Stolen Love | Seongjoong

~Chapter Eleven~

Hongjoong walked into the bar, tugging on the cuffs of his sleeves nervously. Mingi popped out from behind the counter, serving a customer a glass of wine before noticing the red haired boy waiting by the door. "Hongjoong, you're here!" Mingi exclaimed as he ran over to his friend.

"You're early but that's fine." Mingi said, his smile never leaving his lips. Mingi took Hongjoong behind the bar and down a hallway. They stopped in front of a room at the end. Mingi knocked on the door, receiving a soft 'come in' shortly after. They walked into the room and inside was a man, average height and looked pretty young. He was looking through some papers over at the filing cabinet in the corner of the room. He looked up at the sounds of Mingi and Hongjoong entering, a big smile on his face. He put the papers down and walked over to Hongjoong. "Ah, Hongjoong. Hello!" He smiled.

Hongjoong shook the man's hand with a big bow, replying with a simple hello. "I'm so happy you'll be joining us. My name is Choi Yongdo. Mingi will train you and hopefully soon, after all the paperwork is done, you'll have your first shift. And don't worry, you'll be paid for all the training you do as well. Welcome to the team!" the man- Mr Choi- explained. Hongjoong nodded in understanding. After signing a few documents and filling out some paperwork, Hongjoong tossed an apron around his waist and joined Mingi behind the counter.

It wasn't as hard as he thought. At first. Mingi showed him around, explaining which glasses go with each drink and how to make some of the cocktails. It was interesting to say the least. His training went swiftly, he was incredibly good at serving customers and talking to them. He looked like a professional.

Soon, Hongjoong was done with his training and gathered his things before taking a cab home with Mingi. When they pulled up to the mansion, Mingi stared in awe at the huge building in front of them. He knew it wasn't Hongjoong's but he felt proud somehow. Maybe it was just because his best friend lives in such a building. They walked up the few marble steps that led up to the front door but before they could walk in, Hongjoong stopped and turned around.

"Look. Before we go in, if he's home... just stay out of the way. He's... a lot to handle. And he has a lot of work to do." Hongjoong said. Mingi just rolled his eyes before walking up the remaining steps and opening the door. "Relax hyung, I won't bother your boyfriend." he smiled as he walked in, Hongjoong following behind who was left in a flustered mess.

Flabbergasted and red faced, Hongjoong shut the door behind them and began to take off his shoes. "He's not my boyfriend. He's engaged, remember..." Hongjoong mumbled.

"Oh right." was all Mingi said as he began to look around the grand foyer of the manor. "Holy shit this place is huge."

Hongjoong shook his head with a light chuckle before leading Mingi to his room. Once they dropped off their books and Hongjoong changed into something more comfortable, he guided Mingi downstairs into the open living room. "We can probably study in the kitchen. I don't think he's home."

"Sounds good." Mingi replied with a thumbs up before following Hongjoong into the kitchen and placing his books and laptop on the island bench, taking a seat on the stools. "I still can't get over the fact that you live here."

"Don't worry, it won't be for long. Now that I'm working again, I'll save up as much as I can so I can get my own place. I'm grateful to the CEO for letting me stay here and paying my tuition but I'm just a nuisance. I don't even know why he chose me." Hongjoong looked down at his lap, playing with the hem of his shirt with his fingers nervously. He looked up when he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. He saw Mingi looking down at him with a soft smile. "It's okay hyung." he said before bringing Mingi in for a hug.

That was when the sound of the front door slamming shut could be heard echoing throughout the mansion. Rowoon walked into the open living room and kitchen space at the sound, smiling at the male that just entered. "How was the meeting?" he asked but instead of a response from the other, Seonghwa just stormed past, an angry scowl on his face. He noticed the two boys sitting at the kitchen, workbooks open and pens in hand. Seonghwa met Hongjoong's eyes. He wore an expression of worry and concern. "Are you okay Seonghwa?" Rowoon pried, following him into the kitchen. Seonghwa scowled as he whipped his head back around and stormed off the stairs, "I'm fine, hyung." he said shortly.

Mingi looked at Hongjoong. "What was that?" he whispered, still aware of the butler's presence. Hongjoong only shrugged in response before turning back to his notes.

It was getting late and Hongjoong felt himself yawn as he wrote down the last of the information in his book. Who knew finance and economics could be so boring. Mingi chuckled as he began packing his bag. As Hongjoong stood from his seat, loud footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. Seonghwa grumbled in, an empty bottle of whiskey in hand. Hongjoong and Mingi watched as he walked into the kitchen and wobbly reached for a full bottle of vodka. Hongjoong immediately dropped his things back onto the table and ran to Seonghwa, catching him before he could topple over and grabbed the bottles of alcohol out of his hands. "What do you think you're doing?"

Seonghwa pushed Hongjoong away and reached for the bottle, his eyebrows in a knot and his teeth bared. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Hongjoong pried, keeping the bottles out of Seonghwa's reach.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Seonghwa retorted, grabbing Hongjoong's wrist and pulling him close. Hongjoong shook in fear as his and Seonghwa's faces were mere inches apart. "Never speak to me again and get the hell out of this house." Seonghwa gritted.

Hongjoong was fueled by anger as he shoved Seonghwa and grabbed Mingi's wrist, pulling him out the house. He looked back at Seonghwa who had taken refuge with the bottle of vodka. "What the hell was that?" Mingi asked, worry lining his features.

"He's just drunk, don't worry about it." Hongjoong reassured and waved Mingi off as his taxi arrived. When he walked back into the house, he saw Seonghwa lounging on the couch with the bottle still in his hands.

"Why do you hate me so much?"

"Because you're just getting in the way."

"So I am just a bother to you."

"Don't you dare start acting like the victim here. I'm the one getting married next month and having my whole life thrown away. I'm about to lose my best friend and someone even more special." By now, Seonghwa was yelling. He was yelling at Hongjoong and he could see the tears welling up in his eyes.

"Fine then. You want me gone... I'll go."

By now Seonghwa realised his mistake. He realised who he was yelling to and immediately tried calming down. "No- Hongjoong-" But it was too late, Hongjoong stormed up into his room, collapsing on his bed. Tears. He shed tears. He didn't know why. Why was he so worked up over what Seonghwa thought? Why did Seonghwa saying he was a bother, hurt him so badly? The next thing he knew, he picked up his phone, which was tossed onto the blankets, and dialled a number. "Mingi? Can I... Can I come over?" 

Whoop whoop another chapter!! I'm getting back into the flow of writing this book. It is my most prioritised book at the moment, I just want to finish it and get it done and out of the way. For those of you still waiting on Rockstars | Woosan, I am so sorry it's taking this long, it's been like months since the last chapter and I promise I'm working on it. And checkmate 2: The Last Dance | Seongjoong is sort of in progress still along with Love Spell | Seongjoong. I also have an old book I started writing with a friend thats published under a different account and I might start working on that again after this one is over and publish it here.