♠ SEVENTEEN ♠ 

[A/N: I recommend listening to the Nell song I posted as a reading accompaniment for one particular scene in this chapter.It makes the scene 12345678987654321 times better! Peace out!]

One long table. Seven people gathered around it. The atmosphere was professional, business-like despite the wee hours of the morning.

After the head count, Nam Woohyun stood up, clearing his throat. “I thank you all for coming here today on such short notice. You're all very busy people, but it looks like we’re in complete attendance today. Magnificent! Everyone should give themselves a round of applause for being here.”

There was a polite round of clapping after. Sunggyu’s eyebrow twitched.

“Since introductions are no longer necessary, let’s get straight to it.”

Sunggyu’s eyebrow twitched again.

“I'd like to open up the floor for urgent and immediate discussion of one of our pending problems—”

Sunggyu couldn't take this crack anymore and stood up in protest. “Hold up! What is with all this formality? And why is everyone acting so stuck-up when we’re at home in our pajamas?”

Hoya only yawned calmly in response. "It's four in the morning and you're already yelling."

"Because we're here, doing some stupid convention at four in-the-fricking morning! Have you no courtesy, making Dongwoo drive all the way here?!?"

"I slept over at the Nam's last night," Dongwoo piped. He was probably the only one, aside from Woohyun, who was up and about and ready to begin the day.

"That's not what I'm trying to drive at here!"

“Hyung, no offence, but I think this is why abeonim is sending you through etiquette classes,” Sungyeol pointed out, earning himself a frown from the older one. Amused, Sungjong offered him a high-five. So much for being "non-offensive". Was it his fault he didn't grow up in a rich, classy society? He really was polite to people, but when they did something as mundane as this and worse, there was no way he was tolerating it.

"Sit down, Mr. Kim. Business means business, and we take meetings, even practice ones, in this family very seriously. You should be quietly observing," Woohyun pointed out.

"Okay. Just let me get a notebook so I can jot down a few pointers!"

"Sunggyu, quit being a stick up everyone's asses so we can all go back to sleep," Seulbi grumbled coldly. Clearly, she was just as ticked off about this as he was. If there was something he learned about the girl today... well, she wasn't exactly a morning person either. The aura around her was so scary that he did as was told and sat back down.

"As I was saying before I was so politely interrupted, I've gathered you here to discuss about keeping Sunggyu-hyung's identity a secret," Woohyun continued once he was sure everyone had settled down. "We need a better alibi this time."

"I don't see why we have to go through the lengths to do that though," Sungyeol shrugged.

"I've already explained this once. With him hanging around us often, people are going to get suspicious, and of course they're going to ask. And when those who want to bring us down find out that he's our long lost cousin Henry now when he's ill-prepared for affairs of the company and the demands of society-- that's just the opening that they need to hit. It was already done once before, from someone we trusted nonetheless. There's no saying it won't happen again."

"Hyung can be used against us if we're not careful enough. We're doing this to protect hyung, the family and the company. I don't want anyone to be considered as a liability and I'm sure neither do all of you."

There was a pregnant pause as people took the information in. The five sans Sungjong and Sunggyu all looked very grave, as if reminiscing on something that had troubled them greatly. Whatever it was, it only fuelled them to respond with seriousness and determination. “What if we say he’s my cousin?” Dongwoo suggested, opening the floor for discussion.

“If that were really the case, wouldn't it be weird, him living here?” Sungyeol pointed out. "Something closer to the family."

“What if we say he’s a distant relative on the Nam’s side of the family who’s living with us now?” Woohyun tried. “I do believe we’re related to an estranged Kim somewhere, so if anyone wants to do a background check, we’re covered.”

Hoya continued to drum his fingers on his chin. “Alright, but what are we going to do when hyung gets his introductory party? Go on stage and say ‘Whoops, big mistake everyone, he’s really our long-lost cousin’?”

That introductory party wasn’t going to happen. Sunggyu would be far, far away from all the Woollim mess once that happened. The two were going to have to work harder than before to have him leave quietly.

Sungjong, who had yet to say anything, decided it was time to finally speak up. “The answer to this identity concealing crisis you have is simple!" he exclaimed before pointing to himself. "Me.”

The rest only gave him a dumbfounded look in response. They never labeled Sungjong as the narcissistic, egocentric type, so it was really surprising to hear. "No, no-- I didn't mean it in that way! Why don't you pass hyung off as one of Woollim's sponsored scholarship students as well, personally backed by the Lee Jungyeop?" he continued, and everyone replied with a small 'oh'. "It'll be such a touching reunion story too! 'It's no wonder why I felt that certain pull towards the boy. He's my long lost Henry after all!'"

The idea excited them and they all were for it. It made perfect sense and covered everyone's proposed loopholes! "What do you think, Seulbi?" Sungyeol chirped, whirling around when no response was made. "Bee?"

Seulbi's seat was already vacated and they hadn't even notice her leave. "The little tyke probably went back to sleep," Hoya chuckled in endearment, getting up from his seat. "Is our meeting adjourned yet? I need to go make sure she didn't doze off on the staircase again."

