Piano at the Courtyard (Chapter 4)
Title: Piano at the Courtyard (Chapter 4)
Pairing: Seohyun/Kyuhyun
Ratings: PG
Summary: Seohyun meets her first obstacle in school, and it frightens her, it shocks her to the very core of her body.
Kyuhyun hanged up the phone, leaning back into the black leather chair and propping his legs up on the marble table in front of him. At least one thing is assured now, her safety. He smirked to himself, thinking of the possible steps that Hyun-ah may take against Seohyun. He twisted the ring on his finger a few times, before smiling wryly once to himself. He placed his legs back down, and walked over to the door.
"I'm ready for the meeting. Lead me on."
-----------------
"Kyuhyun, you have a freaking big responsibility resting on your shoulders, since your dad is thinking of passing down his duties to you at such a young age." The guy beside Kyuhyun smirked. Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, lying on the grass with his right hand propped behind his head. His father just announced during the meeting that he would be stepping down soon, and his son may soon have to assume the obligations that his father will hand down. It's a tradition, once the boss leaves, the son takes over.
"Yah stop laughing at me." He glared, a little provoked. Heechul raised his hands in mock defence, pushing Kyuhyun on the shoulder. Kyuhyun seemed unlike himself today, too absorbed in thinking about something. Heechul shook Kyuhyun a little, jolting him out of his thoughts, and earning another mock glare.
"What happened?" Heechul raised an eyebrow. "Oh wait, I heard the news from your school." Grabbing Kyuhyun's right hand out from behind his hand, he took out the ring from the finger, looking at the writings carved in the inner side. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and returned the ring, with questioning eyes. "You sure she's worth all this trouble? You just received news that you are going to succeed your dad's position, at the top of this mafia world, and you sure you want to pit yourself so fast against one of the rival's gang?"
Kyuhyun stared up back into the sky, fitting the ring snugly back onto his finger, and threw a sideway glance. Smiling, he raised an eyebrow at Heechul. "What's there to be afraid of? I'm sure I can handle this. His daughter is going too far, and she needs some telling off this time round. If anything goes wrong, I have you to help me out as well." Kyuhyun stated, his voice taking on a note of reality and anger near the end.
"Cocky magnae." Heechul muttered his breath. "Have you told the others about this? You need all the help you can get."
Kyuhyun turned his head just slightly, spotting Heechul's carefree and relaxed face. Heechul was part of the gang of sons of the mafia that Kyuhyun's father led. They had bonded since young, and they shared fierce ties of brotherhood never once seen or heard before. Now that he had to step up to be the boss, the support from them was certainly crucial and important. And he knew that no matter what, they would always give him their fullest support ever, ensuring that he stays at the top, and controls the underground.
"Tonight."
-------------------
Seohyun sat in the back of the car, staring down at the cellphone in her hands. Her mother had just called her, right after she left the house. She had forgotten to inform her daughter about something over breakfast. Once her phone started ringing, the chauffeur in the front was kind enough to turn up the partition that separated the front and the back, allowing them some privacy. Her mother's words rang in her head, and she was slightly apprehensive.
"Seohyun, your father is coming back from his business trip when you are in school. And he wants to talk to you."
If Seohyun's mother was considered strict, Seohyun's father was worse. One wrong move could mean a sudden glare. Attention and decorum were demanded at all times, and she was trained since young to be formal and polite in front of her father. Talking…may mean something was wrong. Her stomach churned uneasily, as she recalled scenes from the past. She once saw with her own eyes, at how her own father was able to silence groups of men by just walking into a room, as stares followed him. It was not purely out of respect, there was an underlying current to all this, the switch was turned on, the fear in the air was tangible. Seohyun shivered slightly at the past memory, clutching her bag tighter in her hands.
"We will be fetching you from school immediately after school this afternoon, so please be punctual, and not late, how you have been for the past few days."
