Where Do I Go | Choi Jongho

4

Your father. 

You weren't expecting the shudder that passed through you at the sight of that man who seemed to look the same ever since you were a teen- the same wrinkles on his face, the same arrogance around his mouth and eyes, the same stiffness in his shoulders. You continued walking, pausing only when your father met your eyes and almost dismissed you as a stranger until he saw another familiar face beside you and looked back at you.

And when he roared with laughter at the 'coincidence', you didn't hide your wince at the annoying sound. "The person I last expected to see!" He shook his head, looking at his fellows. "You'd call it a coincidence, but I would call it fate."

You smiled at that as you bowed to him, Jongho following suit as he greeted your father as well. "Have you been well?"

"In front of you, alive and healthy," he boasted. "I hope you're not giving my Jongho a hard time."

"Should I not?" You glanced towards Jongho who wore no expression on his face.

"Didn't he tell you who he was?" Mr. Lee looked confused.

"He just told me he was your 'best'," you rolled your eyes and he chuckled at that and Jongho finally gave in, groaning.

"He wasn't wrong," Mr. Lee nodded at Jongho. "I guess you don't remember the Choi family. After all, you were too young when they passed away, unfortunately."

You glanced at Jongho again and noticed that he was clearly not comfortable with your father mentioning the incident. "I'm not sure I remember, yes. Anyways, I must leave now- I have an appointment with the Prince here. Don't expect me to catch up with you later, and I'd prefer if you stay away from my business, unless you have news worthy of my attention."

Without hearing his answer, you nudged Seonghwa to lead the way again, and the sound of your father laughing sarcastically gradually faded. You entered the chambers and then the office, where the Prince sat behind his desk in a fancy hanbok.

With a deep bow and greetings exchanged, the four of you sat casually and the Prince served tea as he inquired of your health and business.

"And who is this acquaintance of yours?"

"Choi Jongho," Jongho answered, "I work for Madame Lee."

"Do you?" the Prince asked and you and Seonghwa looked at each other in amusement. "I heard he worked for Mr. Lee. And anyone who works for Mr. Lee... I don't think I'd like to interact with them very much."

Jongho looked at you, confused before the Prince laughed, shaking his head, his dark hair messy. "I only jest, relax. I didn't lie though."

Jongho did relax then. "It's true, I worked for Mr. Lee before I came here to work for Madame Lee. I'm not sure where I stand right now."

"And do you trust him?" Prince Hongjoong looked at you.

"Respectfully, I trust nobody- not even you, Your Highness," you gave him a subtle bow of apology and Seonghwa and the Prince both shared a grin at that. "You can't ask me if I trust him."

"Fair enough. Shall we get to business?"

You nodded and Seonghwa cleared his throat. "Mr. Lee just met with Prince Woobin- since he's making clear whose side he is on, I think we don't need to hide anymore. It's going to get bloody here pretty soon anyway. And now Mr. Lee must know whose side you are on, Madame Lee."

"It's necessary that he knows," you nodded and the Prince agreed. "And when he stays on his toes, that's when it's the easiest to catch him in my trap. You see... My father has a habit of being a bit too careful. I intend to exploit that weakness of his."