Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XVI (✓)

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Joohyun's room as she stirred from her slumber. With a yawn, she stretched her limbs, feeling the familiar pull of wakefulness tugging at her consciousness.

As she rose from her bed, Joohyun went through her morning routine with practiced efficiency. The sound of running water filled the bathroom as she showered, the gentle cascade of droplets soothing her senses.

Stepping out into the hallway, her hair still damp and fragrant with the scent of her shampoo, Joohyun made her way downstairs to the inviting aroma of breakfast wafting from the kitchen.

"Good morning, sweetheart.", Mrs. Bae greeted her with a warm smile, bustling about the stove as she prepared a meal.

"Morning, Mom and Dad.", Joohyun replied, returning the smile as she took a seat at the table. Her father glanced up from his newspaper, offering her a nod of acknowledgment.

As Joohyun's parents joined her at the table, the air was filled with the comforting hum of familial camaraderie. They exchanged pleasantries, the morning conversation flowing with ease.

"So, Joohyun, are you excited for the Founder's Day event?", Mrs. Bae inquired, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and Joohyun nodded, a sense of pride swelling within her chest.

"Definitely, I'm pretty content with the work the student council has put into it. I think it's going to be a great hit again this year.", Joohyun responded with a proud smile.

"You've done a fantastic job organizing it once again, sweetheart. We're so proud of you.", Mr. Bae chimed in, his voice tinged with pride.

Joohyun's heart warmed at her parents' words, their unwavering support serving as a beacon of encouragement. She reached for the plate of food her mother had set before her, savoring the familiar flavors of home.

"We should start getting ready soon. As part of the founding families, we need to be there early.", Mr. Bae remarked, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Agreed, I have to be there to oversee that everything's going well either way.", Joohyun responded with a nod and her parents looked at her with a proud smile, but something was gnawing at the older's chest after last night's events.

Nothing can go wrong, right?

===

Seulgi, Seungwan, and Moonbyul stood before the mirror, adjusting their suits with meticulous care. The fabric hugged their forms, lending an air of confidence to their demeanor as they prepared to attend the Founder's Day event.

Krystal twirled gracefully in her elegant dress, the soft fabric cascading around her like a waterfall of silk. The trio couldn't help but admire her, their compliments flowing freely as they marveled at her beauty.

"You look stunning, Krystal.", Moonbyul exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Krystal smiled graciously, a flush of color adorning her cheeks. "

"Thank you, and you all look amazing too.", Krystal stated and Seulgi felt a pang of discomfort as Krystal's gaze lingered on her, her words of praise catching her off guard.