Chapter 3

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As soon as the couple stepped into the grand ballroom, all eyes turned to stare at the beautiful pair with the other five gorgeous males trailing behind them. Baekhyun nervously glanced around the many people questioningly staring at Hana’s arm looped through his, and he unconsciously tightened his hold around her. Hana felt his discomfort and turned to look at him, giving him a comforting smile and gently squeezing his arm with her free hand.

Baekhyun appreciatively smiled at her and opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a cautious, high-pitched female voice, “Hana, honey? Who is this?”

Hana turned her head and grinned at her mother, who had her arm around her father’s, “Mom, dad! Sorry I’m a little late. There was some traffic getting here.”

At her words, Baekhyun’s jaw dropped and he immediately dropped into a 90 degree bow, as the other boys followed his lead.

Kai murmured under his breath, “That didn’t sound too welcoming,” earning a jab in his abdomen from Suho.

Hana’s father warmly smiled at the five boys in the back, patting their shoulders, “Welcome, boys! Your parents are mingling around. I’m so glad you all could make it as well.”

Suho smiled amiably, “Thank you, sir. We are honored to have been invited.”

Hana’s mother warily stared at her arm looped around Baekhyun’s and looked him up and down, “And who are you, dear? I don’t think we've seen you around here before.”

Baekhyun cleared his throat before plastering on a polite smile, “Hello, my name is Byun Baekhyun. I transferred to SM Academy last year, so I don’t think we have met before. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Hana blinked at Baekhyun’s change in attitude and smiled in approval. Chanyeol noticed her expression and nudged Sehun, who snickered in response.

Hana’s father raised an eyebrow at her arm looped around Baekhyun’s, “Did you take him here as your date tonight? You know that doesn’t look too good on us, honey, considering that all my business partners are here."

Hana’s smile faltered, and she slightly shook her head, gently pulling away from Baekhyun’s arm, “No, father. I’m sorry.”

It got uncomfortably quiet as the boys stared at Hana, who was fidgeting in her spot and had her gaze casted downward. They had never seen her appear so fragile. Immediately, Hana’s mother coughed and all eyes turned to her. Her mother grabbed Hana’s hand and pulled her to the side, and the boys were left alone with Hana’s father.

Mr. Park gave them