Her phone vibrated suddenly, shocking her slightly, making her jump. The chauffeur turned a slightly concerned eye towards the young mistress behind, a note of unease in his eyes. Seohyun shook her head quickly, dismissing any thoughts. She flipped her phone, peering at the screen. There was a new message, from a number she did not recognize. Frowning slightly, she opened the message.
Hey Seohyun. Tiffany here. Just managed to get your number. You reaching school soon?
Seohyun widened her eyes, wondering how Tiffany actually managed to get her number. She had not given out her number to anyone at all, Yoona included. She quickly texted back.
I'm reaching in about 5 minutes? I'm curious, how did you get this number?
Her handphone vibrated immediately after 20 seconds, surprising Seohyun with the speed that Tiffany was able to reply in.
Good. We will be meeting you at the front of the school, then we will attend lessons together. Nothing really hard. I just hacked into the school's system to get your number. Don't worry, Hyun-ah can't do the same, because I placed a foolproof hacker's plan around your particulars, only open to me, and the only way to get in? Is to kill me and get the blueprint of this concept.
Seohyun widened her eyes further, wondering if Tiffany was joking or not. She gulped apprehensively, as she remembered who she was dealing with. Clasping her hands together on her lap, she prayed, that she would have a peaceful day and nothing would happen to her.
---------------------
Tiffany and Sooyoung walked Seohyun to her class, watching for potential attacks out of the corner of their eyes. Sooyoung quickly informed Seohyun, "Yoona wouldn't be in school today, something cropped up in her family. She has to go take care of it, being the sole child in the family. Take care of yourself in the classroom, and we will see you at break." Tiffany stared right into Seohyun's eyes, making a promise and a pact that she solemnly and silently swore that she would not break. Seohyun nodded tentatively, before pushing the door of her homeroom class open.
She walked carefully her seat, settling her bag beside the table. She drew her drawer open, and gasped at the contents inside. There was just a single picture of her, within the safe confines of her house, playing the piano in the living room. Someone had purposely disfigured her face on the photo, and attached to the picture was a note. "Like my present? I promise you more." Seohyun blinked quickly, trying to hide the tears that were forming in pools, from the pure fear she was feeling. She quickly shut the drawer, silently reminding herself not to open the drawer.
They know where I live, and they know every single action of mine. Are my parents safe? Are the staff safe? Seohyun thought to herself worriedly, sweeping her phone out of her pocket quickly to message her mother. Just as her phone left her pocket, someone swiped it and threw it right on the floor. She glanced up, seeing one of Hyun-ah friend smirking right back at her. The phone had bounced several times, and the screen was now slightly cracked. Her hands trembled as she picked the phone up, how was she going to explain this? That classmate of hers had a even more pronounced smirk on her face, as she lowered her face towards Seohyun, yanking her hair as she approached closer. That classmate opened her mouth to speak, just to be pre-empted by another voice.
"Get the hell away from her now, or I will make you regret it, like you have never before."
Both the victim and the bully whirled around towards the door, to face Jessica standing in the doorway. Her bag was slung across her back, and she held a biker's helmet in the crook of her another arm. With fire apparent in her eyes, blazing hot, as she glared at the girl whose hands were still holding tightly onto Seohyun's hair.
"I said. Get. The. Hell. Away. From. Her. And if anyone dares to do anything to her during class, he or she will have to face my wrath later. And when I'm angry…." Jessica trailed off threatening, holding her hand up to curl into a fist, the leather gloves wrinkling. The classmate gulped visibly, before retreating to her chair without any comment. Jessica shot Seohyun a look, before walking away.
Take care. We can’t protect you always.
---------------
"She's getting bullied, even in class." Jessica stated, her tone expressionless.
The guy in front of her nodded, equally expressionless. They were taught from a young age to never show their emotions to anyone easily, and they had years to perfect this look. They were exposed to all types of people since young, meeting and dealing with an eclectic mix of members.
