chapter fifty-three | loyalty and betrayal

"I'm nervous," Bom clasped her hands together as she sat on one of the rooms of the hotel were Dara's party will be held. She lifted her head and met TOP's eyes who has his arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the wooden closet. "Who isn't?" He sighed closing his eyes. 

"Nothing will go wrong," Youngbae assured. "Remember we arranged this together with Hyunseung?" 

"We all know that but can we really trust him? I mean he helped us and all, explained everything but what if this is part of their plan?" Seungri looked at him. Silence quickly devoured them. Seriously people, you all moved according to plan and you still have the guts to doubt? What thr eff right? 

Okay, I will zip my mouth. Me is good girl. 

They were all staying in one of the rooms that they got for themselves under a different name. They were all wearing suit and ties, the two ladies were wearing their best evening gown. They were invited after all. Minho made sure according to Hyunseung. 

Awww, look how bastard Minho is. My type exactly only I am so loyal to Jiyong oppa! 

"There's nothing we can do right now but trust him," Daesung sighed before he pushed himself up. "Where is Jiyong Hyung by the way?" His voice was showing cracks on it. They all looked at him and ended in a sigh. 

The moment they have rescued Dara's parents and did everything that Hyunseung told them,  they tried contacting Kwon but they weren't successful in reaching him. He didn't go to school at all and they haven't seen him since they first talked to Hyunseung about what was happening. 

"Now, I am twice nervous." Bom expelled a long sigh. Me too. Sigh. 

•••

The place was huge and decorated ellaborately of the theme of black and elegant. The chandelier was arrogant on the middle with all the black clothes draping together with crystals tied on nylon which almost looked like stars in the darkest night. The foods served were all first class and everything was set. Clearly, they didn't hold back when it came to the budget. 

Eight thirty and the guests started arriving wearing their best suit and ties, evening gowns and jewelries. Each of them were walking down the red carpet in which flashes of cameras welcomed them. Every network station came to cover the whole event as it was the sessional and unexpected real life miracle that the heiress whom they thought died in the tragedy eleven years ago was back, alive and healthy. 

The flashes of the cameras intensified when Daesung walked the carpet followed by Youngbae, then Seungri and Chaerin, lastly were TOP and Bom. The reporters even said that it was totally unexpected to see the sons of the business rivals attending the party a Yang threw. "This is a first after almost fifteen years of rivalry and cold war between the said families of business tycoons." One of the reporters stated. "Now everyone is asking will a Kwon attend this party?" One asked. Oh yes he will and I will be arms and arms with him on my beautiful gown, err, I mean, who knows his friends wasn't able to contact him for days. 

I didn't do anything! I swear, I didn't kidnapped him! Seriously, he's not here, if he is there wouldn't be update because you know kekeke. 

No, seriously, he's not here. 

The last people who walked the red carpet were the Yangs, themselves except for the most awaited person of the night, the reason of this party. Minho walked in with them, smiling and waving as the media regarded him as Yang Hyunsuk son not by blood but by heart. The one they also saw and predicted that will be the fiance of Dara as some blind items and news came out before about them being spotted hanging out together. 

As the time dragged, the venue was filled with people, drinks and food were served, stories were told and predictions were shared. The moment the light went off, a melody from the piano was played. The spotlight was focused on the stage where Dara was seen playing the piano. Everyone was in awe at her beauty, wearing a flowy gown. She was more than what they expected. Her beauty outshone everyone's. Except mine. 

The moment she was finish playing the piano and killing me, her family stood up and went next to her. Sanghyun offered his hand to help her stand up. Taking it, she stood with them and everyone stood applauding. 

"Leadies and gentlemen. I am thankful for the time you have given to us to celebrate the return of my daughter whom we thought died. I want you all to meet, our princess, my beloved daughter, Yang Sandara," Hyunsuk announced as they all offered another round of applause. 

"Not only that but you are also invited here to celebrate with us her engagement to the man she loved. I am proud to introduce to you, the man that will be part of my daughter's life for eternity..." Dara held her breath, bit her tears off. Minho smiled and prepared himself to stand up while Bigbang took their gaze away, fists on tight clenched. If only they can stop this. Beast were on their playful mode. 

