When Enemies Collide

Chapter 5: Shifting Dynamics

Soft clinking of silverware echoed through the spacious dining room, where Soré sat across from her father, her mother beside him. The elegant decor of the room seemed to mock the tension that lingered in the air. Soré had spent the entire day preparing for this dinner, forced into a sleek, tailored outfit chosen by her mother. Every part of her screamed for comfort, but her father's rules never allowed for such things.

As they ate, her father, a sharp man in his mid-forties, spoke casually of the business trip he had just returned from. He mentioned some of the companies he had met with, but Soré’s attention wasn’t entirely on him. She could already predict every word he would say next.

"...And I ran into the Lee family," her father continued, his voice even but carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of disdain. "They’re pushing for a merger. It's always the same with them—too eager, too loud. Can’t stand that side of the family."

Soré’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Heeseung’s family. The Lees had been competitors to her father for years, but hearing them brought up so casually felt different. She shifted in her seat, trying to hide her unease. Her mother caught her glance and raised an eyebrow, as if to ask if everything was okay. Soré nodded, offering a tight smile.

Her father’s voice broke through her thoughts. "You’ve been doing well at university, Soré. I’m impressed, but don’t forget what’s important. We need to start preparing for the future, not just the music nonsense you’re so obsessed with."

Her mother chimed in, smiling warmly at her daughter. "Yes, dear. You’ve got the whole world at your feet, but there’s no place for idle dreams. Music is a hobby, but your legacy is built with hard work, not a guitar."

Soré couldn’t help but feel suffocated. Her mind was already elsewhere, back at school, where she had recently been forced to partner with none other than Heeseung Lee. The man who was part of the family her father despised so much. The tension between their families seemed to be playing out in Soré’s own life now.

"Why do I need to prepare for this business world? I can handle things on my own," she muttered, barely above a whisper, her frustration bubbling up.

Her father’s face hardened instantly. "You think you can avoid responsibility, Soré? You think your music will save you from the reality of life? It won’t. You’ll be running this company one day. If you can’t keep up, we’ll have a problem."

The words stung. Soré wanted to argue, to scream that she had dreams of her own, but she bit her tongue. This was not a conversation that could be won by fighting back. Her father wasn’t one to listen to emotions.

"Fine," Soré replied stiffly, standing up from the table. "I’ll make the preparations for the dinner."

Her father’s eyes narrowed as he watched her walk away, but he said nothing more.

--

Next morning, Soré found herself at the music building, once again facing the problem of having to work with Heeseung. She stood in front of the piano, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of the keys as she waited for him.

"Don’t tell me I’m late," a familiar voice said, causing Soré to snap her head up.

Heeseung leaned against the doorframe, his usual smirk on his face. There was a look of amusement in his eyes as he surveyed the space, his gaze eventually landing on Soré.

"Right on time, as usual," Soré muttered, rolling her eyes. "Let’s just get this over with."

Heeseung raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "I thought we were going to do something serious. This doesn’t look like ‘serious.’" He motioned to the piano in front of her.