BOOK 1: The Heir Series; Choi Seungcheol

21: TRADITION

"What do you think?" Jeonghan asked Taerin when he saw her not in focus with him but on her surroundings.

"Better than what I've seen in papers and TV." Taerin answered. It was her first time entering the famous Ville. She only saw the place on papers and TVs before.

Yet now, she's there, inside the very place, dancing with one of the place's heirs.

Well, not just once, but twelve times. She already danced with the rest of the younger brothers. Wonwoo and her were even in an awkward situation then since from his looks, it seems like they just force him to dance with her. Good thing that Soonyoung came fast after.

"You know, I heard a lot of things about you," Jeonghan said while twirling her around.

That's a shocker. She didn't know that Jeonghan is the kind of guy who likes to hear gossip around him. Her lips started to form a smile. "I'm sure they're all interesting."

Jeonghan shrugged. "Well, to be honest, I expected to meet the Ice Queen today. I'm quite disappointed."

Now her brow rose up. He's so blunt for a guy.

"I had a case of a silly little crush on you way back in high school. I don't know but I find smart girls sexy."

Taerin's mouth hangs wide open in surprise. What the-? Was he flirting with her on her wedding day?

"It's a shame. I almost courted you but one of my dear brothers likes you more than I do."

Taerin felt like everything around her tightened when Jeonghan told her that. She suddenly felt the havoc inside her. She can't meet his gaze, and she knew her face must've looked like a tomato. If only she can stop the dance and run away. But she could not when she knew Seungcheol was watching her not far. She can feel it.

She didn't expect to hear those words, especially from Seungcheol's own brother. He's so straightforward. It was her first time talking with him, even if she knew him before, they never talked personally. She can only see him when they attend seminars and quiz bowls together, her for their grade and him for their own. Yet it only stayed there, them, being schoolmates.

Then she heard him laugh. "Relax. I have had many crushes before so there's no harm done. That's why I let Seungcheol have you. Since he only falls in love once in a blue moon." He said smiling.

She started to relax in his hold. Relief showered over her when he heard him laugh. Choi brothers are so different. She can't really decipher each of their characters. Seungcheol, Jun, Jisoo, and Jihoon were the serious kinds them being the older ones, Seokmin, Soonyoung, Mingyu and the rest of the younger ones were playful and very charming, Wonwoo was the misunderstood one, and then Jeonghan was being incomprehensible.

"Oops! Here comes the predator."

Taerin didn't even have the time to ask for someone when strong arms pulled her away, making Jeonghan's grip on her loosen.

"I think you deserve a break, Han." Seungcheol eyed his brother sharply.

Yet Taerin can't see any fear in Jeonghan. Rather than taking defense, he just laughed at his older brother.

"Still feel threatened, huh?" Jeonghan said as he laid a hand on Seungcheol's shoulder, smiling amusingly. "Well, no need, Cheol. She's all yours now." He even winked at her before walking away.

She can hear faint giggles from their guests when they see that Seungcheol and she are up for dancing. Camera flashed and some are even teasing them.

Taerin wished she could hide at that moment.