Chapter 16

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The next day, Baekhyun arrived at the doorstep of the Parks’ residence with his extravagantly wrapped gifts in hand. He rang the doorbell and smiled warmly at Miss Kim, who opened the gate for him. As she bowed to him in greeting, Baekhyun returned the polite gesture and handed the woman a gold gift bag. She stared at him in surprise, and he smiled widely, “I brought this from Japan for you, Miss Kim. I hope you will like it.”

Shocked, the woman stuttered, “F-for me? Why?” Baekhyun softly took the woman’s hand and placed the bag in hers, “Thank you for your help that day at the party and when Hana’s parents were out of town. It meant a lot to me.”

Miss Kim shook her head fervently and attempted to hand the bag back to the boy, “It wasn’t anything at all, Mr. Baekhyun. Please, I’m only their maid, I don’t deserve such an extravagant gift.”

Baekhyun frowned and adamantly held onto the woman’s hand while genuinely saying, “Miss Kim, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met and you mean so much to Hana. Please, this is the least I could do. It would mean a lot to me if you could take this small gift.”

Just then, Hana stepped outside in a light blue pinafore and white crop top, waving the boy towards the door, “Baekhyun, you’re here! Come inside!” Baekhyun waved at the girl in reply, turning towards Miss Kim with a warm smile before heading inside the mansion. 

As he put on the navy blue slippers that the girl had handed him, he grinned, “You look beautiful, as always.” Hana blushed, “You always say that.” 

“Because it’s always true.” Baekhyun retorted, embracing the girl in a hug with his arms wrapped around her slender waist. On her tip-toes, Hana wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled, “And you look dashing, as always.” The boy winked at her, and she threw her head back in laughter.

Someone cleared their throat behind the pair, and the two quickly broke apart. Mr. Park was standing by the stairs with arms crossed. He raised an eyebrow at the two, and Hana awkwardly rubbed her arm. Baekhyun composed himself first and bowed, “Hello, Mr. Park. Thank you for inviting me to your home. It is an honor.”

“Hmm, do you express your gratitude by being that intimate with my daughter?” He narrowed his eyes, and Baekhyun turned a shade of pink. “Dad!” Hana muttered, avoiding eye contact with Baekhyun.

Baekhyun coughed into his fist before holding out a large box that was exquisitely wrapped, “I brought this for your family. It’s an array of the best wines I could find while overseas. I hope they are of your liking.” 

Finally, Mr. Park came towards the boy and took the gift. He weighed it in his hands before handing it over to Miss Kim. “Bring it to the kitchen. We’ll have some for dinner.” Mrs. Park came over, equally dressed up, and linked arms with her husband. She smiled at Baekhyun, “Welcome, Baekhyun. We’re glad you could join us tonight.”

Baekhyun plastered a polite smile on his face and bowed, “Good evening, Mrs. Park. It’s great to see you again.” Hana smiled at the boy, and he turned his head to return the favor to the girl. Mr. Park noticed their slight interaction and cleared his throat, “Let’s sit down, shall we?”

The four headed into the massive dining room. As soon as they sat down, the scrumptious meal was served. Baekhyun thanked every single person that tended to his meal, and Mr. Park observed his manners. The boy immediately took Hana’s plate and cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. Mr. Park took a bite of his meal, “Is it true that you lived in America alone?”

Baekhyun nodded, laying out a napkin across Hana’s lap as he did the same for himself, “I did. I studied there for about six years.” Mrs. Park approvingly nodded, and Hana beamed proudly at the boy.

“And your grades?”

Baekhyun’s ears reddened, “I’m currently second in the graduating class.”

“So Chanyeol wasn’t lying about that?” Mr. Park stared at the boy. Baekhyun shook his head, “No, he wasn’t. I heard he was putting on quite a show that night, so I apologize on his behalf. I had no idea that he was saying all those things.”

Mr. Park looked at him suspiciously, “So you didn’t plan that with him?” Hana sighed, “Dad, of course he wouldn’t.” He shot the girl a look, and she frowned while crossing her arms. Baekhyun comfortingly patted her thigh under the table as he wiped his mouth with his napkin, “I did not. But I understand your suspicion, sir.” 

Mrs. Park noted, “You speak very nicely, Baekhyun. I like your manners.” He smiled appreciatively and bowed his head, “Thank you, Mrs. Park.”

Mr. Park raised an eyebrow at his wife, “You said the same thing about Chanyeol.” She slapped his shoulder and put a finger to her lips.

“So you like Hana, do you?” Mr. Park suddenly asked, and Baekhyun choked on his food. Hana worriedly patted his back and handed him a glass of water, to which he gratefully took and gulped down quickly. “You can’t just ask things like that, dad!” Hana scolded, continuing to pat the boy’s back.

After he caught his breath again, Baekhyun nodded with red ears, “Yes, I do.” Hana flushed equally as red, and she rolled her eyes when her mother casted the