He is a tough nut to crack! I feel it with every fiber of my being.

"My son!" he exclaimed, and your posture immediately straightened.

His expression was stony and alert. I stood up and stepped closer to you, giving you the comfort of proximity.

"Dad, this is my girlfriend, Eun Jeong Park."

Finally, Chan Yeol Jeon turned his heavy gaze to me, piercing me with it.

I need to be extremely careful around him.

He measured me with his gaze, and I felt chills over my skin.

"So, its her!"

He took a long puff of his cigar, the dark pools of his eyes inspecting me as if I was a prize-winning animal.

"My son told me that you were with him when he was most viciously attacked."

"Yes, I was, Mr. Jeon."

"Please call me Don Chan Yeol. However, I am also told that you two are dating. When I heard that, I knew I just had to meet you. All things considered, I am very grateful that you are able to join us here tonight, Miss Park."

My skin crawled as he stepped closer. The dense fog of cigar nearly stifled me.

"I hope we will have the pleasure of your company for a very long time," he said.

Oh, he really like to be in charge just like Jungkook. So, I should just play along.

I lowered my gaze pretending to be embarrassed with his highest attention.

"Don Chan Yeol, thank you for your hospitality."

Then he waved dismissively, sending cascades of smoke billowing across the room.

"Think nothing of it, child. My son speaks highly of you, and that alone is enough to freely..."

Before he could finish you cleared your throat loudly, interrupting him in between and stepped forward.

"Dad, I believe Eun Jeong still has a few things to do to get ready for dinner. Perhaps we could talk further then?"

Chan Yeol Jeon raised an eyebrow in amused skepticism.

"Is that so, Eun Jeong?"

"Well, just a few touches on my hair."

He took another step closer, and the scent of the cigar almost made my gag. He came closer to my left ear and whispered, "I like the way you are supporting my son already."

He then took a few steps back and said, "Do not be late."

He headed to the door and just as he was about to step out, he turned around looked past me at you.

"And you, my son, actually try to look befitting of your name tonight. If you can't figure out how to do that, ask Eun Jeong for help. And if she can't help you look the best, then she is not worth keeping."

Saying that, he closed the door behind him abruptly. I glanced over, a look of seething anger was burning in your eyes. Your hands were balled into tight fists.

"Eun Jeong, about what my father said..."

"It is fine, Jungkook. I have heard worse."

"I just... Nevermind." Your shoulders momentarily sagged, though your fists still remained tightly closed.

There is a very clear rift between Jungkook and Chan Yeol Jeon. I might be able to leverage that to my advantage later. I wonder if Chan Yeol Jeon is just getting old and doesn't give up the business to Jungkook, in some weird domestic way, or if their issues run deeper than just ego.

"Please tell me that my dad did not scare you off completely."

"Honestly? I think he was super intense."

You sighed and glanced at me with grim eyes.

"I wish I could say it was an act, but unfortunately that is just how he is, Eun Jeong."

"All in all, though, I guess it could have been worse."

You nodded momentarily lost in thought.

"Well, I guess I need to get properly dressed up for dinner. Come with me, Piccola."

Wordlessly I complied, following you to the door.

Am I just following his orders without any questions now? I have to say, it is hot when he just tells me to do something.

I followed you out into the hallway. After making a few turns through the maze-like mansion, you stopped at a door. You opened the door, beckoning me to follow you.

I stepped into a dark bedroom with modern decoration, in contrast to the Italianate design of the rest of the mansion.

I am not sure if this is exactly what I imagined his bedroom would be, or if it is the opposite.

"I will just need a moment," you said, and I looked over the room from the neatly kept bed to shelves filled with various knickknacks. You went to your closet, grabbed a small selection of ties, trying to find the right one.

Alright, now is the time to gather some intel on Jungkook.

While you went through your closet, I stood at a distance behind you, looking inward at your clothes.

Lots of suits. All designer, obviously. A few leather jackets... Hang on, what was that?

As you continued to rifle through the closet, I noticed a brown leather bomber jacket with a large back patch depicting the side profile of an illustrated screaming monster with long hair.