<<<< >>>>

Turns out Seulbi didn't even had the luxury to get back to sleep like the rest of them. The real reason for her disappearance was due to unexpected heiress duties suddenly piled onto her plate. After about an additional hour of shut-eye, Sunggyu found her in one the family rooms, staring lifelessly at whole roll of budget proposals and her laptop. He knew that being the next-in-line for any business conglomerate meant that they couldn't help but be extremely busy all the time, but efforts would definitely pay off big time, which made it satisfying. But in Seulbi's case, she made it seem like such a gruelling task to be put in such position.

"You still haven't sorted it out yet?" he asked, amazed that she was still in her pullover and pajamas. "Is this what we're supposed to expect from none other than our future Woollim mogul?

"You think?" came her snarky reply. "I don't need your gloating early in the morning. And don't call me that, I don't like it when people point it out."

"You personally don't take this long though. Frankly, I'm disappointed."

"My. Stupid. Useless. Brain. Isn't. Cooperating." She gurgled, punctuating her words by repeatedly knocking her forehead onto the table.

So even supergenius Seulbi had brain drought moments too. That was rather comforting to know.

Shaking his head, he decided to give it a look. "You're agonizing over something as chicken as this? If you really need to cut down costs, you could axe this from your expenses-- it's not needed for this particular project. Also, charging this high for labor is too much, even for professional costs. And this proposal is completely bogus! If you want it to be more authentically Korean, you can canvass for local materials from the provinces and it'll come out much cheaper considering you're taking out import fees--" Sunggyu rambled on and on, pausing the moment he felt a pair of eyes intently staring at him. "--what? Are you going to tell me to shut up?"

"No," the girl replied, slowly shaking her head as she straightened up. "Rather, keep talking."

"H-Huh?"

Now wide awake, Seulbi scooted over her spot on the couch, ushering him to sit beside her. "I never thought I'd be saying this because you tend to nag so much, but keep talking!"

While Sunggyu kept on yapping out practical plans, budget-wise, Seulbi religiously typed down the whole thing, and for once, wasn't arguing with him over his snarky side comments. "Five minutes, I'll just finish this up," the heiress told him after he reminded her that they should have been downstairs for breakfast by that time. "Don't keep abeonim waiting."

Jungyeop always had that tendency to go off and find his grandchildren himself when they weren't down in time for meals, and the Lee mansion wasn't exactly a walk in the park with its sheer size; it could really tire the elder out. "Right, see you at breakfast," Sunggyu replied before setting off.

He got to the dining room only to find himself terribly underdressed. The Lee cousins, even Sungjong and Dongwoo, had matching cashmere sweaters or blazers on, all dressed presentably and preppy so early in the morning. They were all standing at attention, as stiff and as unmoving as soldiers. Lee Jungyeop, however, was enjoying a rather hearty breakfast by himself.

"Screwed. You are so screwed," Hoya muttered under his breath, noticing his wardrobe preference for the day: sweats and a really loose shirt. Before the older could even ask what he had meant by that remark, his gaze connected with Dongwoo's, whose usual cheery demeanor had been replaced by a look of livid fear. He seemed to conveying something with his eyes.

Run. Run while you still can.

"So, this is what you give me to work with, sajangnim?"

He felt a shadow looming over him all of a sudden that made the hair on the back of his neck stand. Slowly, he cranked his neck to turn backwards and came face to face with a strict looking elderly lady. Her hair was tied into a sleek top bun and she was dressed in formal business attire.

Instantly, he knew that chaebol bootcamp had begun.

"You may call me Mrs. Im or Professor, it is up to your personal preference. Just know that I do not tolerate crude, informal honorifics such as 'ssem'," the lady called Mrs. Im spoke with so much refinement. Sungjong clenched his teeth and lowered his head, having made that very mistake just a few minutes prior.

"Kim Sunggyu, nice to meet you," he introduced as if he would to a same-aged friend, extending his arm for a handshake. Behind the lady's back, Woohyun was shaking his head in disapproval, as though he'd done something offensive. His hold faltered, as the lady looked in contempt at his actions, deliberately ignoring his gesture of friendliness.

"I expected a more appropriate greeting from him, age-wise. And more proper self-presentation," their guest said as she turned towards Jungyeop.

"Now, now, Mrs. Im, Sunggyu, you see--" Woohyun tried to explain.

"You are not the one being addressed to, Nam Woohyun, stand down. I thought I taught you better," Mrs. Im cut off, receiving a very soft 'sorry' from the Nam heir afterwards.

Shaking his head, Jungyeop let out another hearty laugh. "Let it go this once, Su-ah. My son's been used to being the eldest one all his life."

"Very well then, sajangnim, since you asked so nicely. As you may have heard from your grandfather, I have been tasked to be your expert handler. My lessons will not entail much of your time if you accomplish your set tasks excellently."  To his right, Sunggyu could hear Sungyeol swallow hard out of nervousness. "Over time, I have helped refine a long list of top class heirs and heiresses not only in South Korea, but in other nations as well, and none of them have disappointed me. I hope that you will not be the first one to do so, Kim Sunggyu-ssi."

