Connection Of Conformity || KSJ

Chapter 6

Jin felt his blood run cold as he spotted Hana and Ren Myoi mingling with the guests. "Mom, what is this woman doing here?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Mrs. Kim glanced in their direction, concern etched on her face. "I don't know, Jin. Just try to stay calm. We can't make a scene with so many guests around; it could harm our family's reputation."

"Can you please talk to Dad about it?" Jin urged, his voice barely above a whisper

"I will, but let me excuse myself first." As she moved to approach his father, Jin's heart raced. Just then, Mr. Kim took the stage, interrupting the tension that hung in the air.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have an exciting announcement!" he exclaimed, and the crowd fell silent. "We are thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Ren Myoi, and his wife, Hana!"

Applauds erupted from the guests, Jin's stomach sinking further. He glanced at his friends and family, who were equally stunned. Despite the smiles plastered on their faces, Jin could feel their eyes darting nervously toward him.

Mr Kim continued his speech but Jin didn't hear any of it.

Hoseok, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in. "Hey, Jin hyung! Let's grab a drink, yeah?" He clapped a hand on Jin's shoulder, trying to uplift his spirits.

"Sure," Jin muttered, grateful for the distraction. As they started to move toward the drink table, Hoseok's parents approached him.

"Hoseok, come here! We want you to meet someone," they called, waving him over.

"Go ahead, hyung! I'll catch up with you in 2 minutes!" Hoseok said, shooting him a reassuring smile before following his parents.

Jin sighed and headed to the drinks section alone, feeling the weight of his frustration. How could his father disregard his feelings like this? He poured himself a drink, the clinking of ice echoing his thoughts.

"Jin," a familiar voice, broke through his rapid emotions. He turned to see Hana approaching him, her expression hesitant.

"You shouldn't be here Mrs Myoi, your husband must be looking for you," he replied coldly. Without waiting for a response, he took a sip of his drink and turned to leave. As he walked away, lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Areum standing nearby until it was too late.

"Whoa!" Areum exclaimed as they collided, both of them tumbling to the ground. Jin's drink splashed all over her elegant pastel dress, and the slice of cake she had been holding landed squarely on his face.

"Great," Areum huffed, brushing her dress in dismay. "Just what I needed!"

"I'm so sorry!" Jin said quickly, but before he could say more, Areum burst into laughter at the sight of cake smeared across his face.

"Oh my god! You look so funny right now" she giggled

Just then, their mothers and Jiyeon rushed over, concern etched on their faces.

"Oh my goodness! Areum, what have you done to your dress" Mrs. Lee exclaimed, bending down to help them.

"Eomma! It's not my fault, it's his!" Areum quickly shot back, looking at Jin

Jin felt a heat rise to his cheeks. "Mrs. Lee, I really apologize. I didn't see her there."

Mrs. Lee frowned but softened at her daughter's laughter

"Areum, your dress is completely stained..." Mrs Kim spoke

"It's fine, Mrs Kim.it's just a dress" Areum said, still chuckling

Jiyeon's eyes lit up with an idea. "Areum unnie, you can borrow one of my dresses from my closet! It will be fun!"

"Are you sure?" Areum asked, her heart warming at the offer

"Absolutely! Come on!" Jiyeon said, her excitement infectious as she helped Areum to her feet, glancing back at Jin, who was still awkwardly standing there.

As the girls headed off together, Jin stood there, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.

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