Mature Chapter: Language, Nudity, Sexual Activities

Paul POV

I scrunched my nose feeling her kinky curls tickle it's tip while a smile formed on my face.

Her head had been rested on my numb arm for hours, but it was worth it.

The beauty earned such a deep sleep following our latest round of sex in a luxury hotel room this bright afternoon, and as I opened my eyes I embraced the familiar scent of the Morocconoil product she always used to keep her hair moisturized.

I scooted closer to the woman I was constantly yearning for, her slim back facing me through the white t-shirt I lent her for the day.

As I pressed my chest against her, my hand glided along the creamy smooth skin on her thigh and I began leaving a trail of gentle kisses up her perfect jawline.

Feeling her start to wake up, I slipped my hand beneath the white t-shirt and stroked her flat stomach while I headed for those full breasts I was eager to taste for a second time, today.

"Again?" She huskily giggled. "You want more sex already?"

"We've been napping for nearly three hours." I countered, kissing her cheek.

"Just a few more minutes."

"I can only promise a few more seconds." I pulled her hips towards the erection I woke up to, further enticing the beast that was desperate for her attention.

"What am I going to do with you?" She teased.

"I'm sorry. I can't help it." I grazed my nose against the side of her face as my fingers moved towards the addicting essence between her legs. "I can't get enough of you."

A shuddered breath spilled past her plump lips while she welcomed the sensation, my fingers moving in a slow, deep, and circular motion as I rubbed her through a pair of grey boy shorts.

Eyes sealed shut, she reached for the back of my head to expose her vanilla scented neck for me to tend to, and a rush of heat coursed through my entire body hearing her tender moans as she grinded her exceptional backside against my growing arousal.

I bit my lip feeling her fidget beneath me and when she finally glanced over her shoulder, our lips clashed for a searing kiss despite the mischievous smiles we were both wearing.

Caving, my beautiful best friend turned around and allowed the steamy session to continue.

Makayla took over, her long legs straddling me while her hands either caressed my cheeks or aimlessly traveled along the muscles of my topless abdomen. Determined to deepen each kiss, I held her slim and toned body tightly against mine - my five fingers spread as I glided my hand along the warm skin on her back and groped every curve of hers I could with the other.

"You're so persistent." She giggled as our noses brushed.

"I told you a long time ago, that's my charm." I stretched my neck to steal another kiss.

"Did you know you happen to have a much bigger charm?" Wearing that dangerous smile of hers, Makayla smoothly moved her hands down my chest and to the bulge beneath my black briefs. "I guess you're not the only one that can't get enough of the other after all."

At this point, I knew the lust and hunger I felt was oozing from my gaze and when Makayla directed me to lie back, I began drowning in anticipation for what was to come.

She kept eye contact with me as she revealed my member and warmed me up with gentle strokes. She then teased me, kissing its tip, before she took me entirely in her mouth.

Beside myself, my head fell backwards and I closed my eyes as I embraced the sensational warmth beneath her wet lips and the harmonious movements of her neck and soft hands.

"Makayla." I praised her, that explosion of pleasure forming in my core when suddenly...

The sound of my phone alarm began to echo in my head.

Utterly confused, I opened my eyes to realize I was waking up alone and in the familiar walls of my childhood bedroom in Seoul, South Korea.

I sighed as I turned off the phone alarm and looked to my ceiling in pure agony.

"Not again." I groaned.

Feeling a tantrum approaching - I grabbed a pillow, covered my face with it, and began kicking and screaming following the 5th sex dream I had experienced in the last two weeks, and once again, its star was none other than Dr. Makayla Pearson.

"Young Master." Ms. Mun-hee called for me as she knocked on the bedroom door.

My eyes widened as I sat up and looked down to the hard-on beneath my joggers.

Hearing the door open, I opted to set a pillow on my lap and placed a smile on my face as the lead house maid entered the room.

"Your outfit for this evening arrived." She proceeded. "Where should I set it?"

"You can just lay it on the armchair by the mirror."

Ms. Mun-hee did as directed while I anxiously watched and hid my embarrassing situation.

"If you need-..." The woman paused, her eyebrows scrunched now that she was looking at me. "Ho-seok, are you okay? Your face is flushed. Do you have a fever?"