"I will start today." He grounded out, before turning around, at the same time as Jessica whirled around to head off for their respective classes.
-----------------------
Can I spend the break today by myself? I'm sure no one would bully me today, with Jessica's help. ^^ Seohyun messaged Tiffany, with an empty, hollow feeling settling in the pits of her stomach, as she tried her best to battle with her emotions, and not let them take control of her right in front of her classmates today. They had all left her alone, peacefully, and somehow she felt a little lonely. Seeing that everyone had left for break, she had raised from her seat tentatively, and walked towards the courtyard.
She fingered the piano lid, before sitting down on the chair placed perfectly in front of it. A sob escaped from her, as she tried her best to muffle the sound by placing both palms in front of her mouth. Tears soon made their ways down her face as she remembered the incident in the morning. How was she going to face this alone? It was hard, it was difficult. It was emotionally-demanding and tiring all at the same time. She had never been a victim of bullying, staying out of everyone's way in her previous school. Now, she was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, which she had clearly tried to veer off from the beginning of school. She stayed, crouched slightly over the piano, as she openly cried for the first time in the day.
After a few minutes, she suddenly noticed that someone was seating right next to her, drumming fingers into the top of the piano. She cringed, slightly embarrassed that someone managed to see her this weak and vulnerable. Others would be sure to take advantage of this situation, she thought, as she quickly wiped the treacherous tears from her face, and she tried to look at the stranger right in the eye.
Staring back with an amused and slightly stern expression was Kyuhyun. She jolted back, shocked, as he whirled back towards the front.
"I was sitting here for approximately 3 minutes before you noticed my presence. You have to do better next time, pick up sounds that resembles footsteps and prepare yourself, so you will never be caught off-guard by anyone. This room is pretty silent, you should have been able to hear my shoes making their way into here." He pressed his shoe onto the floor, turning it slightly, as a soft squeak escaped. He tilted his head towards Seohyun, as he raised an eyebrow to question her if she had understood. He sighed. "We will try this again next time. You will have plenty of times to practice anyway."
"So." Kyuhyun stated simply, as Seohyun stared back, bewildered. What is he doing here? And what is he talking about? Kyuhyun's face took on an amused expression, as he raised a hand slightly to acknowledge the barrel of questions that seemed to emit from Seohyun's gaze. "You don't have to know what I'm doing, but you will have to learn what I'm teaching you, it benefits you." He shrugged his shoulders, as he stood up.
As he walked towards the door, he paused, throwing a glance at the frozen girl behind him. "Strengthen and shut your heart to this world for now. You have to learn to detach yourself. Perhaps we will talk of this more the next time we meet. One suggestion that I recall from my friend, is tune out everything, and to focus on something you place much emphasis on, solely focusing on that. That photo underneath your desk, I have found someone to dispose of it. Worry about it no more." Kyuhyun glanced at the door.
"Wait. Why are you concerned…about this?" Seohyun asked, curious yet afraid at the same time.
Kyuhyun sighed to himself, unnoticed by Seohyun. He murmured carefully under his breath, a line that Seohyun almost did not catch, before walking out of the door.
Seohyun stared at the departing figure blankly, one sole question lingering in her mind. What does he mean that I have forgotten?
---------------
Seohyun stood at the gate. She had rushed out immediately, with Sunny right beside her as soon as the final bell rang. Sunny knew about the impending meeting with her parents from Tiffany, and had skipped the final lesson to accompany Seohyun to wait for her parents. Sunny took in Seohyun's nervous form right beside her, holding in a laugh.
"Relax, Seohyun. They wouldn't do anything to you, I promise, seriously." Sunny's eyes wrinkled in a kind manner, calming Seohyun down a little.
Seohyun stared at the road that stretched right out before her, and spotted a familiar-looking car winding down the road. Her breathing suddenly sped without any reason, as she swallowed nervously at the approaching car. Sunny grabbed her hand and squeezed it slightly, conveying strength through that simple touch. Both of them turned slightly towards the car, watching as Seohyun's father stepped out of the car.
