in her words brought warmth to the room, reminding them of her playful nature.
"To my daughter," June's voice softened, "you don't have to come back just for me anymore. This would be the last time. You were rarely there, so I hope you would be with Minjun more often."
A somber silence settled. "To my grandsons," June read, his voice breaking slightly, "I would love you no matter what." He paused for a moment before cracking a joke.
"Well, there seems to be a bias there," he added with a soft smile.
He continued, his voice filled with affection, "June, I hope you take care of yourself. And Minjun, don't be naughty now. Your grandma's not there to scold you anymore."
Taking a deep breath, June read the final lines, his eyes glistening. "And lastly, don't resent me. I am in a better place." Folding the paper carefully, June looked up at the assembled faces. "Grandma wanted us to remember her with joy and love, not with tears and sorrow. She wanted us to celebrate her life, not mourn her passing."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Grandma was a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. Her wisdom, her kindness, and her love will stay with us forever. She believed that death was not an end but a new beginning. Today, we honor her wishes by celebrating the life she lived...not the one she lost."
With those final words, June stepped back, allowing the funeral director to take over. The pallbearers, including Minjun, moved to the casket. As they lifted it, June felt a deep pang of sorrow, but he held his head high. They proceeded outside, where the casket was gently lowered into the ground. June stood by Minjun's side, holding his hand tightly. However, Lena gently tugged Minjun away from June. Then, she glared at the idol, which made June even more confused. June snapped back to reality when her tombstone was raised, allowing him to see such a beautiful name. Areum Na. Then, he broke one of Grandma's rules. A lone tear fell from his eyes. It was the first time he had known her name... ...and it happened when she was gone.