SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

XVI

CHAPTER XVI: Mistress Unveiled

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Haechan stepped through the door, his exhaustion from the day fading away as he was greeted by the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. He followed the delicious scent to the kitchen, where he found Areum, busy at the stove.

"Hey there," He greeted, his voice warm with affection. Areum turned around, her eyes lighting up as she saw him "Welcome home" She said, a hint of excitement in her voice "I thought I'd surprise you with my cooking tonight"

Haechan smiled warmly at Areum, handing her a small bouquet of fresh flowers "These are for you," He said softly. Areum's eyes lit up as she accepted the flowers, her heart fluttering with joy "Aww, thank you" She said with the biggest smile ever

Areum then put the flowers in an empty vase on their dining table and continued to cook. Haechan leaned against the doorway watching her with a soft smile.

He couldn't help but admire the way she moved around the kitchen, her confidence and grace making even the simplest actions seem captivating.

As Areum plated the food and set the table, Haechan joined her, offering to help "Is there anything I can do?" He asked, genuinely wanting to contribute. Areum chuckled, shaking her head "Just sit and relax, I've got everything under control"

They sat down to eat, the atmosphere cozy and intimate. Areum watched Haechan take his first bite, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Haechan looked at her with a grin "Wow, this is amazing," He exclaimed "You've outdone yourself"

Areum blushed, a mixture of pride and bashfulness coloring her cheeks "I'm glad you liked it," She replied, her voice soft and sincere. He turned to her, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes "You know," He began "I might have married you just for your cooking"

Areum playfully swatted his arm, her laughter filling the air "Oh really? This is the first time you've tasted my cooking though" She spilled the truth and the both of them broke into laughter.

After a few minutes of eating, talking, and laughing, Areum suddenly changed her mood and took a deep breath. Her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass before she spoke.

"Haechan," She began hesitantly, her gaze locked with his "There's something I need to tell you"

Haechan looked up from his plate, a quizzical expression on his face "Sure, babe. What's on your mind?"

She took another moment before continuing "I asked Yoona unnie to do a background check on my dad's mistress"

Haechan's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a forkful of noodles suspended in midair "He has a mistress?"

Areum's fingers tightened around her wine glass "Yeah, he does. But i don't know, something just doesn't sit right with me"

"Like what?" He asked curious on what she found out "She's actually an accomplished artist and has exhibited her work in several galleries and on top of all that, she's also been involved in various philanthropic activities"

Haechan's fork clattered onto his plate as he processed her words "Well, damn. So she's good good huh"

Areum nodded, her heart heavy "Yes, but that's a bit sceptical, no?" She said before continuing "I mean, why would my dad, a mafia leader, chose to be so secretive about his relationship with this I would say 'perfect' woman"

He leaned back in his chair, thinking about what Areum just said "It is a bit suspicious. Maybe she told him that she doesn't want people to know that she's with a mafia leader so it doesn't ruin her reputation as a philanthropist?"

She took a sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving his "Maybe. But I know for a fact that my dad would do anything this woman says. Around a month ago, for example. I accidentally overheard their phone call conversation and she said something along the lines of 'teach Areum to be better in her decision making' and then boom. I got an earful from my dad about my decisions for Song Shadows, the next day"

Haechan let out a sigh, his fingers running through his hair as he ponder "Is your dad usually like that? Someone that follows what other people says?"

"No. That's why I kept on thinking, why does he listen to her so much when he doesn't even listen to what I have to say about my own thoughts and ideas about the gang and my feelings" She said with a hurtful tone

Haechan grabbed Areum's hand and softly caressed it "It's okay, Areum. You're probably overthinking it. Maybe he really is in love with this woman, we never know"

"He doesn't deserve to love or be loved after everything he did to my mom. It's unfair how my mom had to go through rough times while she was married to him, it's truly disgusting what he did to her. He hits her for even eating, Haechan. Like why would you even do that?" Areum said, feeling mad.

"This is.. a little out of topic but I promise you Areum, i would never turn out like him" Haechan said before continuing "But everything that you're questioning right now, I hope you'll get the answers to it soon, alright?" He said giving Areum a kiss on the forehead and she nods

As they continued their meal, the atmosphere of romantic and serious shifted between each other multiple times. Areum had opened a door to uncertainties but together, they would navigate the complex path that lay ahead.

-

"Korea, i'm back baby!" An unknown girl opened her sunglasses and took the most dramatic deep breath ever "Now, where is he.." She scanned the airport that she hadn't landed in for almost 2 years.

"Welcome back" A guy with sunglasses and dark brown hair greeted her as she stared at him confusingly "Who.. are you?" She asked

"Wow, seriously?" He took off his sunglasses so she could get a clear view of his face. She took in his face before a big smile carved on her bright red lips.

She dropped everything that she was holding immediately and gave him a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug.

"I missed you, Haechan!"

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