"Father." Seohyun bowed stiffly. Seohyun's father nodded back, acknowledging her daughter in this simple motion. His gaze quickly turned to Sunny, as he appraised her.
"Uncle, has it been so long since you last saw me, that now you don't recognize me?" Sunny exclaimed, with a smile gracing her features. Once Sunny started to speak, Seohyun's father widened his eyes and took one step back. He switched back to his calm composure almost immediately, glancing coolly at the girl.
"Uncle!"
The three of them turned towards the approaching trio, as Tiffany and Sooyoung had greeted Seohyun's father from a distance. Standing right behind them was Jessica, casting a critical eye on Seohyun's father. Seohyun noticed that her father had visibly stiffened, before bending slightly towards Jessica, bowing ever so slightly.
Wha…t?!!? Dad is bowing?!
"It has been a long time since we last met. Father asks after your health." Jessica stated simply. Seohyun's father straightened, and raised his fingers slightly to take off the sunglasses he was wearing. Jessica bowed back slightly, and the formalities were completed. Seohyun's father cleared his throat slightly, motioning for Seohyun to get into the car to join her mother inside. As Seohyun moved, Jessica caught her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
"The upcoming leader asks if you are coming back. If you don't know what is happening to your daughter, I guess you have a vague notion now, seeing us around her. It's time we all settle this now." Jessica's gaze grew even colder as she addressed the elder man in front of her.
"And. We will be asking your daughter out from time to time. Please allow her to spend some time with us." Sooyoung stated calmly, dissolving the tense atmosphere, before bowing once again, and leaving. Tiffany soon followed after, while Jessica continued to hold the gaze with Seohyun's father, before bowing ever so slightly, and leaving the family.
What's happening? Seohyun thought to herself, as her father motioned her to get into the car speedily, while he took out a handkerchief to wipe the perspiration shining on his brow.
-----------End of Chapter 4-----------
Pairing: Seohyun/Kyuhyun
Ratings: PG
Summary: Seohyun meets her first obstacle in school, and it frightens her, it shocks her to the very core of her body.
Kyuhyun hanged up the phone, leaning back into the black leather chair and propping his legs up on the marble table in front of him. At least one thing is assured now, her safety. He smirked to himself, thinking of the possible steps that Hyun-ah may take against Seohyun. He twisted the ring on his finger a few times, before smiling wryly once to himself. He placed his legs back down, and walked over to the door.
"I'm ready for the meeting. Lead me on."
-----------------
"Kyuhyun, you have a freaking big responsibility resting on your shoulders, since your dad is thinking of passing down his duties to you at such a young age." The guy beside Kyuhyun smirked. Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, lying on the grass with his right hand propped behind his head. His father just announced during the meeting that he would be stepping down soon, and his son may soon have to assume the obligations that his father will hand down. It's a tradition, once the boss leaves, the son takes over.
"Yah stop laughing at me." He glared, a little provoked. Heechul raised his hands in mock defence, pushing Kyuhyun on the shoulder. Kyuhyun seemed unlike himself today, too absorbed in thinking about something. Heechul shook Kyuhyun a little, jolting him out of his thoughts, and earning another mock glare.
"What happened?" Heechul raised an eyebrow. "Oh wait, I heard the news from your school." Grabbing Kyuhyun's right hand out from behind his hand, he took out the ring from the finger, looking at the writings carved in the inner side. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and returned the ring, with questioning eyes. "You sure she's worth all this trouble? You just received news that you are going to succeed your dad's position, at the top of this mafia world, and you sure you want to pit yourself so fast against one of the rival's gang?"
Kyuhyun stared up back into the sky, fitting the ring snugly back onto his finger, and threw a sideway glance. Smiling, he raised an eyebrow at Heechul. "What's there to be afraid of? I'm sure I can handle this. His daughter is going too far, and she needs some telling off this time round. If anything goes wrong, I have you to help me out as well." Kyuhyun stated, his voice taking on a note of reality and anger near the end.