"Please welcome my daughter's fiance, the man she will be marrying..." the spot light focused at the door as it slowly opened. "Kwon Jiyong!" He announced as everyone looked at the man standing behind the doors wearing white tuxedo with black linings. He has his head a bit lowered and was holding a rose in front of his smiling lips and perfect nose. 

Oh. My. Gosh! KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! MIGHTY G AND GODDESS D FOREVER! KYAAAAAAAH!

Okay. Me. Needs. To. Breathe. 

Shock filled everyone and Dara burst into tears. She quickly went down the stage, holding her gown she ran her way to him and Jiyong met her halfway. They held each other on a tight embrace until Jiyong broke it. He gently cupped her face and captured her longing, waiting lips for a sweet kiss. 

Everyone clapped their hands as Bigbang roared in happiness. They were all jumping at the sweet revelation. Dara pulled Jiyong on another hug. "I'm sorry it took so long, jagiya." He whispered the moment their hug broke. He gently wiped her tears with his thumbs. "And damn it did!" Dara hissed. She cried and she laughed. And everything just felt so right and in place.

"That's right, everyone. We want you to celebrate with us not just our daughter's return, not just her engagement but the reconcilation of our family with the Kwons," Hyunsuk smiled as Jiyong's parents walked inside the venue. They give Dara tight hugs each. 

Minho stood up in disbelief. He casted a questioning look at Hyunsuk but he returned it with a grim one. He didn't expect the tables to turn around like this. He didn't see this coming, someone clearly sabotaged his plan that took all his life. His eyes landed on the man standing next to him. Without a word he grabbed his collar. "It's you, isn't it, Hyunseung?" He snarled. Hyunseung calmly removed his hand from him. "It is me." He firmly confirmed even though he knew he was signing his very own death agreement. 

"You will regret this," he pushed him away. Maybe he will and that's why he hated attachments. Hyunseung shook his head, "I am too young to regret," he smiled as the latter marched away. Hyunseung grabbed one champagne glass from the passing waiter. He took one sip, watching his disappearing back as Minho seeked exit. His eyes averted to Dara and Jiyong. He will be back, he knew. There was no way that Minho will accept his defeat that easy. 

Not when he waited for this all his life.

•••

He stepped out of the car after listening to the nonsense that his father's wife was telling him. She told him to behave, to always smile and to never bring shame to his name. In reality, he didn't really wanted to go back to Korea, he was perfectly contented living in England where he was living with his mother or to be more exact where they were exiled. They were hidden from the eyes of the high society. His mother was his father's secretary, cliche, he knew. His story was pretty much overatted. Her mother had an affair with his father and in return he was the result. 

It was not that he hated their situation, there was nothing to hate when he was well supported and extremely loved by her mother though his father lacked that love for him, he was supporting him  financial. Everything was okay only fate screwed them when her mother died of an accident and he was then left in the care of one of his father's trusted servant who gave him a hell of tutoring regarding etiquette and how to be a son of a rich bastard one oh one. 

The changes didn't stop there because they soon found out that his father's wife can't bear any child and thus they came to get him and groomed him as the only heir of the Jang Empire. There wasn't really a choice, he willing took their offer, followed their orders and became the perfect son that they can be proud of because he wanted to fulfil his mother's dying wish. A wish telling him to serve his father with his whole heart. He was serving him but his heart had no longer function when she was taken away from him.

"Be a good boy, Hyunseung." His father's wife waved at him from their car. He turned to look at her with a smile, waving back to her. "Take care, omma!" Just as how her smiles were sweet lies so was his. In the years that he lived with them  he learned how to lie perfectly. Despite the smiling facade, he knew how much she hated him but he knew as well that she has the right to. What was he anyways? He was a living mistake of his husband with another woman. A living reminder how his husband once shared bed with another. 

Turning around, he jogged his way to the school building where he was practically greeting everyone until he bumped into another student. He was thrown on the floor because of the impact. "I'm sorry, are you okay?" He looked at the one who was offering his hand for him to take and that was the first time he met him. He met Lee Minho. 

The party continued with people filling the dance floor. Hyunseung excused himself as he chose to cool his head at the balcony with a glass of his nth champagne. Heaving a sigh he took one small sip on the glass, eyes tracing the night city of Seoul. 

"Thank you," someone said, standing next to him. He looked at her before chuckling. 

"Don't thank me, I might change my mind," he chuckled before turning and leaning his back against the railing. "I'm sorry that your mom and dad can't come today... they're still at the hospital..." his voice grew weaker as he talked. 

