The Friendship Equation | NCT DREAM

Chapter 4: Everything's Alright

/BRIAR AND CALEB/

Briar took a deep breath as Caleb's family estate came into view, the sprawling mansion more imposing than she had imagined. She smoothed the fabric of her dress, feeling slightly out of place in its elegant design. Growing up in a modest home, she never really encountered such opulence.

Caleb, sensing her nervousness, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be great," He whispered. "Just be yourself."

"Is that really enough though? I know that we're just faking this whole relationship thing but don't you think that you're parents would love to see you come home with someone more...how do I say this?..respectable.." Briar giggled looking towards the window of Caleb's car from the passenger seat. "What are talking about?" Caleb inquired looking behind to make sure he was parking correctly. "Just forget it.."

As they entered the grand foyer they took in their surroundings, a sudden sound of rapid footsteps echoed through the hallway. Caleb barely had time to react before a blur of fur and energy came bounding towards them. It was his favorite little girl.

The moment she had caught Caleb's scent, she let out an excited bark and sprinted towards him, her tail wagging furiously. Caleb knelt down just in time to catch her as she leapt into his arms, showering him with affectionate licks. He laughed, ruffling her fur and speaking to her in a soft, loving tone.

"Hey, girl. I've missed you too, Daegal," Caleb said, his voice filled with warmth.

Daegal's excitement was infectious, her body quivering with happiness. She had been a gift to Caleb on his 13th birthday, and from that day on, the two had been inseparable. She was more than just a pet; she was a loyal companion and a cherished member of the family.

Daegal seemed to finally sense that there was someone new. She turned her attention to Briar, her ears perked up and her head tilted slightly to the side and Briar, who had always loved animals but had never had a pet of her own, felt a rush of both excitement and nervousness as Daegal approached her.

With gentle steps, Daegal moved closer to Briar, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air around her. Briar extended her hand, letting Daegal get used to her scent. To her delight, Daegal nuzzled her hand and then, in a gesture of trust and affection, licked her fingers while wagging her tail.

"Looks like she likes you alot," Caleb said with a smile, watching the interaction.

"I like her too," Briar said softly, her eyes meeting Caleb's. There was an unspoken understanding in that moment—a sense of belonging and acceptance that made the grand foyer of Caleb's family home feel even more welcoming.

Together, they stood up, Caleb holding Briar's hand and Daegal trotting happily by their side. As they moved deeper into the house.

Soon enough they were greeted by Caleb's parents. His mother, a picture of sophistication, and his father, exuding the confidence of a self-made billionaire

"Mother, Father, this is Briar," Caleb introduced.

Briar offered a warm smile, hoping it masked her uneasiness. "It's a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Zhong."

Caleb's mother smiled graciously. "Welcome, Briar. Caleb has told us so much about you."

"He has??" Briar questioned with an obvious shift within her tone, eyes trailing towards the man beside her blinking rapidly in confusion.

Later that evening, Briar found herself charmed by Caleb's parents' genuine interest in her life and background. "I heard from Caleb that he met you at the college, what's your major dear?" Mrs. Zhong questioned, taking a sip of her herbal tea.