Supreme Freedom

SF9 - The Calm Before the Storm

Evening came and Sanghyuk called everyone out to the backyard. As they gathered, the guards let Sanghyuk know that the SK Leaders had arrived. Sanghyuk grew more excited and walked over to the back door to be the first to greet them.

Sanghyuk: "Hyung, have you been well?"

Huta looked at him and smirked as he motioned for everyone else to join the others.

Huta: "Your kids surprised me. You must be leading them well."

Sanghyuk seemed oblivious to his condescending tone and instead smiled widely as he bowed.

Sanghyuk: "Thank you Hyung. I won't disappoint you."

Huta rolled his eyes and walked away to join the rest by the pool. Sanghyuk was about to make an announcement when suddenly another guard approached him. Before Sanghyuk could react, the door opened and everyone stood there surprised.

Gikwang: "What? Are we not welcome?"

Sanghyuk almost choked on his saliva trying to answer.

Sanghyuk: "Oh! Yes! Of course you all are welcome! Please come sit."

He motioned for them to enter and gave a few glares to the others to move out of the way.

Sanghyuk: "I'm just surprised - you guys have never come to our mansion."

Gikwang laughed and shook his head.

Gikwang: "Well, this is a special occasion isn't it?"

Somin: "We brought more drinks and a cake."

Sanghyuk: "Ah, you really shouldn't have gone through the trouble."

Sanghyuk called for the guards to take the bags of alcohol and liquor as well as the cake Irene was holding. The staff brought out the first round of snacks and drinks while they prepared the meal.

TOP: "We could have just eaten barbeque, why are you going out of your way?"

Sanghyuk: "I mean, how could I give you all something so simple?"

Jessi: "Can you even afford this?"

Sanghyuk was visibly hurt by her comment but he tried to brush it off as best he could. He laughed nervously and waved his hand in response.

Sanghyuk: "Of course, there's no need to worry about that."

Gikwang noticed however and called him aside. Sanghyuk excused himself and followed him.

Gikwang: "Is something going on?"

Sanghyuk was trying to avoid the question but soon Jongwoon approached and asked him to be honest.

Sanghyuk: "Well, I - I'm not sure what's going on but the money we collect is decreasing."

Jongwoon: "Do you think Seok-"

Sanghyuk looked up and shook his head.

Sanghyuk: "No, I trust him. I don't think he's taking more than what we had agreed to. He only takes what's his from the local school. It's just with the redevelopment area... These people are barely making ends meet which means we are too. But I've tasked Inseong and Jaeyoon to start expanding our territory. We'll be able to get back on track."

Jongwoon looked at him and sighed. He looked around casually and then took something out of his pocket and handed it to Sanghyuk.

Jongwoon: "Don't make a fuss and just take this."

As soon as Sanghyuk took the envelope, Jongwoon left to join the others. Gikwang smiled to himself and patted Sanghyuk's shoulder. Sanghyuk nodded as they turned to join the others. The majority enjoyed the rest of the celebration, eating and joking around with each other. Taeyang and Taecyeon excluded themselves from the crowd and each other. Somin had approached Taeyang with a drink which he politely declined and returned inside. The others ended up leaving around 2 AM mostly tipsy. Sanghyuk was completely drunk and Zuho helped carry him back to his room. The others headed inside too but after putting Inseong in bed, Jaeyoon went back outside to help the staff clean up. They tried to stop him but he insisted. Suddenly Youngbin appeared and helped them too. Jaeyoon smiled at him and once they were finished, Jaeyoon offered to make him a cup of tea. They sat at the table drinking their tea in silence at first.