Wait. That logo looks familiar! I could have sworn it was used by an esports team. What was it... the Edgewater Witches? They were pretty big in local esports, if I remember correctly

"Let's see here... Ah-ha! This is good!" you exclaimed.

"Found a good one?"

You held up a beautifully patterned tie that complimented your suit and said, "I found just the right thing. Piccola, could you help me tie this?"

"You don't know how to tie a tie?"

"I hate these things. I don't wear ties if I can avoid them, and I have never been able to get the knot quite right."

"Can't you just go without it? Your outfit looks just fine as it is."

"No... no, I can't. You heard my father. I need to look good. And to him looking good is a suit and tie. Always. No ifs, ands or buts."

"Can't you just... disobey?"

"I could... but you heard him. This time you are at stake. The possibility to keep you here, far from danger."

This might actually be the most vulnerable I have seen him yet. It's... it's actually kind of sweet. And if my being here is at stake, I definitely should help Jungkook to look as good as possible.

"Jungkook, let me help you with that."

Relief washed over your face. I took the tie from your hand while you just kept staring at me.

"Thank you, Eun Jeong. You probably think I am silly for not knowing how to tie this tie."

"I don't think you are silly, but I am curious why you never learned?"

I walked over to you taking the tie draping it over your neck. My hands came to rest on your chest.

"My... my father has always been devoted to his work. He had little time to teach me certain things. I was just expected to know or figure it out on my own. In some way, John was more of a hands-on father than my actual father. And when I have to dress up, I have always refused to wear a tie. It feels like I am being strangled."

"Oh. And John never taught you to tie a tie either?"

You sighed as I inspected the length of the tie.

"I have never considered asking him."

"Why not? He seems to love you as his own son."

"He is a good man, and he is responsible for running literally every other task in this house. I doubt it was an intentional oversight."

"Well, for what it is worth, I think you are going to look incredibly handsome when I am finished."

"Thank you, Eun Jeong."

"Now, no more stalling. Let's get this on you."

"Fine, fine."

"Let's tie this with a Trinity knot."

"What is so special about that one?"

"Besides being distinctive, I think the shape will go well with this particular pattern."

"As long as it looks good, Don Chan Yeol will approve."

"Alright... just hold still a moment."

As my deft hands slowly worked their magic on your tie, you watched me intently focused on me. Our faces were mere inches apart.

Oh no... are my hands shaking? When he looks at me like that...

I nervously made the final tug on the knot, fitting it snugly around your neck, then straightened your collar. Your warm breath on my face made my skin tingle.

I could barely concentrate on tying the tie.

"So, what do you think, Jungkook?"

You checked yourself in the mirror. A grin formed on your face.

"I think it looks perfect. Thank you. Come, Eun Jeong, we should not keep my father waiting."

Extending a crooked elbow, I linked my arm with yours, and headed back out into the hallways.

After a few twists and turns down the hallway, you led me to a beautiful dining room with bright light, gilded fixtures, and exquisite decoration.

The butler stayed silently in the corner, waiting for the sign from the house owner.

Don Chan Yeol clearly likes to keep things simple.

Already seated were Don Chan Yeol at the head of the table, Yu Jun at the far end, and a young woman I didn't recognize.

"Ah, the new coupe arrives! Take a seat," said Don Chan Yeol.

"Of course, father."

After holding out my seat at the table for me, your gestured towards the young woman.

"Eun Jeong, this is Ji Woo, my stepmother."

"Hello, Eun Jeong!" she greeted.

I noted Ji Woo's general disinterest as she sloshed the drink in her champagne flute lazily. Yu Jun rolled her eyes when Ji Woo spook.

One big happy family, huh? Clearly there are some internal divisions. Got to keep that in the back of my head.

As we took our seats, I caught Chan Yeol eying your outfit.

"I must say, son, this new girlfriend made you look good."

You sneaked a sly grin and winked at me as you settled into your seat.

"Thank you, Dad."

Discussion was suddenly interrupted when the dining room's door opened and a squat, angry-looking man with a scar across his face entered the room. Chan Yeol turned and addressed him.

"Chul Woo, you are late."

"My apologies, uncle."

