As Jaehyun and Yuna stared at one another, Ten could feel the tension building up. The two had never exactly been friends, but things had seemingly worsened after she ran out.
"I'm just gonna, I have to umm, yes." Ten mumbled, not being able to come up with an excuse to leave. When neither of them spoke, he just got up and left.
"You don't seem happy that I'm back." She carefully worded her sentence, trying to deduct his countenance. Yuna knew that he now held the second highest position in the family, what one would call an Underboss. If there was anyone all the members feared after Taeyong, it was Jaehyun.
"Oh I don't? Must be because you left my brother heartbroken, and didn't even bother to turn back when he needed you the most."
Yuna did not expect kindness from Jaehyun, but she most certainly did not expect for his words to hit her that hard. It was like a bullet in her chest. And his phlegmatic expression only added salt in her wounds.
"I didn't know."
"Of course. That's what happens when you run out on your family." Jaehyun continued, his eyes boring into hers. "You become unaware of their struggles."
"Jaehyun?" Winwin's voice broke them out of their staring contest. Yuna looked over at the man who had a confused look on his face, she was grateful that he had interrupted them. She was not sure if she could have taken any more harsh words Jaehyun had to say. He had always been cold and detached, only being dutiful towards Taeyong. Yuna remembered him as the silent one, speaking to a handful of members and forming few relationships.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, I was just welcoming back an old friend."
Friend. She scoffed mentally, hearing how casually he said the word. Few years ago, she might have even pulled out a weapon on him, but now, Yuna knew better than to take a shot at Jaehyun.
The Jeongs ran a chain of casinos and hotels across Asia, and their son was the sole heir. Jaehyun had always come off as arrogant, and Yuna assumed that it was because of how he was raised. She had seen his parents sneer at people of lower classes, priding themselves for their own status. They were not particularly fond of her either, believing that an adopted child could be of 'dirty blood'.
"Oh yes, I don't think I've had the chance to introduce myself yet." Winwin smiled, making his way towards the girl. Every time that he had run into her, it had happened to be an inconvenient setting. After reading the room, he decided it was the best time to break the ice. He extended his hand towards her. "I'm Winwin."
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Yuna." She grabbed his hand and smiled back, she already liked his vibe. Winwin bowed politely, knowing well enough that she was an important part of the family.
"He knows who you are." Jaehyun sighed, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice. Yuna ignored him, she knew that not all members would welcome her with open arms, and she was prepared for it.
"Jaehyun, play nice." Winwin glared at him, warning his best friend with his eyes. Jaehyun tilted his head and kicked his heel, staying silent nonetheless. Yuna smirked at the interaction, impressed by Winwin. She had already seen him successfully tone down two strong men. Calling him a mere bodyguard clearly understated his position.
"I'm guessing you guys are friends?"
"Yeah, best friends unfortunately. Please excuse his behaviour." He joked, making Yuna crack a smile. From the corner of her eye she saw Jaehyun roll his eyes and turn away. He did not wait for any protests, and instantly walked off.
"I'm sorry, I'm sure you know how he can be at times."
"Yeah, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
"He'll come around."
"Maybe." She hummed, not believing his words. Jaehyun had never been nice to her before, she did not see any reason why he would start now. However, she did appreciate Winwin's attempts to comfort her. "Anyway, how'd you end up in our chaotic family?"
"Well, I've kinda been a part of this family for a long time." He trailed off, scratching the back of his head. She looked at him, her confusion telling him to elaborate. "I grew up with the Chinese clan. I moved here awhile ago."
That's all she needed to hear for everything to click in her mind. It was rare for any members of the founding families to develop close relationships with new members, let alone listen to them. If he was part of the Chinese clan, that meant he was a vital member of the Kkangpae.
"That makes sense." She chuckled, making the man give her a funny look. He was about to open his mouth, but his ringtone cut him off. Yuna watched him look at the screen and instantly dart outside, making her believe that it was his boss.
When Winwin waved at her while on call, she decided to give him space and head back to her room.
•~•
Lying upside down on her couch, multiple thoughts crossed Yuna's mind. Just three days ago, she had been at the verge of being homeless. And now, she was back exactly where she had vowed to never set foot in. So much had happened in a flash that she did not get to ask herself what she wanted.
"Maybe it's best to stay." She found herself saying. It was not like she had much of an option, there was nowhere else for her to go. Or was there?
Sitting up right, her hand instinctively reached out to her phone. She opened it and checked her call log. She let her thumb hover around the unknown number that had called her a few days ago.
Lucas. She could call him, maybe he would help her. But she was not sure whether she even wanted to leave. Her brothers would be devastated if she fled again. So would her friends. She shut her eyes, contemplating her decision.
Knock, knock.
Yuna barely heard the soft knocks. If the room had not been completely silent, she was sure it would have drowned out the faint sound. She slowly walked to the door, opening it without wondering who could be there so late. She almost tripped on air when she saw who was standing at her doorstep.
"Hey." His voice was smooth, the word barely above a whisper. She gawked at him, unable to hide her surprise. He wore a blue striped shirt, a tie hanging loosely around his neck, and a black blazer hung over his shoulder by his hand. His face was expressionless.
"What're you doing here, Taeyong?"
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