I gasped as she started approaching me.

"Don't!" I blurted, using the palms of my hands as literal stop signs.

The woman froze, confusion clouding her features while I thought of an excuse for such a dramatic reaction.

"I'm fine." I continued. "It's um. It's just really warm in here. Can you turn on the AC?"

"Right now? It's the middle of winter." I nodded, despite how stupid I sounded. "Okay your wish is my command, Young Master."

I placed a smile on my face when she started walking out of the room again.

"Your driver will be here in an hour."

"Thank you, Ms. Mun-hee!" I replied as she closed the door behind her.

In the clear, I removed the pillow from my lap and look down to my uncontrollable member.

"Damnit." I grunted now feeling the scrotal pain of blue balls. "This one really hurts."

With less than an hour to get ready for the evening, I stood up from the bed and entered the bathroom where I took a shower and did what I had to do to get this bad boy down.

Once my situation was settled, I washed up, shaved, styled my hair, and got dressed in a slim fitted black suit from Dolce & Gabbana. I observed the final look in my full length mirror, and decided to ditch the tie and leave the top buttons of my white dress shirt unfastened.

As I secured my favorite Rolex watch on my wrist, I heard constant notifications coming from my phone and I knew it was the group chat.

It was New Years Eve and we were going to a rooftop party that was being hosted by a popular young woman within our social class. This essentially meant any young adult in the top .01% of South Korea would be there tonight and we were set to begin the new year lavishly.

When I checked the messages, I saw what all the excitement was about.

After a sudden departure to the States, none of us expected to see Min-seok for New Years Eve. However, we got something better. Min-seok confirmed both he and Danny were back and would be joining us, this evening.

Even more excited for the night ahead, I put on my favorite cologne and grabbed my wallet before I finally made my way out of the house. Father had already left for the evening, likely attending the same event as the rest of the group's parents.

When I was settled in the car, I scrolled through my phone while my driver headed towards the hotel tonight's party was being hosted in.

I found myself looking at the selfie Min-seok sent me when he was spending Christmas with Danny and Makayla. A part of me actually envied him. After experiencing Friendsgiving with Makayla and Shawn, I knew Min-seok had a blast with the Johnson/Pearson family. Plus, he also got to spend time with the woman I could not get out of my head these days.

I looked to the pictures Makayla and I had taken together next, and I couldn't help but scoff.

"You said you would miss me." I whispered. "You've barely texted me..."

I looked through our latest conversation, though there wasn't much to scroll through.

We started strong when I first got to South Korea, but outside of a message wishing me a Merry Christmas, I hadn't heard from Makayla much the past few weeks.

"Should I just text her?" I asked myself.

I nibbled on my lip as I drafted multiple messages, just to erase every single one of them before I could press send. No matter what I wrote, I sounded weird and needy. I didn't have a reason to text her outside of missing her, and I'm sure she was occupied spending time with Jackson.

"Whatever." I sighed. "If she wants to talk, she'll message me. Besides, she knows it's New Years here first. She should be the one to initiate something."

Firmly decided, I slipped my phone into my jacket pocket just to feel it vibrate.

I rushed to look at the screen, but was disappointed to see a text from a girl I often hooked up with before I moved to Boston.

As expected, she was going to the same party and making it clear how she wanted the night to end. I ignored her text though, just like I had done to three other past flings earlier today.

"Have a good evening, sir." My driver said, holding open the door as I stepped out of the car.

I walked into Regal Co. Regency, a globally famous high-rise hotel owned by one of our many connections, though our group wasn't very fond of its heir. He was a racist dirtbag that had a tendency to give Danny a very hard time.

Along with a few other party goers, I took the elevator to the rooftop floor. I heard the thudding base from the loud music that was playing before the doors even opened, and when they did, you immediately stepped into the lively and well decorated party.

The surrounding walls of the circular room showed off the city view since they were lined with glass windows and doors that led to a furnished terrace. The dark room was lit with ultraviolet black UV lighting, and three large pillars that had blue LED lights covering them.

In the heart of the room was the booming dance floor, a truss DJ booth surrounded by moving LED lights straight ahead, and to the right was a long, black, and organized bar that was just as crowded as the dance floor.