Dara nodded, her hands tightened around her glass, "I understand... thank you," Hyunseung gave her a tight nod. "But why, Hyunseung?" She looked at him. Hyunseung returned her gaze only to end up with a shrug. 

"Did you know that my mom and dad told me that they kept my name, they gave me the kind of life that they can't afford themselves because they owe me that much. I asked them why? Because they don't have to do it. They just told me that they love me." Dara drank her champagne. "I am never the good person. I have an awful personality and I am selfish but my friends, my family, Jiyong and you..." 

"You are one arrogant girl," he laughed, cutting her off. "Maybe those idiots saw something in you... I told you to keep it simple. They love you, that's it." Dara smiled at him genuinely before pulling him on a tight embraced which surprised him. Gently, he wrapped his arms around her. Maybe if he met her first, he could have fallen in love with her. 

She was easy to love because despite the thrash coming from , her awful attitude and all her flaws, she was pure. She loved without restrains, without hesitations. She has a beauty that only her can have. 

"Surprisingly, you say something awesome!" Dara laughed and the latter joined him as they parted from their embrace. 
"He will be back." He suddenly blurted in serious tone because Hyunseung just needed to spoil the atmosphere. Red haired mofo. 

"Are you afraid?" Dara glanced at him. Hyunseung laughed, "I am too young to be afraid," he grinned. Sometimes, though she doesn't want to admit, Hyunseung was just full of crazy . 

"To your crazy s." Dara proposed a toss which he accepted with a smile. 
"To my crazy s." He bumped his glass gently against hers. He looked back to the night city of Seoul as Dara squeezed his shoulder before returning back inside. The moment he was left alone with the cold gentle breeze and a glass almost empty, memories came to him, reminding him of the betrayal he did. 

Though he knew he did the right thing, he saved his friends, he knew no matter how good his reason was, it was a betrayal. He betrayed Minho. He betrayed the person who freed him from all his lies.

"I'm sorry," he allowed the wind to carry his apology to him even though he knew he will never forgive him. 

"Minho," he called the moment the latter arrived with a glass of scotch with ice. Minho took a sip from his glass without wincing at the burning trail of the liquor. "What brings you here, Hyunseung?" He turned to him. Hyunseung smiled before playfully snatching his glass from him. He took a sip which he immediately regretted. 

"Bah! Yuck, I didn't know this is too awful for words." He gave the glass back to him with a disgusted expression. Minho sighed, too used of him, he took another sip from his glass. "What brought you here?" Hyunseung's playfulness went straight to the drain. 

"Minho..." he sighed. "We need to stop." He looked straight to his eyes. The latter didn't answer for a moment then he finished his hard liquor in one gulp.

"You can't just tell me to stop, Hyunseung. If you wanted yo stop then stop but me, there's nothing that will make me stop." Minho placed the glass to the bar. 
"But Minho, isn't it enough? For all your life you have wasted your energy hating everyone for what happened eleven years ago! It's about time to let it go." He wondered what made him say that. He knew more than anyone else what he wanted, why he was doing it and that no one can stop him yet he was there trying. Trying because what? Because he grew attached to the heiress of Yang? He finally woke up knowing what's right and wrong? Or was he tired? He doesn't really know. He wasn't sure himself. 

"How do you let go of the only thing that was keeping you alive. If you had enough then get out, Hyunseung, I don't need you." He turned away. 
Hyunseung's fists clenched tightly. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired right now that I suddenly blabbed some nonsense." He chuckled. What right does he have to get tired? Minho can tell him all that he was feeling, he was and had gone through but he knew he will never understand them and he will never feel the pain he was feeling himself. 
"Then you should have gone home and sleep. I still got things to do." With that he walked back inside his office. 

They planned everything together. He was in that plan ever since so why do he wanted to stop all of a sudden? 

•••

Dara was leaning on Jiyong's newly bought car with a bottle of beer on her hand, eyes looking at the sea smashing against the wall. The party was over but there she was in her white gown with Jiyong standing in front of her, hand on the roof of his car still clad on his white tuxedo. Her eyes went to meet his. "We looked like we jus got married," she snorted a laugh which made the latter join her. 