This time, it was Sunggyu's turn to take a huge, painful gulp as he stood at full attention now, his arms pinned stiffly to his sides, feeling extremely pressured. This wasn't what he had signed up for in the first place!

As if heaven-sent to diffuse the heavy tension in the room, Lee Seulbi came skipping in. "Good morning, abeonim! 'Morning, Mrs. Im!" she greeted before faltering, realizing the state of her clothing. "I'll just go upstairs for awhile and make myself presentable."

Rather refined laughter giggle filled the room, once again sending chills down Sunggyu's spine. Even that sounded scary. "Oh, there's no need. You can be dressed in a sack cloth for all I care and still be a darling!" Mrs. Im replied. Her strict tone had been replaced by something that sounded more jolly and motherly. "Don't mind me. Come here and have your breakfast, I insist!"

"Very well then. Please do join us!" Seulbi grinned, pulling up a chair before looking up at her cousins and friends. "Have you all decided to go on a diet or something? I'm not having it if you're wasting all this food." Quickly, the six immediately scrambled to their seats, as if Seulbi had finally given them the golden ticket to do so.



Sunggyu didn't think such things existed-- pinky goes here when holding a wine glass, elbow at 90-degrees when pouring tea-- there were practically hardfast rules for body dynamics to anything and everything. He was falling behind the rest; despite the cousins and Dongwoo being jittery from fear of their handler's strict ways, they still managed to do everything superbly. Sungjong wasn't doing such a bad job either. And it wasn't helping that Seulbi was lazing around in the corner whenever he ran into her. If not for her, he wouldn't even be here right now!

"NO slouching! Sit up straight, legs together!"
"NO chortling!"
"Watch the eye-rolling."
"We do NOT slurp the soup!"
"No, no, no! Wrong, wrong, wrong!"

Sunggyu felt that he had regressed back into childhood with all the 'No's' being thrown his way, as he was being especially nitpicked over every little detail. She might as well tell him to stop breathing too!

"Is that a grimace I am seeing? Are we displeased, Sunggyu?" Mrs. Im continued. He couldn't help but groan inwardly in response.



At two-o'-clock, there was speech presentation.

"To be, or not to be, that is the question."

"Enunciate your words, Sunggyu. Enunciate and project. It is an absolute must that you can be heard from anywhere in the room at all times."

"I don't see the ing point of reciting Hamlet's soliloquy as practice for a business speech presentation," Sunggyu grumbled, his voice barely down to a slight whisper.

"I heard that," Mrs. Im snapped from the far corner. "And watch your foul language."



At three-o'-clock, it was tea time.

"Carefully, now. When you pour the tea, you must demonstrate a sense of dignity and refinement."

He's worked at a coffee shop before, this should be a walk in the park! But Sunggyu was wrong. Modern teapots provided a much more controlled handgrip compared to the traditional ones-- Sunggyu had almost mistaken it for a pingpong paddle. The start was rather shaky and he could barely get the tilting angle right to pour anything out. Frustrated, he tried to tilt it a bit more, but his hand overshot, and out poured the tea alright.

The lid had fallen off and he ended up dumping the contents onto the carpet imported straight from Persia.

So much for the advantagae of experience.



At six-o'-clock, there was music appreciation.

"Woohyun, would you kindly show him how it's done?" Mrs. Im requested. Woohyun, his confidence regained because this was finally something he could excel in even with his eyes shut, took huge strides towards the grand piano and made himself comfortable. After taking a deep, soothing breath, he began to play, showcasing his skills with Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu.

Music floated throughout the Nam mansion, catching Seulbi's attention, who looked up from her reading and moved towards the railing overlooking the living room. She couldn't help but smile as she looked on in a endearing manner; Woohyun was practically shining in the limelight right now. The last few notes of the piece trailed off just as elegantly as the person playing.

Attention was turned to Sunggyu this time. "Does any classical instrument fall under your repertoire of skills, Sunggyu?"

Sunggyu bit his inner cheek in contempt. She could have just asked outright if he knew how to play an instrument. "I can play a bit of piano too," he admitted.

"Formal lessons?"

"Learned here and there."

"Self-taught, using songs-- Hallyu, they call it-- you picked up from the streets, I presume. Well then, let us gauge from what you can show us today. We'll build it up from there... you might have to unlearn and re-learn several things after I have assessed you. Can you read notes?" she dismissed, her remark making Sunggyu's blood boil. This one had been plain insulting.

Despite his feet feeling as heavy as led, he dragged himself towards the piano, looking at the complex arrangement of notes in front of him. Taking a deep breath...

... he began slamming onto the piano keys in rebellion. The harsh, awful noise resonated throughout the room, making everyone cringe at each bad mesh of notes. Mrs. Im looked absolutely horrified. Right before the handler could even pry him off the grand piano, Sunggyu ended it with an ear-deafening bang of both hands onto whatever keys were in reach. He even capped his performance off with a cheeky bow.

Mrs. Im was livid. "What is with that attitude?"

"Street with a touch of class. But you wouldn't understand that since you're so stuck up on that pedestal you've built for yours--mmmph!!" Sunggyu seethed before Woohyun decided to get back at him for his similar assault at Gyeongbok Palace, placing a hand over his mouth and pulling him backward to silence him. "Grrrooooffffdvvmvvt!!"

