Incarnadine | Prequel to "Viridescence"

40

4th June
2017

Seonghwa stands in front of his mirror with a serious expression. He can't help but slick back his hair again and again. Then he moves onto tightening his tie. Maybe a bit tighter. Oh, now he can't breathe. He loosens it a little. Okay, now it's too loose and looks sloppy.

"Hwa, are you ready?"

Seonghwa's eyes widen. How is Hongjoong ready so fast? He started getting ready way after but still didn't take any time at all. He walks into Seonghwa's room and the older scoffs. "Why do you look better than me after only taking half the time to get ready?" he wonders.

Hongjoong smirks and turns back around. "We don't have time to waste, let's go," he orders before walking out again. Seonghwa glances at himself in the mirror one last time before tightening his tie a little and sighing.

He chases Hongjoong down the long hallway of their mansion and right before reaching the front door, three men approach.

Seonghwa turns his head and catches sight of a bright San, bored Jongho and worried Yeosang.

Hongjoong had successfully manipulated the two scientists while they were in their most vulnerable state and how their personalities developed after that was remarkable. Jongho went from being innocent and cheerful to monotone and serious. San went from being shy and nervous to fearless and overly enthusiastic. Both acquired a questionable moral compass from Hongjoong, and no longer feel fazed by traumatising things. Now Yeosang spends time with them to try and explain how things work, but is having a hard time. Their personalities clash too much.

"Hey Seonghwa, please keep that nutcase under control, you can't mess up in front of someone so influential," Yeosang whispers to Seonghwa. Seonghwa's eyes largen again and he stifles his laughter.

"What's going on here?"

Both men separate when Hongjoong walks back into the house. "I was just saying good luck! I know you'll quickly win over every politician, not just Mr. Kim," Yeosang quickly utters. He doesn't hesitate before turning on his heel and running away again with the two scientists who simply follow him around.

Hongjoong shakes his head before leaving again. Seonghwa follows him into their car and they set off.

"We have another meeting with a different politician next week too, don't we?" Seonghwa asks in the car. "Yeah, the next one is even bigger than the one we're meeting today. It'll be helpful to get on their good side," Hongjoong explains.

"Do you think he'll ask us for a favour like the last guy?"

Hongjoong grins widely as he drives. "Most definitely."

They arrive in front of a large office building and step out together, standing tall and authoritative. Even the large bodyguards in front of the building feel small in front of the might of Hongjoong and Seonghwa.

They approach the front desk and Hongjoong clears his throat. "We're the guests that Mr. Kim is expecting," he states while pulling out a fake ID. The receptionist raises an eyebrow and her eyes travel to the fake IDs presented by Seonghwa and Hongjoong. Suddenly, a small gasp escapes her and she instantly shoots up. 

"Please, follow me!" she hurries as she speeds down the hallways to the elevator. Hongjoong glances to Seonghwa and they both share a look of approval followed by a nod.

After standing around in an elevator in a very awkward silence for what felt like way too long, they arrive at the top floor.

Seonghwa feels his heart thumping a little harder at the thought of meeting someone with so much power. His eyes flick to Hongjoong and he straightens up seeing the younger looking so sophisticated and collected.