"Cocky magnae." Heechul muttered his breath. "Have you told the others about this? You need all the help you can get."
Kyuhyun turned his head just slightly, spotting Heechul's carefree and relaxed face. Heechul was part of the gang of sons of the mafia that Kyuhyun's father led. They had bonded since young, and they shared fierce ties of brotherhood never once seen or heard before. Now that he had to step up to be the boss, the support from them was certainly crucial and important. And he knew that no matter what, they would always give him their fullest support ever, ensuring that he stays at the top, and controls the underground.
"Tonight."
-------------------
Seohyun sat in the back of the car, staring down at the cellphone in her hands. Her mother had just called her, right after she left the house. She had forgotten to inform her daughter about something over breakfast. Once her phone started ringing, the chauffeur in the front was kind enough to turn up the partition that separated the front and the back, allowing them some privacy. Her mother's words rang in her head, and she was slightly apprehensive.
"Seohyun, your father is coming back from his business trip when you are in school. And he wants to talk to you."
If Seohyun's mother was considered strict, Seohyun's father was worse. One wrong move could mean a sudden glare. Attention and decorum were demanded at all times, and she was trained since young to be formal and polite in front of her father. Talking…may mean something was wrong. Her stomach churned uneasily, as she recalled scenes from the past. She once saw with her own eyes, at how her own father was able to silence groups of men by just walking into a room, as stares followed him. It was not purely out of respect, there was an underlying current to all this, the switch was turned on, the fear in the air was tangible. Seohyun shivered slightly at the past memory, clutching her bag tighter in her hands.
"We will be fetching you from school immediately after school this afternoon, so please be punctual, and not late, how you have been for the past few days."
Her phone vibrated suddenly, shocking her slightly, making her jump. The chauffeur turned a slightly concerned eye towards the young mistress behind, a note of unease in his eyes. Seohyun shook her head quickly, dismissing any thoughts. She flipped her phone, peering at the screen. There was a new message, from a number she did not recognize. Frowning slightly, she opened the message.
Hey Seohyun. Tiffany here. Just managed to get your number. You reaching school soon?
Seohyun widened her eyes, wondering how Tiffany actually managed to get her number. She had not given out her number to anyone at all, Yoona included. She quickly texted back.
I'm reaching in about 5 minutes? I'm curious, how did you get this number?
Her handphone vibrated immediately after 20 seconds, surprising Seohyun with the speed that Tiffany was able to reply in.
Good. We will be meeting you at the front of the school, then we will attend lessons together. Nothing really hard. I just hacked into the school's system to get your number. Don't worry, Hyun-ah can't do the same, because I placed a foolproof hacker's plan around your particulars, only open to me, and the only way to get in? Is to kill me and get the blueprint of this concept.
Seohyun widened her eyes further, wondering if Tiffany was joking or not. She gulped apprehensively, as she remembered who she was dealing with. Clasping her hands together on her lap, she prayed, that she would have a peaceful day and nothing would happen to her.
---------------------
Tiffany and Sooyoung walked Seohyun to her class, watching for potential attacks out of the corner of their eyes. Sooyoung quickly informed Seohyun, "Yoona wouldn't be in school today, something cropped up in her family. She has to go take care of it, being the sole child in the family. Take care of yourself in the classroom, and we will see you at break." Tiffany stared right into Seohyun's eyes, making a promise and a pact that she solemnly and silently swore that she would not break. Seohyun nodded tentatively, before pushing the door of her homeroom class open.
She walked carefully her seat, settling her bag beside the table. She drew her drawer open, and gasped at the contents inside. There was just a single picture of her, within the safe confines of her house, playing the piano in the living room. Someone had purposely disfigured her face on the photo, and attached to the picture was a note. "Like my present? I promise you more." Seohyun blinked quickly, trying to hide the tears that were forming in pools, from the pure fear she was feeling. She quickly shut the drawer, silently reminding herself not to open the drawer.