"Okay, we get your point, that's enough," Woohyun cheekily eased to diffuse the tension, even patting the older boy's hair, much to his annoyance. "Walk it off, Sunggyu-hyung! Isn't he just cute when he's seething?" With that, the younger ushered him away, past the fearful looks everyone else was giving him. Sunggyu looked up to see Lee Seulbi observing the whole situation from her vantage point. She was the only one smiling at him, as if she was approving of his actions... and thinking of something diabolical in the process.

<<<< >>>>

He had to get away from that crazy lady else he was going to go crazy himself. Sunggyu had gone home and ventured off into the opposite wing of the main mansion in a desperate attempt to hide himself from Mrs. Im's clutches.

Unconsciously his feet led him, way past the home theatre where Seulbi and the guys had marathons and re-runs of their favorite TV series (and surprisingly K-drama-- occassionally, he had heard a few sniffles from Woohyun, Sungyeol, and surprisingly Howon), past their grandfather's private library all the way to the end of the hall before making a left turn. It was an unfamilar area, and it was only then when he realized how vast the place actually was-- there was still a huge chunk of house waiting to be explored by him. Somehow, he was drawn to the pristine white doors with golden ts and handles. He knocked carefully to make sure that he wasn't invading anyone's privacy, and when he ascertained that no one was there, quietly entered.

Behind the grand doors was a music room. The place was rather cozy and toasty, with plush cushions and wooden furniture. Several instruments were encased on the glass shelf, but what immediately caught Sunggyu's attention was the instrument situated in the middle of the vast room. Curious fingers ran over the pristine white grand piano. A thin layer of dust was on it, yet when he experimented pressing on the keys, he could tell that the instrument was still in mint condition. The owner must had taken really good care of it.

Quietly, he sat himself down and began pressing on a few more keys... a few more chords... a few more measures... and before he knew it, he had unconsciously begun playing, channeling his pent up emotions into each and every note. Music had always been some sort of outlet for him, calming him everytime he was angry or upset.

[Kim Sunggyu - Another Me (Piano Cover)]

"About earlier... why didn't you play that?"

Sunggyu froze and immediately frowned. Lee Seulbi was leaning by the door frame, looking intently at him. She cleared before rephrasing her question. "When Mrs. Im asked you to play earlier, how come you didn't play that?"

He was still too ticked off at what happened earlier to answer her question nicely. "Seulbi, get out. I'm hiding."

"Then, sorry to break it to you, but you're not doing a very good job. You... uh... sort of left the door open. People could hear."

"It's impossible for this to reach your wing. Where did you come from?"

"Around."

She possibly couldn't tell him about Sungyeol's secret snack bunker #2. She had just come from there after chucking a few bags of chips out the window to a hungry and waiting Sungyeol. When stressed, her cousin had the tendency to binge on junk food. Normally, she wouldn't approve of it because of Hoya and insistence for a healthy lifestyle, but Sungyeol always looked so pitiful with his dark eyebags; Seulbi couldn't bring herself to reject him.

"Don't mind me," she told him as she closed the door behind her. "Please continue. What song were you playing? I don't think I've heard it before."

There was no way he was admitting that it was self-composed and still in its re-hashing stage, so he decided to veer her off topic to keep her mind off it. "I'm not sure if I even like it when people are watching," Sunggyu dismissed.

"So if I turn my back, like this," Seulbi piped playfully, really twirling around so her back was facing him now, "...you'll continue playing? Technically, I'm not looking!"

"God, sometimes, those smart side comments of yours can be insufferable."

"Don't feel too bad about it. I can't even play for ," Seulbi admitted with a small laugh. "Shall I show you my noob piano skills so you can brag about yours and feel better?" Without even waiting for a reply, the heiress scooted beside him on the piano chair, stretching her fingers before setting them on the keys. She seemed so professional... up until the moment she started playing the 'Flea Waltz'.

"How classy," Sunggyu snorted, unable to help but laugh at her choice piece. Seulbi's brow was furrowed in full concentration, but relaxed once she sensed that he was less tense.

"That's better, you're smiling now."

"You know something like this?"

"Yeah, learned it off Youtube. Everyone does nowadays." That remark automatically made him feel ten times better as he urged Seulbi to continue playing for him, leaning his elbow against the piano's ledge.

Seulbi's last few upbeat notes trailed off before she spoke up again. "How about a deal?" she blurted out randomly. "What if I told you I could help you breeze your way through Mrs. Im's crash course?"

"That's a Herculean task you're proposing there. You already know how badly I'm doing."

"Yes I agree, you pretty much at everything," she told him nonchalantly, earning a rightful glare. "But I've been watching you today and I see potential, Sunggyu, especially after that ballsy move you did earlier. I'll help you out, that is... if you'll do something for me in return."

Sunggyu did not like where this was going. The last time he had struck a deal with Seulbi-- well, he was still suffering the consequences of his greed for money right now. "And what would that be?"

"If you'll run me through the need-to-know's of a commoner's lifestyle."

