ALL BARK NO BITE | SADISTIC BEAUTY SPINOFF

Chapter 70

~ Radisson Plaza Hotel, 23 Taepyeong-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Minho fiddled with his tie in the mirror of the elevator, straightening out his suit and fussing with his hair. "Aaaah" he groaned, looking down in anguish "I don't know whether to button my coat up or leave it open" he whined and Eunyeong laughed, glancing at him from where she was leaning against the clear side of the elevator, the sparkling capital city growing more visible as they rode up higher and higher to the banquet hall. Minho was already feeling out of place in the lobby where Eunyeong had confirmed the venue for Mr Wang's bash.

Eunyeong seemed to fit right in. She was dressed in the long, lowcut backless gown and high heels she has purchased when they had gone shopping together. Her auburn hair scooped to one side, lips and nails ruby red, she looked like she owned the place. "Come here" she sidled over to him, adjusting his tie with ease and looking in the mirror, a soft look on her face. Suddenly, she shook her head out of the daze, smiling "You look handsome" she looked away, abashedly and Minho smiled awkwardly "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she patted his lapels, sliding her hands down his chest and to his buttons, doing them "You can unbutton them later" she stepped back, admiring her handiwork and Minho took deep breaths, trying to gather his senses. The elevator door slid open and Eunyeong extended her arm with a flourish "After you" she laughed and Minho smacked her hand "You already know I'm nervous" he muttered and Eunyeong laughed more "That's why I'm trying to lighten you up, silly" she poked him and Minho play fought her on the way to the hall.

"Good evening, sir, ma'am, greetings from the Radisson" a server greeted them at the wide entrance, putting forward a circular tray of blood-red wines. Eunyeong took one, looking at Minho who raised his hands "I'm just going to... stay away from alcohol" he said sheepishly and Eunyeong tipped her flute at him "Very well, Mister". They left Mr Wang's present among an already overflowing pile in a corner, slowly making their way around the party. He was suddenly glad to have brought Eunyeong along. She seemed to know almost everyone.

Without her, he'd be walking alone around the mingling crowd. Hands waved at her, heads peeked out at her, people approached, talked about things he wasn't privy to or she didn't have time to explain enough to him. He was fine with that too. Anything was better than fiddling his thumbs alone. He was starting to loathe himself as they tried to make small talk with him, something he was terrible at, asking about stuff he wouldn't tell anyone, about his passions that he daren't tell anyone... except him. 

His eye saw many but searched for only one person in the hall filled with people. Wookyung... he wanted to talk to him, someone who knew him inside out so they could skip the small talk and just hold each other and not be awkward. Someone he didn't have to pretend with or be a certain way with. Someone who would see him in drool-stained crusty clothes he forgot to change and still see him as the best thing ever. He was already too much of a quiet homebody and such a gathering was throwing that fact in his face.

"Minho!" he heard a voice and quickly turned to look who was calling, seeing Hangyeol Wang standing with his father, waving him over. He excused himself from the chatty group Eunyeong was talking to, patting her on the shoulder to let her know "I've wished him already, you carry on" she rushed and Minho nodded, going over by himself. "Happy Birthday Mr Wang!" he gave him the biggest smile he could manage and Mr Wang spotted him approaching "Oh! son!" he engulfed him in a bear hug, patting his back "I am so happy you're here," he said.

"Of course, I am!" Minho warmed up too, Mr Wang's cheer was near contagious "It's your birthday, Sir. How could I miss it?" he shrugged and Mr Wang adjusted his glasses "If you had, I would've whooped you a solid" he waggled his finger at him and Minho laughed, genuinely "How are you?" he asked and Mr Wang pouted "Old, for starters" he answered and Hangyeol rolled his eyes from the side "Dad, come on" he scolded and Minho smiled at him, giving him a half hug too. "Okay okay, I am... feeling on top of the world! I feel accomplished, loved, at peace and very, very hungry" he patted his belly.