Along the remaining walls were the velvet roped sections that held tables surrounded by lush sofas and chairs. Those had been designated to the most important attendees, and of course that meant the best one was reserved for my bothers and I.

I walked through the packed room, saying my quick hellos to each person that recognized me. I even maintained my reputation, flashing a charming smile to every woman that stopped what she was doing just to stare at me.

"Ho-seok!" Eun-woo called for me, our maknae noticing me first.

I beamed seeing the boys, as well as their significant others, sitting at an inclined section that overlooked the party. There were only two sections like this, and the other was occupied by tonight's host, Kim Hee-sun, and her friends.

The group enthused as I joined them but admittedly there was one person I was most excited about seeing tonight.

I walked past everyone and into the open arms of our foreign princess before I picked her up and shared a tight hug with her.

"Danny, I've missed you so much gorgeous!"

"Me too!" She giggled, her tiny feet dangling between my legs.

"Ya, that's a bit much. No?" Nam-joon teased, Amy already seated on his lap.

"I'll let it slide this time." Min-seok chuckled.

When I set Danny down, she cupped my cheeks as I smiled brightly to her.

"How have you been? Are you doing well in Boston?" She asked me.

I nodded. "Thanks to you and Min-seok. Boston would have been really lonely for me if I didn't meet your cousin. Thank you."

"No, thank you." Danny replied. "You've been there for Kayla when no one else could figure out how to. She seemed like her old self during Christmas and she said it's because of you."

I blushed hearing such a thing, and also felt relieved to hear Makayla was doing well despite how long we had been apart.

"Come, sit down." Danny encouraged. "We saved you a seat next to me and Min-seok!"

Doing as instructed, I started making myself a drink using the bottles already placed on our table. I went with my typical though, bourbon on the rocks.

"Is it just me, or are there even more eyes glued to our section now?" Ji-soo asked, Eun-woo's arm wrapped around her petite waist.

"Of course there are. Tonight's literal prize just arrived." Min-jun joked. "Ho-seok, how does it feel to be the most desired man in South Korea's .01%."

I smirked. "I'm certain I have always been one of the most desired men of our social class."

"No hyung, pay attention to what he said. You are the most desired man of our social class now." Eun-woo corrected me. "I'm so shocked by how little you've taken advantage of this since you got back! You haven't been out clubbing or partying this entire time."

"I wonder why? The two wingmen I used to do that with are in committed relationships now."

I glanced at both Eun-woo and Nam-joon, and though they were smiling guiltily they became tightlipped since the kind of trouble we used to get into was nothing their ladies should hear.

"Still, you have other friends with similar interests that you used to party with." Min-jun said. "I heard you even bailed on Ji-ho's yacht party."

I scoffed as I sat back and took a sip of my drink. "That one right there should be obvious. How many times has he disrespected Danny? She's our family."

"Since when have you struggled to separate your personal feelings when someone is offering something you enjoy?" Eun-woo asked. "You love a good yacht brunch, aside from Ji-ho most of his friends are cool, and there are always gorgeous women at his parties."

"I also heard you broke so many hearts when you didn't show up." Min-jun chuckled.

"Yeobo, you have no idea." Haneul sighed. "The next day, I had to sit through a brunch were two of my friends borderline cried about all the work they did preparing for that party, just for Ho-seok to be a no show."

"Ji-ho was pretty pissed too." Eun-woo added. "You single handedly ruined his party. All of the girls that went to it, had a terrible attitude when they realized you weren't coming."

The group was cracking up while I swirled the liquor around my cup to chill it.

"Have you hooked up with anyone since you've been home?" Amy asked, startling Nam-joon before he snapped his tongue to scold her. "What? I'm just asking the question all of us are wondering."

Though it was indeed a rather personal question, the silence and looks on everyone's face confirmed she was correct.

"No." I admitted. "I haven't actually."

Eun-woo and Nam-joon's jaws dropped, our surrounding friends just as shocked to hear such a confession from me.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our best friend?" Eun-woo asked.

"Honestly, I think this is a good thing." Min-seok encouraged. "Ho-seok's growing up. He can't be a playboy forever."

