Her "happy birthday present" is what her mother had addressed this so-called party, but to Bae Suzy this was everything but "happy". Dull, fake and boring, yes. 

 The extravagantly decorated mansion was packed with highly regarded socialites. But not just any socialites her mother had stated, they were "future suitable suitors". 

Suzy's teeth ground against each other as she forced her features to relax in order to portray a perfect picture of calm sophistication.  She was a Bae, after all, appearances were everything. But that's not completely true. 

They weren't just a pretty picture on display; they were the biggest and the most powerful shareholders of the advertising media around the world-such as billboards, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and internet by which promotional messages are communicated to the public using words, speech, and pictures. So, this made Bae Suzy, the youngest and only Bae daughter... an even more suitable wife. A real treasure in fact. 

She drew in a deep breath in an attempt to relax, then remembered that her fitting gown did not allow for such a leisurely posture. Dutifully, she straightened her shoulders and raised her chin as she made her way past swishing skirts and her "suitors" in tuxedos.  Her mother stood across the room. She looked stunning and elegant in her beige silk and was trying to appear fashionably interested. Suzy definitely took after her mother. It was where she had attained her raven hair, petite nose, and gentle curved lips.  Maybe she should be more appreciative of, but Suzy only thought of it as yet another expectation.  

Poise and beauty were a means to an end.  If only the end would come sooner rather than later. 

Her mother was chatting with Madam Byun, the Congressman's wife. Suzy always admired the woman. The very first social gathering she had been invited to was at her house and it amazing. At age five, at that function, she decided that she would host her very own extravagant party and it would be the talk of the year. But now, eighteen, at her very own party, all she wanted to do was crawl back into her bed's comfort.  

Madam Byun was the first to notice her as she approached.  "Suzy dear, it is so nice to see you. Your beauty is truly incomparable, but you look a little pale, don't you think Lady Bae?"  She said as she turned to Suzy's mother.  

Suzy remained quiet as her mother looked down at her over the rim of her glass.  Almost subconsciously she lifted her shoulders as she gave her what she hoped was a confident yet appropriately meek smile.

After a quick dismissive glance she gave Suzy a discreet criticism. "Oh yes, she does Madam Park. Suzy, honestly would it kill you to apply a touch of rouge here and there?" Her mother chided as she reached out to painfully pinch Suzy's cheeks with cold, bony fingers. 

Suzy allowed the treatment without a single wince, despite the sharp pains that shot from her cheek to her jawbone. "I'll remember next time."

She caught Madam Byun's eyes, there was a hint of pity.  She quickly looks away. "I think blue may not be the right color for you, and have you gained some weight?"

Suzy took the ongoing chastisements in stride. "I don't think so mother, but I will be sure to watch what I eat for a while."

"Oh, here comes my son." Madam Byun interjected.

"My my, if it isn't the charming lady Bae. And mother a wonderful sight as always." A male voice spoke behind her.  

Suzy turned just in time to catch Baekhyun stepping past her. He dashingly brushed brown strands of hair away from his eyes as he bent down to kiss her mother's hand. "Are you quite certain you're not Suzy's sister? She tells me you're her mother but I swear this has to be a lie."

Suzy barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes as her mother beamed at Baekhyun. 

"Oh, you have just grown up to be every bit as handsome as your father." Her mother flushed from the young boy's flirtations. Baekhyun simply winked down at her as if he was used to these sorts of compliments. He probably heard women tell him he was handsome all the time.

"Actually, I was going to ask you for a dance, but it is Miss Bae's special day.  Maybe you wouldn't mind if I stole your daughter for a bit?"

"Oh, yes! Why don't you do that son." Madam Byun clapped her hands together. 

"You have such a wonderful sense of humor.  Yes, yes. Please, take her. She looks as if some activity would do her good. She could certainly use to burn a few calories."

It was just so like them to all talk about her as if she wasn't there. Suzy was always the meek and silent beauty, an expensive decoration that no dedicated hostess could do without. She was there to be discussed and admired, not to be asked for opinions. She did appreciate Madam Byun's kindness for getting her out of her mother's scrutiny.  

Suzy came out of her thoughts as she realized Baekhyun had grabbed her by the wrist and was dragging her across the dance floor. She looked over her shoulder to see her mother gazing back at her and Baekhyun with large hopeful eyes. Of course, a member of the Byun family would be the perfect catch for a Bae daughter. 

