2. Blood in the Cup

ch XII.

After Wooyoung calmed down somewhat in San's embrace, he slowly regained his breath and was able to continue getting ready. Although fear still lurked deep in his heart, San's reassurance gave him a bit of confidence. Long minutes passed in silence as they both prepared for dinner. San wore an elegant black shirt with matching pants, while Wooyoung, though somewhat nervous, chose a simple yet elegant black blouse with a cut-out at the left shoulder.

As they finished getting ready, San turned to Wooyoung and sent him an encouraging smile. “Are you ready?” he asked calmly.

Wooyoung took a deep breath and nodded, although his stomach was still in knots over the upcoming meeting. He didn’t know exactly what to expect from San’s family, but he felt he had no choice but to face the situation.

San took Wooyoung's hand, and they made their way to the house's entrance. The night was slowly falling, and the sky turned dark blue as they got into the car. San started the engine, and they silently left their home, heading toward the family's main house.

The road took them farther away from the city lights as they traveled along a winding, narrow forest road. The dense foliage on either side formed a kind of tunnel, and the increasingly dark landscape created a suffocating atmosphere. Wooyoung grew more anxious as he realized that the family house was located deep in a remote forest. The thought of the house hidden in the forest somehow added to his tension.

Noticing Wooyoung’s mounting anxiety, San glanced at him while driving and said softly, “Don’t worry, it will be fine. They’re just people too.”

Wooyoung nervously laughed. “Just people... easy for you to say. But right now it feels like I’m walking into a horror movie.”

San shook his head with a smile. “You watch too many movies. But I understand why you’re nervous. Just try to relax. I’ll be with you the whole time.”

The drive eventually ended, and the massive, impressive family house emerged from the dark forest. Dim lights illuminated the entrance, but the surrounding landscape remained mystical and somewhat menacing due to the dense forest.

As Wooyoung looked at the house through the window, he felt his stomach tighten again. “Is this where I’ll meet your family?” he asked in a quiet, somewhat uncertain voice.

San smiled and nodded. “Yes, and don’t worry. They’re expecting us.”

When San parked the car in front of the grand family house, Wooyoung’s gaze swept over the building. The dark wooden exterior, large windows, and old-fashioned style gave off a mysterious and somewhat frightening aura. The outdoor lighting faintly illuminated the entrance, but the surrounding forest remained unsettlingly dark.

San got out of the car, walked around it, and opened the door for Wooyoung, who hesitantly followed. As his feet touched the cold ground, he briefly considered that it might be better to turn back now, but San’s reassuring presence and grip kept his spirits up.

“Come on, it will be fine,” San said with a smile, and he began walking toward the house, pulling Wooyoung along.

The large wooden door opened before they reached it, and a tall, older man stepped out. The man’s eyes were stern, but his face was somehow reassuring. He resembled San, though his features were more severe.

“San,” the older man said, nodding. “Welcome home.”

San nodded and introduced Wooyoung. “Dad, this is Wooyoung.”

Wooyoung nervously bowed as San’s father appraised him. The older man’s face revealed little, but a small, barely perceptible smile appeared at the corners of his mouth as he extended his hand to Wooyoung.

“Nice to meet you, Wooyoung,” he said in a deep, soft voice. “I hope you’ll enjoy your time with us.”

Wooyoung nodded and tried not to appear too nervous, though his stomach was still in knots. As they entered the house, they were greeted by a vast living room filled with old furniture, the warm light of a crackling fire in the fireplace illuminating the room. The dining table was already set for dinner, and the air was filled with the aroma of delicious food.

Yet, Wooyoung still couldn’t relax. The house’s atmosphere, the silence, and the older man’s stern but composed demeanor all suggested a life quite different from what he was accustomed to.

As they entered the living room, Wooyoung heard Haneul’s voice from one of the armchairs, sipping a glass of wine. “I see you arrived on time,” he remarked casually. “I hope you’re hungry.”

The thought of having dinner with San’s entire family, who might be hired killers or members of some similar organization, tightened Wooyoung’s throat. The thought increasingly terrified him.

San squeezed Wooyoung’s hand, reminding him that he was not alone in this. “Everything will be fine. Just stay by my side,” he whispered before leading him toward the dining table.

As Wooyoung followed San, he tried to suppress his nervousness. The large table was set with elegant tableware and candles, as if preparing for a special occasion. Every little detail only heightened the pressure he felt.

San sat at the head of the table and gestured for Wooyoung to sit beside him. Wooyoung cautiously took his place, trying to avoid making direct eye contact with anyone.

As the family gradually gathered around the table and dinner began, Wooyoung felt more and more as if he had stepped into a peculiar world where every moment held secrets.