Chained by Expectations | Park Sunghoon

Six

"Sunoo, I already told you! You can't just show up in red, its a black and white dress code. This is why you should have been attending these events so you are aware of how they work." Haneul exclaimed over the phone to her cousin as she tried to make her way into the penthouse carrying bags of groceries. "The event is in two days so good luck trying to find a replacement, I have to go okay call me if you need something....but only if it's important!" she called out before hanging up as she finally made her way into the house.

As she approached the kitchen she saw Sunghoon already sitting at the counter having dinner as he reviewed a few files.

"How was work?" She asked trying to break the award silence as she placed the bags of groceries on the kitchen island.

Sunghoon ignored her only continuing to review the pages in front of him.

"Have you thought about going to the banquet like i mentioned earlier? We'll need to find you a suit that goes with my dress..." She trailed off as her eyes fell on the marks that covered his neck.

Sunghoon felt as she pulled down the colar of his shirt and her fingertips grazed over the hickeys So-he had left on him.

"Yah! Are you crazy!?" She said loudly as he ripped her hand away from his neck.

"You can't let anyone see these on you, they'll think I did it!" She exclaimed slightly pushing against him.

"You'll have to wear a turtle neck. Why would you let her do that?!" She asked frustrated as she rubbed the side of her temple.

"I already told you that I'm not going to the banquet so you don't need to worry." He exclaimed nonchalantly.

This only caused her gaze to meet his again this time with pleading eyes "Sunghoon you have to come please. I already told my dad we would be there." She said looking up at him.

"Then call him and tell him I can't." He continued to challenge.

"I'll do whatever it takes just please this once can you do this favor for me?" She sighed

"Forget it." He said before making his way upstairs.

Day of the Banquet

The night of the banquet arrived, and Haneul stood in front of her full-length mirror, adding the final touches to her stunning look.. Her choice of attire was nothing short of elegant and alluring. She wore a black gown that hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her proportions in a way that was both graceful and enticing. The matching shawl and gloves added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble, while a string of pearls adorned her neck, and pearl earrings dangled from her ears. Her long, dark locks cascaded in soft, carefully styled curls. She looked at herself in the mirror, her reflection exuding confidence and beauty.

With a deep breath, she left her room and made her way to Sunghoon's. She knocked lightly and waited with a sense of anticipation. When he finally opened the door, his eyes widened slightly, and he took a moment to absorb Haneul's transformation. His breath caught in his throat as he was taken aback by her stunning appearance, a sight he hadn't quite expected.

Haneul cleared her throat, attempting to break the spell of surprise that held him. "Why are you not dressed, Sunghoon?" she exclaimed, gesturing toward the suit she had left for him the night before, neatly placed on a chair in the corner of his room.

"I told you I'm not going," he managed to say, his voice edged with stubbornness as he began to shut the door.

Haneul's eyes widened with a mixture of frustration and determination. She couldn't let him reject the invitation, not when they were expected at the important banquet. She tried one last plea, her voice soft yet earnest. "Sunghoon, please..."

For a fleeting moment, their gazes met, "I already said no." and with that he closed the door in her face.

Haneul huffed making her way back into her room slamming the door shut. "Ughh! what am I gonna do now?" She whispered to herself.

She took out her phone to text her cousin seeing if he would be willing to pick her up.

meanwhile she tried to think of any other way she could convince Sunghoon to come even if it was for a little while. That's when her eyes fell on the bag of treats that she still hadn't given to him. She looked in the bag finding a waffle caramel biscuit. "these are the best." she whispered before writing on a sticky note and sticking it to the front of the package.

She heard her phone buzz as Sunoo texted her that he was outside.

She quickly opened her door before crouching down and sliding the treat with the note attached under his door. She waited for a little bit to see if she could hear any movement behind the door but there was silence.

Another text from her cousin urging her to come out interrupted her thoughts as she gave the door one last glance before hurrying down the stairs and out the door.

Sunghoon waited for the front door of the house to close before he got up and retrieved the the note and wrapped biscuit from the floor.

As he picked up the small package he read the message written in black market "Please come. I'll be waiting for you there." He couldn't help but let a chuckle out and a small smile form on his lips.

"She's unbelievable." he thought to himself as he tossed it into the drawer of his night stand.

Time Skip

Haneul sat in her cousins expensive car buckling her seat belt thanking him for picking her up.

"So you really couldn't convince him then?" Sunoo asked.

"No, I tried everything Sunoo he's too stubborn." She huffed the anxiety of what she would tell her dad finally settling in.

"did you actually try everything?" Sunoo asked wiggling his eyebrow at her.

"Yah! what are you saying?!" She exclaimed as her cheeks turned red from Sunoo's question. Sunoo's laugh engulfed the car. "we don't even share the same room, so don't expect any nieces of nephew anytime soon." She huffed at him.

"I was just kidding, I could tell from the wedding that you guys were um...not as close as a married couple should be..." Sunoo's voice trailed off.

"I just hope dad isn't too angry." She said her voice filled with worry.

"I don't know, uncle is use to getting his way and I'm sure he was probably wanting to brag about how the next heirs of two of the biggest companies in Asia are married. one being his daughter the other being the son of Mr.Park" Sunoo ranted. "I could almost recite to you what he was planning on saying I heard him in the office for the past few weeks it goes something like 'Thank you for coming everyone as you all ma-"

"Sunoo you're not helping!" She exclaimed shutting her eyes. He quickly apologized as they made their way to the same venue as before.