Sunggyu deadpanned, unamused. "Yah. Are you even aware of how insulting that just sounded?"

"I'm sorry for the lack of a more politically correct term, but I'm serious, Sunggyu. I want to know how it's like to live the common man's life for once. I believe it is essential for my being."

"How so? Let's hear it then; I'll decided when you give me your reason."

Seulbi grew silent for awhile and he could tell that she really was giving it some careful thought. "I thought that maybe, just maybe if I'd personally experience how it's like to live a day in their shoes, I'd be able to understand them more and cater to their future needs. I just really want to see a new perspective for myself, and from there find a way to help, that's all."

"Yeah, but why me?"

Biting her lower lip in hesitancy, she gave her words another careful thought before speaking up. "Because we're cousins," she excused lamely. "It's a bit embarrassing to hassle Sungjong like this. It's a win-win situation for both of us, Sunggyu, and frankly, you don't even have to do much."

"What about that creepy lady? How are you going to handle her?"

"If you haven't noticed, I'm her favorite."

Before Sunggyu could even voice out his reply, the object of Sunggyu's recent 'affection' came barging into the room (not after a polite knock, of course). But somehow, he felt rather safe in Seulbi's presence. Mrs. Im didn't look like an angry, rampaging bull this time around unlike he had last seen her.

"You were with the Young Miss all this time," she spoke up. "I had been anxious for nothing."

"Yeap, he's calm now," Seulbi announced, filling in the silence before Sunggyu could run his tongue carelessly again. "It's getting late, why don't you go on and take the night off, Mrs. Im? If you wish, I can call for a spa home service for you."

"That does sound lovely... but, what about the Young Master?"

"I'll keep him in check, don't worry. I think everyone needs to call it a day to be up and about tomorrow."

To his surprise, the handler, who usually had her way with no if's and but's, actually agreed to her idea. Woohyun had tried his tactics of grease and charm earlier to no avail, but here was Seulbi doing the exact same thing, with easy success. Sunggyu might actually have a fighting chance of getting out of this pinch quickly if he had Seulbi backing him up. The heiress was already expectant of his answer the moment Mrs. Im had gone off towards her coveted Shiatsu massage and out of earshot.

"Alright, I'm in," Sunggyu mumbled. "You get your commoner 101, you help me wing chaebol 101."

"I look forward to working with you again," Seulbi agreed as she extended her hand for a shake to seal the deal. Sunggyu noted that there was something off about Seulbi's smile. Generally, her aura didn't betray any ill intentions towards him, that much he could really tell. But it was as this deal had been bent extremely to her favor, and she seemed rather motivated for something he couldn't quite place his finger on.

"Oh and this?" Sunggyu added, pointing to the piano, "Keep this a secret, alright?"

Dutifully, Seulbi drew a little cross mark over her heart to signify that she was intent on sticking to her promise. "Though I'd really love to hear you play again. Less angry and sad please," she added softly.

<<<< >>>>

So far, Seulbi was keeping her end of the deal religiously. She was always at the corner to quickly mime out whatever he needed to do, or point out the mistakes he was making. A few times, she would actually step in herself when Mrs. Im was distracted and help out before disappearing as quickly as she came. Though Sunggyu still wasn't excelling at it and Mrs. Im was still being her haughty, nagging self... well, he was better off now.

Although, he had to learn the hard way that Lee Seulbi wouldn't always be there to help him wing it. In fact, sometimes, she was there to make things 12345678987654321 times uncomfortable for him.



At 8 in the evening, waltz lessons.

"1, 2, 3 and 1, 2, 3... and dip and-- YEOW!" Sungyeol howled all of a sudden as he fell bottom-first onto the cold marble floor. Pain shot through his tailbone, running up his spine, causing him to tear up. Sunggyu couldn't help but hunch into himself on the spot, knocking his head with his fists several times as he went into a mental breakdown for messing up. It wasn't 100% his fault-- Sungyeol had dipped himself backwards without warning, and Sunggyu's reflexes weren't fast enough to catch him in time.

"FYI, HYUNG, IT'S CALLED 'DIP', NOT 'DROP AND BE A COMPLETE PAIN IN THE ', FIGURATIVELY AND LITERALLY!" Sungyeol, with his long temporary tresses now lopsided, screeched as he rubbed his sore behind, unable to hold his temper back after being manhandled all night.

"I'M SORRY!" Sunggyu gurgled apologetically.

"On the bright side, guys, at least he held out longer this time without any foot mashing. Okay, Gyuzizi, Yeollie, we're almost there, let's try that one more time," Dongwoo eased.

"No, no, no. No more torture for me, no sir! I quit!" Sungyeol snapped, yanking his fake blonde locks of his head and slamming it onto the floor to punctuate his point. "This wig is itchy too-- I don't even see the point of wearing this!"

"Because you're obviously the girl in this tandem tango?" Hoya snorted, filling in for him.

"Shut up, I don't need your sass! You try being forced to wear it!"

"I already told you, Dongwoo-hyung and I can't sub for that because we're Sunggyu-hyung's dance instructors."

"Then why can't anyone else sub for it?"