"Or..." Min-jun started, flaunting a mischievous smile. "This new friend of yours is occupying a lot more of your brain space than you realize."

"Oooooh!" Eun-woo and Nam-joon immaturely teased.

"New friend?" Danny asked. "Are they talking about Kayla, my cousin?"

I nodded. "Please don't pay them any mind. They refuse to give it a rest."

"That's because you always talk about her!" Eun-woo blasted me. "It's always 'Kayla taught me this, Kayla told me that, Kayla loves this, Kayla hates that.' Am I wrong?"

"Not at all." Min-jun smirked as he sipped on his beverage. "Danny, you might as well let your family know another Korean might be joining it soon."

"Ya!" I yelled.

Everyone was laughing at me, aside from Danny and Min-seok. This conversation was making them uneasy and given my history, it appeared they both didn't approve of me for Makayla still.

"It's not like that." I embarrassingly proceeded. "I already told you she's seeing someone."

"What?" Danny asked, making my eyes widen.

"Y-You don't know about the guy your cousin is dating?"

Danny shook her head. "She didn't mention a word about him to me during Christmas."

I bit my tongue realizing I shared too much information.

"Maybe that means there's trouble in paradise, hyung!" Nam-joon said.

"That has to be it!" Eun-woo enthused. "You may have an opening when you return to Boston!"

"Will you please just stop?" I snapped. "I said her and I are just friends and my decision to not hook up with anyone this entire time has nothing to do with Kayla. My time here is limited and I'd rather spend it with you all and my father, but if you're saying you've had enough of me I'll share my time with a lucky woman tonight. Okay?"

"Hyung, they were just messing with you." Min-seok said as I chugged the rest of my drink.

"No, it's cool. I get it. I'm the single one after all." I replied. "I should stop worrying my brothers, and put myself out there tonight."

"Ho-seok." Nam-joon tried.

I stood up from my seat. "I'll catch up with you guys later."

I took my leave, and the moment I stepped out of our section I was approached by men who practically kissed my ass with a means to network and women who were determined to spark a relationship with me this evening.

I kept a smile on my face and entertained it all despite how frustrated I was feeling. I hated that I was upset with my friends on such a special night and I was even more irritated that it was all because of these confusing feelings I was experiencing when it came to Makayla.

Midnight was just over an hour away, and frankly I was ready to go home.

"Ahn Ho-seok." Tonight's host enthused as she approached me.

She was another woman from my past, and the sexual chemistry was quite obvious. Reading the situation, the two acquaintances I was speaking with left us alone at the bar.

"Kim Hee-sun." I responded, giving her my undivided attention. "Congratulations on another successful event. Tonight's been amazing."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." She beamed, stepping closer to me. "I was nervous you weren't going to come. Your absence might have ruined my party too."

I shook my head as we laughed at her joke. "Everyone knew this would be the party of the year. No one was missing it, including myself."

"And what about my after party? Will you be making it to that?"

"After party?" I questioned. "I don't think I got that invite."

"That's because it's an exclusive one, and I can only share it with one person."

"By chance, is this you sharing it with me now?" She giggled, nibbling on her bottom lip. "And just where is this after party being held?"

The gorgeous woman opened her clutch and pulled out a hotel key before she slipped it in my jacket pocket.

"Since this will be such an intimate gathering, there's some flexibility in when it can begin." She flirted. "We can wait until after midnight, or skip out now."

"Won't the party miss its host?"

She shrugged, gliding her finger along my chest. "I have bigger priorities to address, and you happen to be at the center of them all."

Enticed by the offer, I set my drink down and moved a strand of her copper hair behind her ear so I could privately respond to her.

"I vote we dip now, and experience our own fireworks by midnight."

She giggled when our noses grazed and I could tell she was growing eager to kiss me with each second. I let her slip her hand in mine, and soon she was guiding me towards the exit.

I witnessed the jealous reaction of every woman we walked past while the host strutted out of her own party with the "evening's prize" and when I saw my friends staring at me from our section, my stomach turned seeing their disappointed expressions.

There was no turning back at this point though and when those elevator doors closed, Hee-sun wasted no time showing me how eager she was to spend the night with me.

She felt up my body and purred some naughty things, letting me know exactly what she was planning to do for me this evening.