"Just what do you think you're doing, Baekhyun. This isn't helping anything." She said through gritted teeth as she tried to hide her frustration from any possible onlookers.

"First, you should relax and enjoy yourself. And second you should be thanking me." Baekhyun said as he put a hand at the small of her back and spun her across the room in a graceful waltz. 

"You're not stopping them from asking questions. Just prolonging the inevitable." 

"Suzy, you need to take a break. Cut yourself some slack, go out, get some drinks, and get some girls...errr guys, I mean."

This time, Suzy did allow herself to roll her eyes. "I'm nothing like you and you know that I can't do anything like that. Sure it's easy for you to say. There's nothing Byun Baekhyun could possibly do to ruin such a powerful reputation. Speaking of which, didn't your parents succeed in marrying off your sister to a powerful British nobel?"

Baekhyun's face slightly reddened as his features deepened into a scowl. Suzy knew this was a sensitive subject for him and took sadistic pleasure at jabbing back at him. One point for him and one point for her, they were even now. "Careful or I just might decide to step on your toes. You wouldn't hear any mumbled apologies from me." He retorted.

Suzy smiled as he brought back the childhood memory. When they had been children their parents had decided they needed to start dancing lessons. Baekhyun, had frequently stepped on her toes. His palm had sweat when he held her hand and she remembered his other hand slightly shaking at the small of her back. Not only that, but his face had been bright red the entire time as he mumbled apologies each time he stepped on her toes. Suzy never gave it much thought that this didn't seem to happen when he danced with the maid's daughter. Instead she assumed it must have been her own clumsiness and, unfortunately, her mother agreed. Suzy had taken extra evening classes alone for weeks after that. 

"But, I wouldn't mind getting tied down to you." Suzy snapped out of her childhood memories. 

"The famous, infamous Byun Baekhyun getting tied down? Is this the end of the world?" 

"Hey! You- you would be the luckiest girl alive. But I was just joking. What I meant to say was that if we did get married it would be fine since there would be no lingering feelings and we can see other people without breaking each others hearts, while achieving world power domination with our families power combined!"

"You're such a bacon! I don't even want to think or even attempt to see what other lame and greasy things you have in stored in your head." 

"Oh, but I know you love bacon. Everybody does. It's the worlds favorite."

"I don't. I don't want to have an early heart attack."

"Whatever. You only live once and die once. So, live happy with bacon and then die because of bacon. And plus, Before Anyone Else, you're not my type."

"I figured as much. You like that Chan- oh Park Chanyeol guy."

"Shhhh! What is your problem? I do-don't. And my I-think-I'm-so-funny bestfriend for you're information you're still the only one that knows about my situation. So hush, or I'll shove one pound of bacon down your throat. Or better yet, tell Mr. Dreamy Jongin that you would stop eating bacon just for him."

"Bacon! We are not going down this road. And don't say his name outloud." 

After the duo battled it out, they finally settled on a truce. And that was to keep their mouth shut. Suzy couldn't help but feel relieved with the change of topic and having Baekhyun's company. Somehow, she had forgotten about her mother's scrutinizing presence.

They were now standing by the catering area when Baekhyun decided to add a finishing icing on her nose. "Happy Birthday Suzy!" She wanted to strangle the boy, but right now she trully felt like it was her birthday party. The two couldn't help but burst into gigile fits. 

As her mind wandered she felt a pair of eyes piercing at her back. She had completely forgotten about her mother. Now, she was going to be in trouble. 

She looked around ready to meet her mother's wrath, but caught a pair of deep brown eyes instead.  When she caught sight of him her breath hitched in .

He was leaning against a pillar on the side of the ballroom, looking directly at her, and he was not smiling. His dirty blond hair contrasted sharply with his deep brown eyes. He seemed to be deep in thought and incredibly unhappy about something. He came to her like a wave. The most perfect wave she'd ever seen, surging towards her with breath-taking strength.  She wanted to run, but not forward or away, so she just stood there like a statue with the sand beneath her feet turning to stone.

With fear pushing her back  and the mystery of his thrilling unpredictability tugging her in.

She was consumed by fascination and in this moment she couldn't close her eyes.  Their eyes met briefly, before he looked away and then moved out of her vision.

Who was he? The way his eyes were burning through her send shivers down her spine.

Her brain was waving red flag, but her heart said otherwise. 

"Suzy, what is it?" Suzy looked at Baekhyun and then back to where the guy had just been seconds ago. 

"Nothing. Just some unexpected guest."