The Spring Ball

| Chapter 2

Kim Dokja had memorized some famous names and their family. So the intel he had on Sooyoung was that.

Han Sooyoung was the daughter of the owner of the Pearl Drop Banquets Halls. Her father organized Spring Balls. While she was a businesswoman and some say, a writer.

Kim Dokja is not aware of relationships between different households and all the drama. So he couldn't understand half of the things the woman was saying to each other in a very polite voice.

"I thought after the last week you lost all interest in men."

"Last time just proved that my taste is much more sophisticated than yours Ms Han."

" In the case of men, your palate is missing. "

Kim Dokja felt that jab was meant for him. (He misunderstood.)

" I swear I will whack your head with my parsol. "

"Try me. "

" The next dance is starting. Please get ready, madame and sir." The musician announced in a graceful voice.

Kim Dokja picked up another fluke of juice and was about to drink from it.

"Dokja, you sure you are done dancing?" Han Sooyoung asked.

"Yes, I am done."

"Well, I was hoping for one with you."

Kim Dokja blinked in surprise, then waited for Han Sooyoung to say it was a joke. The lady just extended her hand. Kim Dokja glanced at Sangah who just shrugged.

"I am sure you have much better offers than me, Ms Han."

"Do not say that. One dance please."

Han Sooyoung was good at persuasion. They went to the center of the room. She was a little shorter but very graceful. Midway, the music suddenly stopped. Confused, people looked around craning their necks.

The door of the ballroom opened to soldiers with red and black uniforms, Imperial guards. Gasps and yelps of surprise were all over the ballroom.

The troop leader took the attention as she announced militarily.

"The ball needs to be stopped. There has been an attack at the imperial palace and the culprit ran towards the Kandhla Cochin Seaport. All the paths toward the port are sealed. As the Pearl Drop Banquet Hall comes in between one of the routes we can't rule out the possibility as there is a heavy mass gathering here today."

As the information soaked in. There was an eruption from nearly all the nobles.

"We are going to be treated like suspects?"

" What makes you think we will agree to stay here?!"

The soldiers guarded the entrances and did not bulge. Being treated like a suspect, was new to them. Yoo Sangah went to take a glass of wine from the adult table and drained it in one go. 

"I am 20 Dokja. I can drink."

Kim Dokja nodded in understanding. He too extends his hand for a fluke of the red liquid only for his to be squatted by a stern-looking Yoo Sangah.

People weren't having it. So to balance the chaos more alcohol and delicacies were ordered, and servants floored the whole hall. Soft and low music played in the background. Kim Dokja ate the lobster dish with some water.

Jj"Don't you want to see your brother, Sangah?"

"Why? I mean no, he is an adult. He can handle himself."

They resumed eating in silence. Most of the people were enjoying food too, and some emerged into deep conversations about the attack. The soldiers didn't provide details, nor answered questions about it. There were all held against their will.

In the kingdom, the troops had ranking and stations. Now two types of soldiers could be observed. One the simple army troop. Second the Imperial troops, from all the red and black (which were the prominent colors of their flag) the soldiers worked directly under the command of the royal family, not the general.

It was unsaid that if anyone dares to defy the order, it will be considered treason.

"I am tired, " Han Sooyoung exclaimed as she scraps the vacant seat of their table. Kim Dokja didn't notice her absences. Han Sooyoung had to take charge as the daughter of the owner of the Banquet hall.

"At least this made you move around and gave me peaceful moments." There are still at it.

"One drink for me and one bottle for Ms. Yoo, " Han Sooyoung said loudly to the nearby servant. Yoo Sangah got some curious looks from neighboring tables.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Han Sooyoung asked Dokja. " You still owe me a dance, Mr Kim."

Kim Dokja was tempted to say he didn't owe her anything. "Yes, Ms Yoo."

"Oh, my. He is the innocent type.." Han Sooyoung murmurs to herself.

After eating everyone was deep in their thoughts. Ever since entering the banquet, Kim Dokja had this urge to leave the hall, for people will try to remember the past, and how his name is connected to some unfortunate things. Maybe Sangah has realized he had no idea. He wanted it to be quick, but enough to please his relative. It soothed him that the attention won't be on him for much longer if things went wrong, as the imperial attack will steal the show.

However, it did not comfort him. He extended his hand for wine to a scary-looking smile from Sangah.

"They look lonely, those boys over there," Han Sooyoung says looking in some arbitrary direction."Should I ask them to join us?"

"What do you mean us? " Yoo Sangah questions. " I did not invite you. You do as you please."

"  We should stick together in delicate times," Han Sooyoung exclaims as she waves her paper fan in the air. "Mr. Lee! "

Yoo Sangah's eyes go wide at the name. "What the hell?" she curses softly.

Sooyoung gave an evil smile and exclaimed " Mr Jung! Please join us."

The two gentlemen looked confused at the invitation. Now that Kim Dokja glances at their table they appeared so lonely, all alone with their empty plates in a corner isolated from the buzzing crowd. They were not talking with each other. The sad part was that it seemed that their dates ditched them.

Kim Dokja could relate even though Yoo Sangah was kind enough to not do it. 

Are we inviting all the lonely people? Kim Dokja wondered.

The duo began to walk towards them. There was a strong aura around them, both were tall and well build. Dokja instantly recognized them. Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Joonghyuk.

"What is it? " Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

"Joonghyuk, don't be rude. " Lee Hyunsung gave an apologetic look.

"You look pretty lonely over there," Han Sooyoung said in a fake concerned voice. Yoo Joonghyuk glared at her.

"Please, have a sit Hyunsung. Others can brood while standing."

Hyunsung smiled politely at Dokja and Sangha. Again small introduction was made.

" I remember you, Miss Yoo. You won the title of Banquet Queen, at the Royal Ball last month. Congratulations. "

"Thank you, Mr Lee. Did you attend it too?" Yoo Sangha smiled at the praise.

"Yes, I attended it too. "

"She does dance well," Han Sooyoung said sincerely. "Ms. Park was not able to stop talking about her. "

The name meant something to Sangha for she sat straighter. "You know Ms. Park?"

"Yes, we go out to the same horse riding club. "

Ms. Park was the Banquet Empress, she won every dance competition she ever participated in. A natural performer.

"Ms. Yoo must like competition very much," Lee Hyunsung said.

'No, she likes the competitor more!' Han Sooyoung wanted to say but it wasnt her business. All she can do is subtly tease Yoo Sangha, it was fun too.

The chitter chatter continued. Dokja stared at the tablecloth with great intensity.