Mr. Choi leaned back slightly, scrutinizing the kids like a general inspecting recruits. "So, what's your name?" he asked first.
"Dino," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
"And your parents?" Mr. Choi's tone was calm but measured. Dino's face turned a little red. "They… they own a small restaurant," he stammered.
Mr. Choi's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "I'll have to visit someday."
Satisfied with that, he moved on, turning to Woohyun. "And your parents?"
"My father… works in a factory." Woohyun's voice wavered slightly under the intensity of the man's gaze.
"What post?"
"Just… a normal worker," he muttered, shrinking slightly in his chair.
Then Mr. Choi's piercing gaze landed on Han.
"Your name?"
Han sat up straight, voice polite but cautious. "Sir, my name is Joon Jihan. My father—"
"Ohhh, you're Mr. Joon's son," Mr. Choi interrupted, nodding as though a puzzle piece clicked into place.
Then he turned to Seungmin, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You never told me Mr. Joon's son is your friend."
Seungmin didn't look up. "Not my friend. Just a class fellow," he said, cold and clipped.
Han's chest sank. Shock, disappointment, and a bitter taste of hurt settled deep in his stomach. He had expected at least some acknowledgment.
Everyone else at the table felt the tension a heavy pause filled the air like smoke.
Mr. Choi noticed Han's reaction and gave a short, dismissive wave. "He's always like that. Don't mind him."
The table was soon filled with dishes that made everyone's eyes widen plates of delicacies they had never seen before. But Han couldn't focus. Every bite felt hollow; he barely touched his food. His thoughts kept replaying Seungmin's words
....just a class fellow.....
When the meal ended, Minho stood. "I should get going."
Mr. Choi quickly waved a hand. "My men will see you home." Minho bowed politely, murmuring thanks.
Everyone said their goodbyes to Seungmin everyone except Han. He walked out stiffly, jaw tight, eyes fixed on the floor. He didn't glance back once.
Seungmin noticed, but there was nothing he could do. The cold truth settled over him like ice: Han's anger and disappointment were entirely his own doing.
Once the house emptied, Mr. Choi's demeanor shifted. The charming, polite mask slipped away, replaced by the shadowy weight of control. He sank onto the sofa beside Seungmin, tilting his head back as if measuring the room.
"So… from whom should I start?" His voice was calm but sharp. "Jaehan, why didn't I know some guests were coming to my house without my permission? What do you think of yourself?"
A laugh slipped from him — low, unsettling, almost a growl. "Do you think you are the master of this house now?"
Jaehan stayed silent, swallowing, until Mr. Choi's eyes bore into him. "Answer me, Jaehan. Now. A statement. Speak."
He opened his mouth, paused then Seungmin cut in, voice steady and firm.
"I called them. Jaehan didn't know until they arrived. I told him to hide it. He said he would tell you when you returned. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of them, so I handled it."
Jaehan exhaled quietly, relief flickering across his face. "Yes, sir… I would have told you, but I thought it best not to disturb you on such an important trip."
Mr. Choi nodded slowly. "Fine. You may leave."
Jaehan stepped back, bowing slightly before exiting.
Mr. Choi's eyes sharpened. "You never told me Mr. Joon's son studied with you."
"Sir… is that important?" Seungmin asked carefully.
"Important?" Mr. Choi's calm snapped. His voice rose like a whip. "You stupid dumbass will never understand. Do you know how long I've waited to get back at that fool? To get close, to make him suffer?
And you—" He leaned forward, eyes blazing. "—you just let it slide?"
Seungmin remained silent, absorbing the wave of anger.
Mr. Choi's tone dropped to a cold, sharp edge. "Get his son. Make him yours. Date him. Make him fall in love. We can use… his desires against him."
Seungmin's eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened. "I'm not doing that," he said flatly.
A vase shattered against the wall, the crash echoing like thunder. Mr. Choi's anger erupted.
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Hidden in the security room, Jisoo's hands clenched into fists. His face burned with fury. He bolted from the room.
"Where the hell are you going?" Jaehan grabbed him.
"I'll kill him today!" Jisoo shouted, his voice raw with anger and desperation.
"You've lost your mind? Do you think it's that simple? You would have done it already if you could," Jaehan replied firmly, holding him back.
"I don't care! I will kill him today!" Jisoo's voice cracked. Tears rolled down his cheeks uncontrollably.
Jaehan forced him into a chair. "Just wait. I have a plan. You'll see, he'll be gone soon. Trust me."
Jisoo's chest heaved. His heart was twisted in helplessness. He sat, watching Seungmin through the camera feed, powerless.
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Back in the hall, Seungmin's face was pale but unwavering. "Sir… even if you hurt me, I still won't do that."
Mr. Choi slammed his palm onto the table, shaking the wood. "Boy! Don't test me. You know what can happen."
Seungmin didn't flinch. He met his father's gaze evenly, a quiet defiance in every line of his face.
Suddenly, Mr. Joon's phone rang. Mr. Choi's head snapped toward it. His expression darkened.
"I'll be back," he hissed to Seungmin, voice low and dangerous, "and no one will save you then."
With that, he stormed out, leaving Seungmin standing alone in the hall, the weight of silence pressing down on him.