"I don't do wigs, I have a sensitive scalp," Woohyun excused.

"I'm... too pretty," Sungjong said in dismay. The five of them had been joking around earlier, with Sungjong having been initially selected to don on the wig. After trying it on, they were momentarily mesmerized but the glow that Sungjong emmited. The five had mutually agreed to keep Sungjong away from the wig after that, to make sure they avoided any future... accidents.

"What's with all the trash-talk? Are you having a wrestling match in here?" Seulbi had popped in through the doors all of a sudden, bothered by all the yelling and screeching going on. "What are you doing?"

"Dancing," everybody droned.

"'cept for Sunggyu, he's not doing a very good job at it, but that's not the point. What brings you here, Princess?" Woohyun, being his usual cheesy self, filled in for her.

"The last time I checked, we didn't dance with our mouths. I could hear you even with music on," Seulbi replied, even showing her iPod to them. "Is it just you guys? No Mrs. Im around?"

"Fortunately. You can say we're studying in advance-- but we've been at it for eons now!"

"Hey!" Sunggyu snapped at the younger boy, displeased at how cutesy his tone sounded. Woohyun always had the tendency to slip into that whenever he was feeling a bit cheesy, especially when Seulbi was around.

"Hmmm, have you tried recruiting the help of actual girls to partner up with? We have several househelps who would be more than willing to help."

"We did," Hoya nodded. "They all passed out with gushing nosebleeds before we could even start the dancing. Hana, the head maid in-charge had to plead for us to stop knocking her crew out."

"Thus the stupid, itchy wig!" Sungyeol grumbled in agreement, unable to let go of his personal issues with the wig. Seulbi only shook her head, rubbing his back to calm him down.

"Well, have you considered demonstrating it to him beforehand for him to observe?" the heiress added.

Bingo. The simplicity of the solution definitely had everyone floored. They had been so busy yapping out their detailed instructions step-by-step to Sunggyu that not once had the idea even drifted into their heads in the first place. At least Seulbi ended up having such a good laugh about their failed adventures for today.

"If that's the case, then, may I have this dance, Bumblebee?" Dongwoo asked politely, extending his hand towards her. Seulbi accepted, not before asking Dongwoo to take care of her should she mess up. It's been awhile since their last formal ballroom event afterall. As Dongwoo and Seulbi glided across the room, Sunggyu took that as his cue to take down mental notes.

"Sorry, dude, I can't let you have all the fun," Hoya interrupted with a wink, suavely whizzing his cousin away for a dance of their own. Contrary to his usually precise and sharp moves on the dance floor when dancing hiphop, Hoya decided to let it go for once; he was still confident, his moves still flowed well together, but he was giving up the spotlight to Seulbi.

Sungyeol was up next, gently tapping his brother's shoulder to request for a turn. He was grinning from ear-to-ear, happy to finally be on this side of the equation after hours of being the girl. Sungyeol wasn't as superb of a dancer as Hoya was, but his lanky figure made his dancing graceful and pleasant to the eye.

Even Sungjong managed to have a turn in dancing. He managed to fall into the beat so easily and smoothly that it surprised everyone present. "For someone's who's doing this for the first time, you're doing great yourself," Seulbi mused as Sungjong took over from Sungyeol.

"Nah, it's nothing. I learned a bit here and there. You won't believe it, but the girls back at Little Haven are extremely fond of dancing."

Woohyun was definitely the most princelike, beginning with a gentlemanly bow, to which Seulbi responded with a polite curtsey of her own. He had even stuck out his arm for her to hold on to as he guided her to the center of the ballroom. To Woohyun, Seulbi would always have a special place in his heart, and anyone could see it in the way he looked at Seulbi. It was just as if she was to sole apple of his eyes.

"Hey, are you crying?" Seulbi giggled as Woohyun tried to blink the b tears away.

"My baby is growing up so fast, I can't imagine marrying you off-- they'd probably have to tranquilize me on your wedding day," he sniffled, getting emotional over the thought.

"Idiot, save that for after I turn twenty-one and after you get me a boyfriend. That's not going to happen just yet," the heiress joked before pouting. "It's you, on the otherhand, I should be worried about. I think I'll end up bawling on your wedding day, which is a bad thing, because normally I'm not emotional wreck."

Sunggyu couldn't help but smile in endearment as he watched the two dancing. In fact, he had been so enthralled by the touching moment, he didn't realize that it was finally his turn to partner up. “Careful, Princess, he’s definitely going to end up killing a toenail or two, and maybe more than that,” Sungyeol called out behind him. Sunggyu bared his teeth at the younger before turning back, almost falling on his as well because Seulbi was in such close proximity all of a sudden. His breath hitched as he found himself face-to-face with the heiress.

"Well, isn't this awkward?" she muttered under her breath, but audible enough for Sunggyu to hear. "Your mood suddenly died down. Am I that distasteful?"

They started out stiff and choppy. Sunggyu kept glancing at his feet the whole time, keeping precise count. The moment he had lost timing, his steps were frantic, his feet tangling into one another clumsily due to lack of proper coordination.

