--

“Master Kim.”

Mr. Kim took a glance at his butler.

“You have guests.”

Mr. Kim lowered his newspaper.

“Guests?”

“Yes Master. They are waiting outside.”

“I don’t remember having an appiontment today.”

“They said it's very important, Sir.”

Mr. Kim sighed.

“Very well. Bring them in.”

The butler bowed. He step out from the room and went downstairs. The two young man stand up when they saw the butler.

“How is it Mr. Kang?”

Mr. Kang smile softly and nodded.

“You should go upstairs and met him on his reading room. Still remember the place? Or should I go with you Young Master?”

Taeng shake his head.

“No it’s okay Mr. Kang. You help me enough already. And I already told you to not calling me ‘Young Master’ didn’t I?”

Mr. Kang smile.

“I know. I just teasing you, Taeng.”

Taeng grinned and give Mr. Kang a hug.

“Missed you Sir.”

Mr. Kang patted Taeng’s back.

“I missed you too, Taeng.”

Taeng let go from the hug.

“By the way Mr. Kang, still remember him?”

Stephan smile awkwardly. Mr. Kang’s smile and pulled Stephan to him.

“Of course I remember him. The one and only Stephan Hwang aren’t you?”

Stephan smile and bowed.

“Nice to see you again Mr. Kang.”

“It’s really nice to see you too, Steph. Go on. Mr. Kim is already waiting for you boys.”

“Ok. Don’t tell mom I stop by. She wouldn’t let me go if she knows I’m here.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll zip my mouth for you.”

Taeng winked.

“You’re the best.”

With that, Taeng and Stephan go to Mr. Kim’s reading room. They finally arrived at the biggest room, yet private room that belongs to Mr. Kim. Taeng turn his head toward Stephan, who looked at him hesitantly.

“You ready?”

Stephan nodded.

“You ready Kim?”

“Y-Yeah. Here we go…”

Knock… Knock…

“Come in.”

Taeng gulped, so does Stephan. Taeng opened the door slowly and finally revealed the one and only, his very own father, Mr. Kim. Taeng and Stephan stepped inside and close the door. Hearing that, Mr. Kim lowered his newspaper and saw two young man stand in front of him.

“Well… Look whose back.”

“…. Good day Mr. Kim.”

Stephan bowed while Taeng just stare at his father.

“Where’s your manner Taeng?”

Taeng scoffed.

“Nice to meet you again, Dad.”

Mr. Kim smirked and let the boys sit in front of him.

“What do you need?”

“We need to know something.”

Mr. Kim stares at the two.

“…What is it?”

--

Stephan closed the door quietly. He sighed and went downstairs to meet Mr. Kang. He went to the kitchen and saw Mr. Kang washing the dishes.

“Hey Mr. Kang.”

Mr. Kang turn his head and stop washing the dishes.

“Hey there Steph. Where’s Taeng?”

“Upstairs with Mr. Kim. Father-son time he said.”

Mr. Kang cringed.

“Oof… Sounds scary… and awkward, don’t you think?”

Stephan smirked and nodded.

“You bet.”

“Want some ice tea while waiting them?”

“Sure. More sugar for me thank you.”

Mr. Kang smile.

“Alright pretty boy.”

Stephan pulls out the chair on the island and sit. He stares at Mr. Kang’s back.

“Hey Mr. Kang?”

“Hm?”

“I was wondering…”

Stephan hesitated. Mr. Kang chuckled.

“Feel free if you want to ask something.”

“Okay... So… Did you know why Taeng and Mr. Kim are not… You know, in a good term with each other?”

Mr. Kang sighed and brought the tea that he made and give it to Stephan.

“Well, I guess it was when he and My Lady, Taeng’s mother, get married.”

“What? Why?”

Mr. Kang sipped the tea.

“Actually, they were not in love with each other. From what I’ve heard, they actually love someone else.”

“What?? Really? So they were… Forced to married each other?”

Mr. Kang shakes his head and laugh.

“No, not like that. Master Kim’s father and My Lady’s father was a best friend. So they have this kind of agreement to marrying their first born.”

“And it was Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim?”

Mr. Kang nodded.

“But… I thought they were happy?”

Mr. Kang smile sadly and shakes his head.

“Unfortunately, it was an act. They was best friend before the agreement announced. So I guess they only act like a happy married couple in front of  their families, business partners, and of course, Taeng’s friends.”

Stephan hummed and sipped his tea.

“But… If they didn’t love each other, how could they have… You know, Taeng?”

Stephan speaks quietly. Mr. Kang sighed and put his tea on the island.

“This is the secret that I, the only one who knows it, other than Master Kim and My Lady themselves. I want you to keep this as a secret, between you and me. Am I clear?”

Stephan nodded. Mr. Kang sighed and looked around.

“Very well. Taeng, is not their son.”

Stephan froze.

“I told you before that Master Kim and My Lady were not in love with each other right? They already have their very own loved ones. Master Kim was actually in love and engaged with Lady Im. But, she was forced to married Master Kwon. And My Lady herself was actually in a relationship with…”

“Wait. Did you say Mr. Kwon?”

Mr. Kang nodded.

“Yeah. He was actually present on Taeng’s wedding with his daughter. What was her name again…”

“… Yuri…”

“Yes! You’re right! Ms. Kwon Yuri. Did you know her?”

Stephan nodded.

“Y-Yeah. I kinda know her. She used to be Taeng’s classmates.”

“Really?”

Stephan nodded.

“Yeah. I remember Sooyeon talk about her when we’re in high school. What’s the matter?”

“Unbelievable…”

Mr. Kang sighed and massages his temple. Stephan looked at him.

“Something’s wrong?”

“Everything is wrong.”

“And why is that?”

Mr. Kang looks at Stephan with serious face.

“Because Taeng was supposed to be engaged with Kwon Yuri, Master Kwon’s daughter. That’s why Master Kim despised Taeng for marrying Ms. Jung.”

“Holy….”

That time, Stephan understands why curiosity killed.

--