SEVENTEEN

“So, what time am I picking you up?” Kyungsoo asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Seorin’s eyes widened. “Huh, what?”

“The party tomorrow night…” His voice grew quieter. He knew going separately was probably a smarter idea, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to go with her. To make Seungsoo jealous, he told himself.

“We… We’re going together?” She asked nervously.

He shrugged. “If you want to,” he replied ambiguously.

Well obviously she wanted to. But that didn’t mean that it was a good idea. “Are you sure we should?” She asked cautiously. “I mean, we aren’t really even dating.” She wondered how long this charade would go on. She wondered when Sunyoung and Seungsoo were even going to get married.
She still didn’t fully believe that Kyungsoo was 100% over Sunyoung either. And that didn’t sit well with her. She had to admit though, she loved seeing the bitter look on Sunyoung’s face everytime she saw them together.

“Why not?” Kyungsoo replied casually.

“Um, let’s see…” She paused for dramatic effect. “Reporters, paparazzi, your father? … Important people that I might want to work for in the future? …They’re all going to be there!”

“We won’t be so forward with our relationship – I just don’t want Sunyoung and Seungsoo suspecting anything weird.”

She still wasn’t convinced. Walking into the ballroom together would immediately stir up conversation and gossip.
But then he placed his hand on her shoulder, getting her heart racing. “Don’t worry about it too much. I’ll have everything under control.”
For some reason – maybe it was his soothing voice – but he sounded believably reassuring.

“Do you have your speech and presentation ready?” Seorin asked, changing the topic.

Kyungsoo nodded. For once, he was being responsible and prepared – this was something very important, something he couldn’t screw up. He had been reciting and practicing for the past three days. He had always been a good speaker, so he knew he was more than ready.
“Thanks,” he mumbled shyly. He wasn’t that used to expressing his gratefulness out loud. But Seorin had gone beyond what had been expected and he was pretty sure he wouldn’t have been able to get this far without her. If his life changed, it would actually all be due to her.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Seungsoo appear from around the corner and he took the chance to kiss Seorin’s forehead gently.

Her eyes widened and she held her breath as her nose brushed against his chin. She was surprised at the sudden peck, but when she heard Seungsoo’ voice, she disappointingly realized the reason behind it.
 

“Ahem,” Seungsoo cleared his throat. “This is an office building – not a place for you to go on dates.” His eyes were narrowed at Kyungsoo, but softened when they landed upon Seorin.
“Seorin-sshi,” he called. “You are in charge of the Hades project, am I right?”

She nodded obediently.

“Ah, we are thinking of securing them as a bigger client starting next year as their stock seems to be on the constant uprise. Since you have been researching them this entire summer, I was wondering if you could perhaps fill me in on some things when you are free.”

“Oh, um, yes of course.”

Kyungsoo glared. What the hell does he think he's doing right now?

“You don’t mind if I borrow her for a little bit, do you?” Seungsoo asked, his lip curling into a small smile.

“You know very well that I mind very much,” Kyungsoo spat, not caring to hide his anger.

Seungsoo shrugged. “Well, it still can’t be helped. Sorry, my dear brother.”
He knew all of his effort was futile – not because Seorin was dating Kyungsoo – but because as heir, there was no way he would be able to be with Seorin even if she liked him back. Unless Sunyoung’s family went bankrupt, he was going to end up with her in the end. He had already gotten used to this idea years ago.

But it was almost like he was addicted to the excitement he felt around Seorin, like she was his high school crush or som