"Okay, okay, I see the problem now. Stop." Even the music came to an abrupt halt at Seulbi's command. "You're too tense... here, here, here and here," she pointed out, lightly prodding his elbows, shoulders, hips and knees. "You need to relax. This isn't something you can learn by logic nor rationalization, Sunggyu."

"I'm trying. It isn't my fault I was born with two left feet!"

"Shhh, none of that. Close your eyes and relax."

Reluctantly, he did as he was told. Before he knew it, an earpiece had been fitted in care of Seulbi. He opened a bleary eye as if to ask what was going on but she only told him to relax and just listen. A familiar tune started playing and almost automatically, his breathing started evening out as a general wave of calmness washed over his entire body, care of none other than the melodious voice of Kim Jongwan.

[Nell (넬) - Perfect]

"Are you calm?"

"Mmm."

"Shall we dance?"

Sunggyu felt like he was in a trance. The moment Seulbi began to move, his eyes had fluttered open. As if almost an automatic response, his feet began moving along, one foot after the other, in sync with hers. Sunggyu wasn't even taking conscious note of the timing anymore, his attention pulled by the song and by Seulbi.

"Have you never had a girlfriend before?" she asked quietly. It managed to throw Sunggyu off track for a bit but she managed to pull his concentration back by bringing herself into a simple twirl.

"N-N-No!"

"Really. That is one surprising plot twist. But you sound rather defensive about it. Boy--?"

"I don't swing that way!"

"A girl you like or liked then?"

"Err..."

She took his refusal to answer as a 'yes'. Seulbi made a mental note to pry that piece of information out of him for some other time. As the baby cousin, the one being fawned over her whole life, she couldn't help but feel naturally curious about her cousins' love interests or love lives. "Then imagine that it's her you're dancing with."

As much as he wanted to do so, it was proving to be very difficult for him. While everything else faded into the background, Sunggyu was suddenly hyperaware of everything Seulbi... from how long her fingers were, to soft her hand was, to her pattern of breathing, to that stray lock of hair he wanted to tuck behind her ear, to her scent which reminded him of summer, to the cute, deep dimple on her right cheek... how her eyes sparkled and crinkled at the corners when she smiled. Sunggyu could feel slight fluttering in his chest; it wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't bothersome nor painful either. All he knew was that everything felt rather... rather nice.

That was why he couldn't help but feel a tad bit disappointed when the melody trailed off and began to fade. Seulbi gave him a congratulatory pat on the shoulder when the song was finally done. "Well, that wasn't so bad now, was it?"

"No..." he gurgled, becoming visibly frantic when the warmth on his shoulder and hand politely slipped away.

"Next time, you lead," Seulbi continued with a small smile as she gently lowered his arms back to his sides and reclaimed the earphones they had been sharing.

"Huh?"

He didn't realize he had absentmindedly been steered around the room by Seulbi herself during the whole dance. And that was when reality hit him hard. He was in the Lee mansion's ballroom learning how to waltz in order to fulfill his paid role of being their long-lost cousin properly. 

"I don't get it. I'm sure I gave the right instructions," Hoya murmured, scratching his head, as he remained completely baffled at the outcome. "She didn't even instruct him with anything and he managed to follow along so well."

"Does it even matter? The point is: he did it! He finally did it!" Dongwoo screamed, jumping up and down in his glee.

"Atta boy, hyung!" Sungyeol even cheered. But instead of flocking over Sunggyu for a job well done, everyone started circling around Seulbi, wanting to know how she managed something they had been working on for hours just in a matter of minutes. Only one person remained unamused with the proceedings for that night.

"You. Come with me," Woohyun called out to Sunggyu in a dark tone once everyone became too preoccupied with Seulbi and her 'taming' skills.


"I didn't like the way you were staring at her that whole time," Woohyun brought up the moment he had gotten Sunggyu away and into a private corner. His heart decided to take a free dive into his stomach. Did it look like that from an outsider's perspective? Because that had not been his intention in the first place. Was it his fault Lee Seulbi had made a frontal assault on all of his senses?

"Look Nam, we were dancing, she was all up in my face, where else was I supposed to focus on then?!?" Sunggyu complained, feeling wrongly accused about this whole incident. It was just that the circumstances presented itself in that way, and that Lee Seulbi just happened to be that particular girl present there. He was 100% sure it would have been the same way with any other girl. Heck, it could have been Sungjong in that dirty blonde wig and it would have been the same!

"I've been watching you, you think I'd fall for that lame excuse?" Woohyun gritted dangerously. "It's as if you were about to claw her eyes out and make some stew out of her for dinner or something! Over my dead body, Kim! I get that you're angry, but you have no right to glare at her like that when she didn't even do anything."

Sunggyu was stumped at the complaint being issued here. "I already told you-- wait, what? What? You're angry because-- you didn't think I--"

Nam Woohyun, thank God you're an idiot!

<<<< >>>>

"Mr. Nam, I have something to discuss with you, would you kindly stay behind?"

Woohyun had to kindly tell his friends from the council to go on ahead without him. Curious what this was about, he carefully approached the teacher's podium. "Yes professor, you wanted to speak to me?"

