Monster (ONEUS Seoho x Ravn/Seojo)

Week 3, Day 1

"Seo Ho!" I turn on my heels, a gigantic grin stretching back the corners of my lips as Keon Hee calls out my name. We both run into each other's arms as I rock us side to side, bursting with joy at seeing him again. When we stepped out of the hug, I noticed his cheeks seemed fuller than the last time I saw him which makes my heart full at the thought he's been eating better these past days.

Just before I could pull him into another hug, Father cleared his throat behind Keon Hee. We awkwardly stood side by side as I bowed to and greeted Father. He appeared to be the same with his beer belly and bushy mustache. I'm quite disappointed when I looked over his shoulder and didn't see Ji A. I was hoping she'd come with, but I knew better because she rejoiced in the fact that she isn't directly involved with the business. Besides, she wouldn't waste her time for a silly little stall. Sadly, I was right, but at least Keon Hee was here. Though he doesn't have anything to do with Father's business, he was to always accompany me as my personal servant, and I relished in it.

"Mister Lee, what a pleasure!" Mister Na Mil exclaimed as he cut through Keon Hee and I. He stretched a hand out to Father to which he reluctantly shook it.

"Let's get on with this," Father spat and Mister Na Mil cowered under him as he started to lead us to the stall. I found Keon Hee's hand and held onto it for dear life as we approached. He squeezed mine and gave me a reassuring smile.

The three of us stood outside as Father disappeared behind the tent, only to appear again at the table. I watched his face as he scrutinized every single thing, inside and out. I gripped Keon Hee's hand tighter every time the frown laced on Father's brows would furrow deeper. My stomach began to churn, but I forced myself to stand strong. Keon Hee's thumb softly stroking my hand reminded me that I was going to be okay as long as he was here.

After ten excruciating minutes, Father emerged from the tent. I straightened my back and rolled out my shoulders, preparing myself for the worst. He sighed as he retrieved his handkerchief from his jacket pocket and dabbed at the little beads of sweat that formed on his forehead. It could be zero degrees outside, however, Father's body will without fail find a way to perspire.

"Everything looks good," he finally spoke up and I let out a deep sigh of relief. His expression turned sour at this.

"Don't let that get to your head," he warned me. I loosened my shirt's collar as I uttered an 'of course'. He then pulled out his pocket watch and flipped it open.

"Keon Hee, you have until seven in the evening sharp, understood?" This confused me as I frowned and looked over at Keon Hee.

"Yes," he said and bowed to Father. Before I could begin to question what this was about, Father tipped his hat to Mister Na Mil and was off. Keon Hee then dragged me by the hand to a second carriage I noticed just now as he remarked smartly,

"You're stuck with me until seven, get with it Seo Ho."

I scoffed, pulling Keon Hee into a bone-crushing side hug as we slipped into the back seat of the carriage.

"I missed you too," he said, patting my back, and I could feel his smile against my cheek. When I let him go, I asked where we were going.

"The marketplace. The main chef wanted me to pick up some things for her, and I was thinking that afterwards, we could go to Yeo Na's Bakery like the old days," he informed me.

"Perfect," I said. Do Won cleared his throat from up front.

"Shall we go?"

"Do Won!" I exclaimed, putting on an extra sugary sweet smile for him. "How've you been? You look like you've gotten some time to yourself recently," I noted as his jacket's sleeves fit more snugly around his arms.