Jiyong took a sip from his own bottle before getting Dara's bottle placing it on the ground with his. "I'm not dreaming, right?" No, unnie, you're dreaming. This is just a big dream because Jiyong oppa is mine and mi—

Jiyong wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close to him until their bodies pressed. Dara leaned his head against his shoulder, wrapping his body in her arms. The moment he heard his hammering heart, she knew he was really there with him. "No. You're not. I'm not." But I am. Kidding. Really you two, you're together for pete's sake! Stop the drama and kiss. Don't glare at me Goddess D because I am so done being punched and almost killed by you! You need to know your place because I can instantly make Minho appear right now and have you both ruin forever! Bwahahahaha!! 

Ah... hehehe... I'm kidding. Oh, come on! Everyone knew I am kidding, right? Right? I am just having a monologue here. I am going to shut up now. Sorry, Goddess D. 

Jiyong pulled himself away from her, reaching for her face he gently cupped it with his hands. Leaning down he pressed his lips against hers as their eyes fluttered close. Carefully their lips moved, savoring each other, the warmth that almost made them crazy of longing. Their kisses intensified, burned with wild longing and deeper passion. Dara clung to him desperately while he pushed her more against his car. 

The moment they parted for air, filled their begging lungs, their eyes met. Jiyong's lips spread into a smile. Soon, he showered kisses to her. In her nose, forehead, temple, corner of her lips, corner of her eyes and even her neck. "I missed you, jagiya." He whispered before capturing her lips for another kiss. Geez, get a room you two. Can't you see I am right here, hurting. I mean, enjoying the sea with two half full or half empty, yeah whatever, I mean your bottles of beer that you abandoned. 

*Sounds of ultra hot kissing intensifying* *Me clasping my hands on my ears* *Someone * *Me jumping to sea to kill self* 

So they really didn't pay attention to me, I mean, they both gasped for air, pulling away. Finally! Dara gripped Jiyong's coat, their forehead pressed against each other. "I'm afraid." Dara said, looking up on him. Wow, this could be the first time that she admitted her fears or not. I forgot it already this has been long and had been long updated. Anyways, back to them before you all have an 'I agree' brigade. 

"I won't let him hurt you or any of the people we love." There was grim and threat mixing in his voice. Dara just looked at him for second before nodding. "We won't go down without a fight." He smiled making her mirror the smile. "And together we will never lose a fight." Awww, come on! Why so perfect, oppa? 

Dara pulled him in another embrace. "Thank you so much, Jiyong." The sincerity in her voice was evident. She pulled away, taming her hair, putting it behind her ears. 

"But before that, we have another battle to face." Jiyong said with a serious tone. Dara looked at him questioningly. To be honest, she was done with fighting, hurting and being seperated. Why can't they just have their happy ending? "A battle we need to fight in bed." He added. Dara's face changed from shock to irritated as she hit him on his chest and he burst in laughter. 

"ert!" She snarled, angrily. How dare he!? And he really got some guts to say it while acting serious. 

"Come on, babe! It has been weeks since we last— aww! Aww!" Dara continuously hit him before pushing him away. She grabbed the skirt of her gown and walked away from him. That's it, she had enough of him, she's leaving. "Jagiya!" He called her. Dara removed her heels and threw it to him. 

"Stay away from me! ert!" She yelled. Why so demure all of a sudden? I mean, yeah that's right! You should not let oppa fall deeper to the call of the flesh, unnie! That's right, that's right.  

"But I'm just kidding!" He jogged to her and hugged her. Well, oppa, if the goddess is depriving you just remember my body is ready. I mean, help me! Help me! 

"Argh! You're so argh!" Dara tried to pushed him away but he remained there hugging him. 
"Don't be mad. I just really miss you. And it's not my fault if I desire you this much." Jiyong pouted. And yes, Mighty  G is pouting! How come you're still not melting, Goddess D?
"." Dara rolled her eyes. 
"I love you." Jiyong seriously said. Dara just looked at him with an impasse expression. I love you too, oppa. I mean, I love you too said Goddess D. She's just shy you know. 

Ahmm... help? 

"I love you too, Jiyong." She kissed him lightly on his lips. "Though it's cheesy and yucky." She added with grimace. That made him laugh. 

And I am still alive after a fishing vessel found me in the sea after three days of indefinite floating. Thank you, unnie.  

★ ★ ★

Author's note
we're almost done. Stay with me? :3