As soon as we got to the 15th floor, she pulled me into a suite where I allowed the night to begin now that we were alone.

We laughed through the playful french kissing, her white strapless dress falling to the ground as soon as I unzipped it.

Hee-sun lived up to her reputation of having one of the sexiest figures of our social class, like a true Gangnam Beauty. Her shoulders were slim, her waist was snatched, and her breasts were bustier than your average Korean woman's as was her backside.

She often enjoyed expensive spa days and they had certainly paid off. Her pearl-like skin was flawless and her pink lips were never chapped. She was an amazing kisser and knew how to use the perfect amount of tongue, and most importantly she was extremely confident.

She removed my jacket and unbuttoned my shirt without killing the momentum and I was a man who thoroughly enjoyed dirty talk. I liked everything I was hearing and how she was always able to back up the promises she made me. So what in the world was going on?

Why couldn't I get into it?

I closed my eyes as I laid on the bed.

Wearing nothing but a white laced bra and underwear set, Hee-sun was leaving a trail of wet kisses down my stomach while she unfastened my belt.

I was doing my best to focus, but I still was not feeling any of this.

Desperate to proceed, I thought back to the erotic dream I woke up from only hours ago.

The texture of her curly hair and its scent, the tone of her soft brown skin and how beautiful she looked surrounded by white sheets, her smile and the playful banter that made everything feel so easy and natural when we were together, those full lips I enjoyed kissing and the way that same pair pleasured me while the confident woman dominated me with her gaze.

"Makayla." I uttered.

"What did you say?" Hee-sun asked, pulling me from my trans. I looked down to see she had unfastened my pants. "Is everything okay?"

Fortunately, Makayla's name was not an easy one for Koreans to say or understand.

That being said, all of the excitement I built up thinking about the woman I called for vanished at the sight of Hee-sun, and for the first time in my life, I wasn't confident I would be able to perform this evening.

"Hee-sun. I don't think I can do this."

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"I'm sorry. I'm just not into it."

Astounded, her lips parted as she removed herself from on top of me. I sat up myself and began buttoning my shirt while the awkward silence filled the air.

"We don't have to have sex tonight." Hee-sun pleaded. "I've missed you, oppa. We can just cuddle and catch up. Just tell me what you want, and we'll do it."

I sighed. "I know how cliche this may sound, but it's not you. It's me, Hee-sun. I'm distracted right now."

"Is it another woman?" She asked.

I chose not to answer her question, though I'm sure my silence did that in itself.

"I won't go back to the party." I assured her. "I'm really sorry, Hee-sun."

"Oppa!" She called for me as I picked up my jacket from the ground and walked towards the door. "Oppa, seriously? I can't believe you're doing this to me, right now!"

Humiliated, I walked out of the hotel suite and down the hall with my shoulders hanging low.

I didn't feel like myself. I was so confused, anxious, and angry but I couldn't figure out why.

I did as I promised tonight's host and contacted my driver while I headed for the hotel's exit, though to my surprise I saw my best friends standing in the lobby.

"Oh thank God!" Nam-joon exclaimed, my eyebrows scrunched. "I told you he wouldn't go through with it! Pay up now, hyung! 140,000 won, please!"

Despite the pleased expression on Eun-woo's face, he pulled out his wallet while I approached the entire gang.

"What's going on?" I questioned. "It's almost midnight. Why are you guys down here?"

"Because, you've changed and we didn't want you to be alone tonight when you realized it." Min-jun beamed, patting my shoulder as he held Haneul close to his side. "Congrats little brother, I never thought we'd see the day. Not while you were still in your 20s at least."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Aw, it's so cute!" Ji-soo gushed, covering her lips. "He still doesn't see it!"

I looked around to find everyone grinning at me, including Danny and Min-seok this time.

"Well while it registers for our dear Ho-seok." Nam-joon teased as he glanced at his watch. "We've got 17 minutes until the countdown starts. Where are we going?"

"I know a place, but we'll have to run." Min-seok responded, guiltily smiling to his fiancée.

"How far are we talking?" Danny asked.

"A couple of blocks."

"I'm down! Just like old times!" Min-jun replied, and he was already removing his jacket.