Oh, so he is Jungkook's cousin? I will bear it in mind.

The man, Chul Woo, sat down across from me and you. As he settled into his sear, he caught a sight of me and glared through narrowed eyes.

"Who are you?" you asked.

Wow, this man does not beat around the bush.

"I am Jungkook's girlfriend."

"Girlfriend? Jungkook's?! Oh yeah. He told me. What was your name?" he said while snapping his fingers, trying to remember my name.

"Eun Jeong. Her name is Eun Jeong," you said with your coldest look on your face.

"Whatever, kid." he said.

"Enough, both of you. Your incessant bickering will set me off my dinner!" yelled Chan Yeol Jeon. He then turned his face to the side and said, "John, please bring out the dinner."

"Of course, sir."

John clapped his hands, and the servants filtered into the dining room, setting silver plates down in front of each person. John personally set Yu Jun's plate down in front of her saying, "And a different sauce for the young lady, to account for your allergy."

Different sauce for Yu Jun? Wonder what allergy this is.

When I turned to my plate and tried the delicious meal, my teeth bit down on a piece of walnut.

Oh! Maybe it's a nut allergy! That is good to keep in mind.

John and several of the servants left the dining room and the table momentarily lapsed into silence as everyone dig into their dinner.

"So, Jungkook, I want to ask you if we were still on to go to..." before Yu Jun could finish, she was interrupted by Chan Yeol Jeon.

"Silence, Yu Jun. Your plans with Jungkook can wait. He and I have some important matters to discuss."

Hearing that, Yu Jun shrank back into her seat, her cheeks flushed red with discomfort.

"I would have liked to hear what Yu Jun had to say," you said.

"Were you two planning a trip somewhere?" I asked.

"We were, actually," you answered.

"ENOUGH!" yelled Chan Yeol Jeon. "Son, we need to discuss your future with the family business. You need to step up. Accept the leadership," he added.

Leadership?!

"Jungkook would be an amazing business leader!" I exclaimed.

Chan Yeol Jeon nodded while giving you a stern look.

"He has the potential. There is still much for him to learn, but I have high hopes for him. Then one day, my son will take over my empire, isn't that right?" exclaimed Chan Yeol Jeon with a sigh escaping his lips in the end.

You were visibly tense. The sharp link of your jaw hardened in frustration.

Jungkook... He doesn't want that? He is being given the keys to the kingdom, and he doesn't want that?

"Have you asked Jungkook what he wants? I am sure if you asked him, HE would tell you something different," I commented.

Chen Yeol Jeon shrugged, leaned back in his chair and Chul Woo continued to glare at us from across the table.

"What greater thing could a man want than to honor the legacy of his father?" asked Chan Yeol.

"I do not know, Dad, but... maybe what Eun Jeong said has a point," comment Yu Jun.

"Quite, Yu Jun. I will hear none of it," yelled Chan Yeol Jeon.

"So, what is it that you actually do, Jungkook?" I asked.

"Do you care to explain, Jungkook?"

You picked at your food with your fork for a moment and shifted uncomfortably on your seat.

"A multitude of things... shipping, security services, laundromats, even a nightclub or two."

Shipping means trafficking, security services mean protection rackets, laundromats mean money laundering but what does nightclub mean? God knows what goes on in the nightclubs. Not altogether unexpected, though.

"That's quite the collection of businesses, Jungkook!" I exclaimed.

You struggled to repress a smile from your face. 

Meanwhile Chul Woo took a bite of his dinner, then shook his fork at me accusingly and said, "Where do you get off telling Don Chan Yeol what to do anyway? Who even are you? Where did you come from?"

"Mind your own business, Chul Woo. She was just..." you yelled but before you could finish, I held you by your arm and said, "It's okay, Jungkook, really. I am the interloper here, but I am sure they will learn to love me."

Chan Yeol Jeon leaned forwards, steepling his fingers in thought. His eyes were fixed firmly on me.

"That remains to be seen. In my experience, we must take outsiders with a grain of salt," he said.

"So, go on. Show us who you really are," added Chul Woo.

TO BE CONTINUED

15th March 2023