They know where I live, and they know every single action of mine. Are my parents safe? Are the staff safe? Seohyun thought to herself worriedly, sweeping her phone out of her pocket quickly to message her mother. Just as her phone left her pocket, someone swiped it and threw it right on the floor. She glanced up, seeing one of Hyun-ah friend smirking right back at her. The phone had bounced several times, and the screen was now slightly cracked. Her hands trembled as she picked the phone up, how was she going to explain this? That classmate of hers had a even more pronounced smirk on her face, as she lowered her face towards Seohyun, yanking her hair as she approached closer. That classmate opened her mouth to speak, just to be pre-empted by another voice.
"Get the hell away from her now, or I will make you regret it, like you have never before."
Both the victim and the bully whirled around towards the door, to face Jessica standing in the doorway. Her bag was slung across her back, and she held a biker's helmet in the crook of her another arm. With fire apparent in her eyes, blazing hot, as she glared at the girl whose hands were still holding tightly onto Seohyun's hair.
"I said. Get. The. Hell. Away. From. Her. And if anyone dares to do anything to her during class, he or she will have to face my wrath later. And when I'm angry…." Jessica trailed off threatening, holding her hand up to curl into a fist, the leather gloves wrinkling. The classmate gulped visibly, before retreating to her chair without any comment. Jessica shot Seohyun a look, before walking away.
Take care. We can’t protect you always.
---------------
"She's getting bullied, even in class." Jessica stated, her tone expressionless.
The guy in front of her nodded, equally expressionless. They were taught from a young age to never show their emotions to anyone easily, and they had years to perfect this look. They were exposed to all types of people since young, meeting and dealing with an eclectic mix of members.
"I will start today." He grounded out, before turning around, at the same time as Jessica whirled around to head off for their respective classes.
-----------------------
Can I spend the break today by myself? I'm sure no one would bully me today, with Jessica's help. ^^ Seohyun messaged Tiffany, with an empty, hollow feeling settling in the pits of her stomach, as she tried her best to battle with her emotions, and not let them take control of her right in front of her classmates today. They had all left her alone, peacefully, and somehow she felt a little lonely. Seeing that everyone had left for break, she had raised from her seat tentatively, and walked towards the courtyard.
She fingered the piano lid, before sitting down on the chair placed perfectly in front of it. A sob escaped from her, as she tried her best to muffle the sound by placing both palms in front of her mouth. Tears soon made their ways down her face as she remembered the incident in the morning. How was she going to face this alone? It was hard, it was difficult. It was emotionally-demanding and tiring all at the same time. She had never been a victim of bullying, staying out of everyone's way in her previous school. Now, she was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, which she had clearly tried to veer off from the beginning of school. She stayed, crouched slightly over the piano, as she openly cried for the first time in the day.
After a few minutes, she suddenly noticed that someone was seating right next to her, drumming fingers into the top of the piano. She cringed, slightly embarrassed that someone managed to see her this weak and vulnerable. Others would be sure to take advantage of this situation, she thought, as she quickly wiped the treacherous tears from her face, and she tried to look at the stranger right in the eye.
Staring back with an amused and slightly stern expression was Kyuhyun. She jolted back, shocked, as he whirled back towards the front.
"I was sitting here for approximately 3 minutes before you noticed my presence. You have to do better next time, pick up sounds that resembles footsteps and prepare yourself, so you will never be caught off-guard by anyone. This room is pretty silent, you should have been able to hear my shoes making their way into here." He pressed his shoe onto the floor, turning it slightly, as a soft squeak escaped. He tilted his head towards Seohyun, as he raised an eyebrow to question her if she had understood. He sighed. "We will try this again next time. You will have plenty of times to practice anyway."