I watched all the guys take the same action to make sure the ladies were warm enough for the journey ahead.

"15 minutes until the countdown!" A drunk stranger blurted in he lobby.

"Let's go!" Min-seok enthused. He grabbed Danny's hand before we all followed him out of the building.

"Young Master!" My driver called when he noticed me run right past him.

"You're off for the rest of night!" I confirmed. "Happy New Year!"

Laughing like fools, my friends and I ran through the lively streets of Seoul on this cold evening. However our spirits were too high to care about the winter weather, the uncomfortable clothes we were running in, or how far our destination might be.

It had been so long since we were all together like this - living young, wild, and free.

I embraced the cold wind as it brushed through my hair, the joyful sounds of friends and family celebrating the holiday together, the familiar scent of my country's popular street food, and the live music being projected on the jumbo screens along the city's skyscrapers since Seventeen was performing in Times Square, Seoul.

"We're almost there! We're going across the street!" Min-seok confirmed.

We ran into one of the many hotels his family owned, and being the heir of Nam Group his presence startled the workers. However, we didn't have time for the formalities.

"Stairs or elevator?" Min-jun asked, all of us gasping for air. "We have five minutes!"

"I don't think I can get up 20 flights of stairs, Naekkeo." Danny admitted, and rightfully Min-seok was not willing to risk her comfort or health to such an extent.

"Follow me." Min-seok commanded.

We did as he said, running through the hotel and its restricted areas. We startled the front desk and housekeeping teams as we rushed through the back halls, then the chef and his assistants as we sprinted through the kitchen.

Conveniently, champagne bottles and plastic cups had been laid out for whatever event was being held tonight. Min-jun and I grabbed the champagne while Nam-joon grabbed a stack of cups and by time we got to the hotel's freight elevator we were barely able to sit up straight.

"Two more minutes." Eun-woo informed. "Man, when did we get so out of shape?"

"I blame adulthood." Nam-joon joked. "Campaign season is over and I still don't have time to work out these days."

"Facts." Min-jun agreed. "People say heirs don't have to do any work, but I'm not seeing such a statement reflected in any of our situations."

We laughed with KD Group's future successor, as we neared our destination.

The elevators were not very fast, but they got us to the top floor where Min-seok guided us to the restricted stair case that led to the hotel's rooftop.

"Less than a minute!" Min-jun exclaimed. "Hurry, Min-seok!"

"I'm trying!" He replied.

Min-seok started punching in a passcode to open the door while the rest of us guys began opening the champagne bottles.

"Let's go!" The Nam Group heir exclaimed before we rushed onto the rooftop.

The view was as perfect I remembered it being six years ago, when we were just five teenage boys illegally drinking and dreaming about the fun memories we promised to make together throughout the rest of our lives.

"Look, it's almost time!" Haneul cheered. "30 Seconds!"

We could see the colorfully lit Han River and multiple jumbo screens showing the countdown.

The guys and I started shaking the champagne bottles, and as I looked around, time felt like it had slowed down.

As expected, Min-seok and Danny were already beaming at each other while Danny cupped his ears to ease her fiancé's fear of fireworks.

Min-jun was preparing to protect his sheltered and high-maintenance wife from the flying corks we'd soon release.

Eun-woo and Ji-soo were fighting about popping their bottle correctly.

And Nam-joon had an arm wrapped around Amy, the PDA heavy couple's noses brushing as they eagerly waited to share a New Years kiss.

Despite how terribly the night almost ended, I was having a great time. I was happy to be with my best friends. I was surrounded by sincere love and happiness, and seeing the smiles on everyone's face made me feel so warm inside... Yet I still felt like something was missing.

"Five, Four, Thee, Two, One!" We chanted. "Happy New Year!"

We let the champagne fly into the air, the bustling sounds of Seoul erupting along with vibrant fireworks that lit the sky when the clock struck midnight.

I closed my eyes and embraced the festive evening on my own as my friends shared a kiss with their significant other. However, I felt my phone vibrate in my jacket pocket and when I looked to the screen my eyes widened seeing the message I had been waiting for all day.

In an instant, the tension in my chest and shoulders vanished, a shuddered breath poured from my lips now that I could breath again, and dare I say it, I think my heart fluttered seeing a new selfie from Makayla.

