The Price Of Redemption

22.

"Please, come in, sir," the waiter said with a graceful bow, welcoming the Kang family into the opulent, dazzlingly lit restaurant. The grand space was empty, giving the impression that someone had gone to great lengths to reserve the entire venue for this private occasion. Taehyung, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, walked in with his wife and son, Dani. Each of them radiated formality and composure, while Haerin trailed behind, noticeably detached. She wore a white hoodie layered under a black coat, her loose pants matching her mood. She had no interest in being there, but once again, her father's insistence had dragged her along.

The waiter led them to a lavishly set, elongated table, adorned with an exquisite spread of international cuisines. In the center, soft candlelight flickered among elegantly arranged flowers, casting a warm glow on the polished surfaces.

"We hope we didn't keep you waiting too long," Taehyung said in his calm, steady voice, addressing the figure seated at the far end, hidden behind a newspaper. Slowly, the paper was lowered, revealing a subtle, knowing smile. With an air of sophistication and an unmistakable Australian accent, she replied, "Not at all." Her gaze was steady and composed as she gestured toward the chairs beside her.

Everyone took their seats. Soobin settled on Hanni's right, with Dani next to him. Across from them sat Jisoo, while Taehyung claimed the seat to Hanni's left. As Haerin moved to sit at the far end, hoping to maintain her distance, Hanni's voice broke the silence, her tone warm and inviting.

"Haerin, why sit so far away? Come closer, sit beside me. Soobin can move over a bit." She rested her face on her elbow, offering a gentle smile.

Soobin and Taehyung exchanged a brief, unreadable glance, while Dani shot a quick look at Haerin, sensing the tension. Haerin, her expression as indifferent as ever, ignored the request and sat where she had originally intended, saying nothing. Dani's instincts told her something was off between Hanni and Haerin. After all, she was the only one who knew about their relationship, though it was a secret that remained tightly locked away.

The dinner table quickly became absorbed in business discussions, leaving only two souls feeling utterly out of place. Dani fidgeted, uncomfortable with the heavy atmosphere, before politely excusing herself to the restroom. Haerin followed a moment later, slipping away unnoticed—except for one pair of eyes, quietly observing.

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"It seems I'm not the only one bored out of my mind," Haerin said softly, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips as she entered the restroom. Dani stood at the sink, washing her hands, glancing up at Haerin through the mirror.

"You're right," Dani replied with a faint smile, matching Haerin's energy. "We were never the business types, especially not you."

Haerin leaned casually against the doorframe, a smile playing on her lips as her gaze softened. "You know, Jihye... your smile is still the thing I like most about you," she blurted out, her voice tinged with a tenderness that seemed to catch even her off guard.

Dani froze, her hands still under the running water. The weight of Haerin's words made her heart pound in her chest. She felt a warmth creep up her neck, but quickly forced herself to look away, focusing on the faucet instead, the sound of water filling the silence between them.

Haerin cleared her throat, sensing the shift in Dani's mood. "Jihye..."

Dani cut her off, her voice quiet but firm. "We should go. Someone might get the wrong idea." She moved toward the door, but Haerin stepped in front of her, gently grabbing her arm, turning her around.