The Broken Line | TAEBIN

- 1 -

"Stand straight!"

His mother murmured as they stepped into the party hall.

"You represent us"

Soobin adjusted his cufflinks, nodding. Across the room, executives laughed loudly, champagne glasses clinked, and he could only hear money talks.

Being the eldest son of one of Korea's most powerful CEOs meant expectations followed him everywhere, and they were unavoidable.

Behind him, Beomgyu leaned in and whispered slowly into his ear.

"If I fake a stomach ache, do you think we can leave early?"

"You said that last time"

"And it almost worked"

Beomgyu grinned, bright and unapologetic, nothing like the cold and restrictive environment around him.

Hyuka stood beside him, hand brushing Beomgyu's sleeve in a way that made Beomgyu blush. Soobin noticed everything.

"Behave. At least until dessert"

"Yes, heir-nim"

Beomgyu said, making Hyuka chuckle. Soobin rolled his eyes but his gaze drifted towards the entrance. Because tonight, they were gonna be here too.

_____

Taehyun hated these events. The suits, the smiles, the way people spoke in half-truths and veiled insults. He had only just started working at his family's company, freshly graduated, still learning how to exist in a world where his last name mattered more than his talent.

"Relax"

Yeonjun said, slinging an arm around his shoulders.

"You look like you're walking into an execution"

"I feel like I am"

Yeonjun laughed.

"You'll survive... Just don't say anything stupid"

"That's not reassuring"

Everyone in the room shifted when Taehyun's parents entered. The air subtly changed.

"Remember, we're here to show strength, not friendliness"

His father said in a cold tone. Taehyun nodded, as his attention drifted, almost immediately to the man standing near the center of the room.

He was tall and composed, dark hair neatly styled, laughter soft but genuine as he listened to someone speak. There was something effortless about him, like he belonged here, like the room had been built around him.

Their eyes met, just for a second. And something strange happened. The noise dulled and the crowd blurred. Taehyun felt like he had been caught doing something wrong, something dangerous, just by looking.

The man looked away first. Taehyun exhaled, annoyed at himself.

'Get it together!'

"Don't stare"

Yeonjun muttered.

"That's Soobin...their eldest"

Taehyun stiffened. Of course he is.

"Oh"

Taehyun said in a low voice. Rival heir. Enemy bloodline. Wrong side.
And somehow, it's still impossible to stop thinking about. He stared at him again and Soobin noticed him immediately.