"So." Kyuhyun stated simply, as Seohyun stared back, bewildered. What is he doing here? And what is he talking about? Kyuhyun's face took on an amused expression, as he raised a hand slightly to acknowledge the barrel of questions that seemed to emit from Seohyun's gaze. "You don't have to know what I'm doing, but you will have to learn what I'm teaching you, it benefits you." He shrugged his shoulders, as he stood up.
As he walked towards the door, he paused, throwing a glance at the frozen girl behind him. "Strengthen and shut your heart to this world for now. You have to learn to detach yourself. Perhaps we will talk of this more the next time we meet. One suggestion that I recall from my friend, is tune out everything, and to focus on something you place much emphasis on, solely focusing on that. That photo underneath your desk, I have found someone to dispose of it. Worry about it no more." Kyuhyun glanced at the door.
"Wait. Why are you concerned…about this?" Seohyun asked, curious yet afraid at the same time.
Kyuhyun sighed to himself, unnoticed by Seohyun. He murmured carefully under his breath, a line that Seohyun almost did not catch, before walking out of the door.
Seohyun stared at the departing figure blankly, one sole question lingering in her mind. What does he mean that I have forgotten?
---------------
Seohyun stood at the gate. She had rushed out immediately, with Sunny right beside her as soon as the final bell rang. Sunny knew about the impending meeting with her parents from Tiffany, and had skipped the final lesson to accompany Seohyun to wait for her parents. Sunny took in Seohyun's nervous form right beside her, holding in a laugh.
"Relax, Seohyun. They wouldn't do anything to you, I promise, seriously." Sunny's eyes wrinkled in a kind manner, calming Seohyun down a little.
Seohyun stared at the road that stretched right out before her, and spotted a familiar-looking car winding down the road. Her breathing suddenly sped without any reason, as she swallowed nervously at the approaching car. Sunny grabbed her hand and squeezed it slightly, conveying strength through that simple touch. Both of them turned slightly towards the car, watching as Seohyun's father stepped out of the car.
"Father." Seohyun bowed stiffly. Seohyun's father nodded back, acknowledging her daughter in this simple motion. His gaze quickly turned to Sunny, as he appraised her.
"Uncle, has it been so long since you last saw me, that now you don't recognize me?" Sunny exclaimed, with a smile gracing her features. Once Sunny started to speak, Seohyun's father widened his eyes and took one step back. He switched back to his calm composure almost immediately, glancing coolly at the girl.
"Uncle!"
The three of them turned towards the approaching trio, as Tiffany and Sooyoung had greeted Seohyun's father from a distance. Standing right behind them was Jessica, casting a critical eye on Seohyun's father. Seohyun noticed that her father had visibly stiffened, before bending slightly towards Jessica, bowing ever so slightly.
Wha…t?!!? Dad is bowing?!
"It has been a long time since we last met. Father asks after your health." Jessica stated simply. Seohyun's father straightened, and raised his fingers slightly to take off the sunglasses he was wearing. Jessica bowed back slightly, and the formalities were completed. Seohyun's father cleared his throat slightly, motioning for Seohyun to get into the car to join her mother inside. As Seohyun moved, Jessica caught her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
"The upcoming leader asks if you are coming back. If you don't know what is happening to your daughter, I guess you have a vague notion now, seeing us around her. It's time we all settle this now." Jessica's gaze grew even colder as she addressed the elder man in front of her.
"And. We will be asking your daughter out from time to time. Please allow her to spend some time with us." Sooyoung stated calmly, dissolving the tense atmosphere, before bowing once again, and leaving. Tiffany soon followed after, while Jessica continued to hold the gaze with Seohyun's father, before bowing ever so slightly, and leaving the family.
What's happening? Seohyun thought to herself, as her father motioned her to get into the car speedily, while he took out a handkerchief to wipe the perspiration shining on his brow.
-----------End of Chapter 4-----------