She was wearing her scrubs and since she had on a cap, I could tell she was fresh out of an operation. My face grew warm seeing the bright smile in her eyes as she puckered her lips in the playful picture.

(Makayla): Happy New Year! Sending you lots of kisses, though I'm sure you're already covered in them by now! Haha!

Knowing the window of time to talk to her might be small, I quickly responded. I admitted that I missed her and shared the fact that I'd be back in Boston early Friday morning.

(Makayla): I miss you too! I'm off Saturday night. Will that work for you?

Beaming, I bit my bottom lip from the simple thought of seeing Makayla in a few short days.

"Is it Kayla?" Danny asked.

I looked up to see the group smiling at me again, and there was no denying who reached out to me or how happy I was about it.

"Do you get it yet?" Min-jun chuckled. "She's all you talk about, likely all you think about, and inevitably she has a direct impact on your mood, especially when you don't hear from her."

"It's crazy, right?" Nam-joon added, Amy snuggled against his side. "How quickly it happens. In the blink of an eye, your priorities and lifestyle change the moment you fall for her."

"I...I'm..." I paused, unsure how to respond as my gaze shifted to Danny and Min-seok.

"I can't speak for Danny but if you like Kayla I support you, hyung." Min-seok affirmed. "Had you spent the night with Kim Hee-sun this evening, my response would've been very different. But you didn't and it's because you don't want to sleep with just anyone anymore. You must really like her, Ho-seok."

Still unsure of what to say, I locked eyes with Danny next. She stepped in front of me, and placed her hand on my tricep.

"All I ask is if you pursue her, you go in confident about your feelings." Danny requested. "As you know, Kayla has been through so much and you seem to be the person she's chosen to trust and confide in after all this time. I know she'd rather have you as a friend than nothing at all, so if you decide to make a move you better be prepared to take responsibility, or so help me, I will come to Boston and kick your ass personally."

My eyes widened hearing such a threat come from Danny while the group laughed at us.

"I got it, princess. I promise." I replied to the protective cousin. "I won't act unless I'm certain."

Danny smiled to me, though my cheeks started burning feeling this kind of attention on me.

"Good thing we found all this champagne! Nam-joon, disperse the cups!" Eun-woo chortled. "We have a toast to make! T'was this night the legendary international playboy and future AHS Group successor, Ahn Ho-seok, wavered and acknowledged his feelings for a woman!"

"And a foreign hottie at that!" Ji-soo cackled. "The rich girlies are about to throw a fit!"

"And I'll be the first person they attack when they realize she's my cousin." Danny sighed, but soon she gasped in excitement while the guys handed out the drinks. "Wait! Ho-seok, do you think she would move to Korea when you come back? That would be so amazing!"

"Does she even speak Korean?" Nam-joon asked.

"We can teach her!" Danny replied.

"What about Ho-seok's father?" Min-jun this time asked. "He's so conservative. I can't imagine him taking this well to be honest."

"We said the same thing about Danny, now look at her and Min-seok." Eun-woo chuckled.

"Plus, she's a doctor right?" Amy enthused next. "Out the gate, Min-seok could set her up at his family's hospital if she came here! She's already got friends, family, a rich man, and a job! I don't see how she could turn the opportunity down if presented with it!"

"Woah, woah, woah! Slow down, everyone." I cautioned. "One step at a time, please. Let me just return to Boston, and sort things out between us first. Okay?"

The group continued to joke around and enthuse over the woman I would love to welcome into our little family, but I knew we had a long way to go if that were to ever happen.

Little did they know, despite my popularity in South Korea, Makayla was the one who would need the most convincing and I was ready for the challenge.

Exhilarated, I looked back to my phone screen and replied to Makayla's offer.

(Me): It's a date :)

____

Author's Note: Hi everyone! How did you enjoy the chapter?

This is a big one, as you can see! Ho-seok is starting to acknowledge his feelings for Makayla, and has the support of his best friends - to include Danny and Min-seok! 

A shift in the pair's relationship is inevitable. Will Ho-seok's charm be able to penetrate that cold barrier of Makayla's? Especially now that she seems more certain than ever about her revenge!

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support!

- Zelene