"This concerns your marketing proposal I had the class submit just recently," the professor began. "I haven't returned it to the class yet, but I figured you'd need to see yours beforehand. Honestly, I had to read it over ten times before I could justify the grade I gave you..."

He pulled out the aforementioned term paper from his suit case and even from afar, the vast amount of red markings was pretty obvious. He wasn't the best student, unlike Seulbi and Sungyeol who excelled in their respective classes. Woohyun spent five days of minimal sleep to put work onto that paper. He steeled himself as his professor handed it over... only to find a huge 100 jotted down over at the right hand corner of the paper

"Full marks, Mr. Nam!" his professor squealed. "I must say, I'm impressed at your innovative ideas and how you presented them. I haven't written this much commentary even on failing term papers! Just how did you do it?"

Woohyun beamed. He had been scared out of his wits over absolutely nothing, "Thank you, professor. I guess being junior interim at Woollim really went a long way."

"I'd love to hear more about your ideas, if you're free. In fact, the faculty was so impressed as well, we've decided to have you present it at one of the school's business expo. Higher ups from Harvard and Stanford will be there!"

"No kidding? I thought you already had Kunwoo from the Han group for that."

"Why not? The more, the merrier. This paper is too exemplary to just pass up and a lot of people could learn from this, Mr. Nam. If you need help, anyone from the faculty would be willing to give their assistance."

They ended up discussing the overview of the event for a bit before wrapping up. Outside, a jealous Kunwoo had been waiting to confront Woohyun about it, having eavesdropped on their earlier conversation.

"What was that all about, Nam? From average to star student; I wonder what you did to earn that A+."

"Nosy people should just mind their own business. It wouldn't do them any good," Woohyun said calmly to diffuse the mudslinging, however the guy was persistent.

"Did you pay off all his debts for him or what? Bribe him? With how much? Or did you ask your old grampy to threaten him for you?"

"Han Kunwoo, you're being a jealous prat over nothing. Get your facts straight. You're still getting your project presented before mine does. Also, the professor would have nothing to gain by up to me like that. Whatever you're doing, I suggest you quit it now before you embarrass yourself in front of all these people."

By now, a crowd had gathered around the two. Sunggyu had witnessed this little confrontation on his way to his next class and slowly made his way towards them, intending to put and end to it before it escalated into something serious.

"This is exactly what I hate about sons from the bigshot companies. You go prancing around like some king and -- if it weren't for your family's wealth, where would you be right now? You don't even own the company yet, why don't you learn your place?"

"Oh, I know my place, alright. It's been pretty clear. Because the next-in-line to Woollim is none other than Lee Seulbi herself, not me."

Woohyun had said that in the heat of the matter, his mouth just spouting out whatever he felt like saying. Sunggyu immediately tugged on the younger, pulling him aside. "Yah, what's gotten into you? Blabbing about something as crucial as this?" he hissed.

"What?!? It's the truth anyway!"

"Yes, but it's big news! People are going to talk!"

True enough, hushed whispers begun to circulate through the hall. Word got around fast, and because it was from Nam Woohyun himself, it spread even quicker because the source was legitimate.

"Something doesn't feel quite right, Hyun," Sunggyu pointed out with a frown, unable to shake off the weird feeling he had in his chest. He could sense that the younger was thinking along the same lines too and their next plan of action was the same as well: get to Seulbi ASAP, before she could even be hounded or bombarded with any more questions. As they hurried through the halls, they couldn't help but notice the people around them... even ahead of them, talking.

To one corner, Kim Myungsoo was taking long strides to get to them, wanting to clarify on the matter he was hearing as well. Despite his stoic expression, the cold glare in his eyes seemed more angry, demanding.

They finally found Lee Seulbi over by her locker. "Bee, there you are, I--" Woohyun called out but faltering eventually. Even Sunggyu had stepped back, momentarily unsure whether to step in or not. Seulbi had become a whole different person, her usually passive features and calm demeanor gone. Her lips had set into a thin line. Her hand was clenching her locker handle so hard that they her knuckles were white and taut. Her eyes had dulled and clouded over, losing its usual sparkle. He had never seen her like this, and honestly, he never wanted to see it again. It was that scary.

Seulbi gave her locker an almighty slam to release the tension, storming away as if she hadn't seen them there.

The ominous feeling he had was dead-on. Lee Seulbi was furious.

A/N: Hello, sorry for the long wait once again! I'm sorry to end it on such a bad note, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter's turnout, yes? What was your favorite part? Writing everyone's dance scenes was one of my favorites for this chapter. I have turned Woohyun into this fic's official er and plot mover, I just realized

Also! SPOILER: Seulbi gets her much needed punching bag/anger diffuser in the next chapter. Okay, maybe punching bag is extremely over-kill, but someone does help make her feel better. Though I already have it in mind, I still want to ask... WHO DO YOU PERSONALLY WANT IT TO BE? AND HOW WOULD HE DO IT? Thank you to those who leave comments, your love fuels me! And your insights get me brain storming and thinking of the plot faster, so please keep 'em coming, especially to the new readers!

Lastly, I'll just leave this video of our piano-playing dream boy right here. Sunggyu's 2nd solo come sooner!!!