Lord Of Seoul (on hold)

chp 1

Taehyung descends the long curvy stairs of Jongpil manor at a snail's pace. His back straight, stance proud and jittery fingers tucked safely in his pockets. Can't let these vultures see him vulnerable now can he. He thanked his ancestors for ushering his father to throw a sophisticated masquerade party instead of his usual pretentious balls. Not like there is nothing pretentious about this party, but at least he has something to hide his bruised eye. Though, if asked, he could claim it to be an injury acquired in a brawl outside his club; but then that would simply be an invitation for unnecessary rumors. And he had a growing pile of those on his desk already. He did not need any more of those.

He walks confidently among the people he is supposed to consider his loyal followers and well-wishers, yet he is sure that one of them or maybe all of them would stab him in the back any moment without a second thought. The only reason he is safe, is his father. His father who cannot kill him because of his mother. Fortunately he is still in love with that woman even though he is married to someone else now. Taehyung has his doubts though. Maybe it's not because of his mother that he is alive. Maybe it's about the inheritance and the next leader of Kim clan. However, his step brother has shown great interest in taking on the role which is why he does not quite understand why he is still the crown prince. Kim Woobin is the perfect killer his father desired him to be. Yet, his father does not seem to consider Woobin to be their future leader.

Why? Why is Taehyung still wearing the heavy crown when no one in the gang sees him as one of them? Why is he sitting next to his father as an equal when no one respects him or even takes his orders into consideration? 

"Taehyung-ah." Taehyung snaps out of his thoughts at the sound of his mother's voice. She is here. He smiles. Why is she here? He frowns.

"Mother."

"Oh my sweet baby! How have you been?" Kim Eunkyung cups her son's face in her soft warm palms. How long ago was it when he felt this warm touch last?

"Mother, you cannot be here." Taehyung grabbed her frail wrists and pulled her to a corner. "What if he saw you? What if Woobin saw you? Or worse, his mother!"

"Don't worry Taehyung. Your father invited me to this party himself. He knows I am here and so does his bitch."

Taehyung giggled at his mother's remark but did not bother.

"How is Copenhagen? You haven't uploaded any new blogs. I was beginning to get worried." Taehyung said. "When did you even decide to come back? And why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up from the airport."

Eunkyung chuckled. "One question at a time my boy. It happened too quickly for me too. Something about you going somewhere and all of that."

"What?"

"I fear your father is sending you to the States for training. I wish I could intervene. I wish I could take you away with me." Eunkyung ran her fingers through Taehyung's wavy black hair holding her tears back. She knew Taehyung's life was already filled with difficulties. The fact that he still had not taken off his mask yet alone proves her theory. She felt helpless. Utterly pathetic. She knew what was coming next and still could not do anything to save her son.

"I will be fine. I pro-"

"Kim Taehyung." Taehyung startled at the voice of his father, gravel grinding against concrete. "Stop gossiping around and follow me. We have business to take care of."

Taehyung gave him a curt bow. He turned to see his mother, maybe give her a reassuring smile. But his face was hidden. His smile nonexistent. She would never know. It's okay. At least he got a few minutes with her this time.

Taehyung felt his mother squeeze his arm lightly before he followed his father to a secluded VIP room with a round table in between. He saw a few familiar men and gave them curt nods, his step brother and his father's assistant were already seated and waiting for him. He took his seat. Directly next to his father.