Sweet tooth-Woosan

Part 18

Chapter 18

It was the day of the ball, and the mansion was buzzing with activity. Everyone was busy with their assigned tasks, making sure nothing was out of place. Hobi stood at the top of the grand staircase, scanning the venue to ensure everything was perfect. He wanted this night to be flawless for Wooyoung, who he considered a brother. Hobi hated seeing Wooyoung so distant and unhappy. He couldn't give him back his childhood, but he could at least try to make tonight better.

"Sir, everything is ready. The servants and cooks are prepped. As soon as you say so, they'll have everything served hot and fresh," one of the event planners reported.

"Thank you," Hobi replied with a smile before heading to check on Wooyoung. He had a feeling tonight was going to be monumental. After all, he had invited someone who might just catch Wooyoung's attention. A sly smile crept across his face. Everything had been meticulously planned.

Wooyoung was in his room getting dressed when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," he called.

"Are you ready? I'm going to tell the drivers to pull up front," Hobi said, entering with a grin.

"Yes, let's go," Wooyoung replied, grabbing his mask and heading downstairs with Hobi.

"Wait, I have something for you." Hobi pulled out a medium-sized black box and handed it to Wooyoung.

"Happy Birthday, Woo," Hobi said with a warm smile.

Wooyoung's lips curled into a rare smile of his own. "Thank you so much, hyung."

Inside the box was a simple yet elegant gold bracelet with a lotus flower in the center. Wooyoung quickly slipped it on and held up his wrist. Hobi gave him a thumbs-up.

The Masquerade Ball had begun. Powerful businessmen and women from around the world filed into the mansion, eager to make connections. Paparazzi lined the gates, hoping for a glimpse of the rich and famous. The security was tight, however, and the photographers were quickly ushered away from the private event.

As Hobi and Wooyoung arrived, the guests began to filter in. Among them were the CEO of XXX House of Publishing and his secretary, a few big names from the business world, and others from various industries, all eager to see the next heir of one of the biggest trading businesses in the world—Wooyoung himself. The pressure on him was immense, but he refused to give his competitors the satisfaction of seeing him weak.

Wooyoung engaged in some small talk with a man he recognized as the son of the XXX Law Firm. But then, out of the corner of his eye, something—or rather, someone—caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat. The memories flooded in, suffocating him. He wasn't ready for this. Not tonight. Not now.

"Are you okay, Mr. Jung?" the man beside him asked.

"Sorry, but I must excuse myself," Wooyoung said, forcing a smile. "It was nice talking to you." He shook the man's hand before quickly walking toward the bar.

Hobi noticed Wooyoung had disappeared and began to grow worried. But just as he was about to go looking for him, one of the guests approached him—Mr. Choi.

Excusing himself, Hobi made his way over.

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Choi," Hobi said with a respectful bow. It had been a long time since he had used formal Korean greetings.

"Oh please, the honor is mine," Mr. Choi chuckled. "These are my sons, San and Jeong-In."

San and Jeong-In bowed to each other politely.