Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74

~Chapter 16: Antagonizing~

As he'd been told, Kong Hun got ready that night to meet two friends of Henry's, rather unwillingly, but as a guest he felt obliged to. After preparing himself physically, and partially mentally, Kong Hun made his way downstairs and to the drawing room on the bottom floor. He readied himself; taking a deep breath, before pushing down on the door handle and gently entering the room.
"Hello, I hope I'm not too late?" Kong Hun gave a polite smile.
It took a moment for him to adjust to the sight and for the guests to adjust to his entrance. Henry was sat on a sofa with bright, young Dorian Gray, who had been smiling eagerly and sharing a laugh with Henry, until Kong Hun had entered. Now, his expression had changed, to something of surprise and curiosity. Both he and Henry had a small flush over their features from the slight over-indulgence of wine. Sat nearby them was Leora, who seemed to have had an entirely opposite reaction to Kong Hun's entrance. Originally she seemed quite sulky and distant, but open seeing his arrival her gaze had softened and lightened ever so slightly, and her eyes had filled with an eager glimmer. Standing at the patio, airing himself, like the evening before Kong Hun had arrived, Basil Hallward himself stood there, miserably. When he'd turned to look at Kong Hun, his expression had arguably soured more and he looked like a petulant child who had been denied play.

"Ah, Kong Hun, you're just in time; come, sit," Henry gestured, he seemed nicer than usual because of his slightly drunken state," Dorian, Basil; this is Kong Hun. He's currently acting as Leora's art model for a project."
Dorian smirked at Henry," Leora has a model, Henry? You're allowing her to paint? I'd love to see the result, I'd love to."
He turned his smirk to Kong Hun.
"Good evening, Kong Hun."
He held out his hand for a shake. Kong Hun took it, carefully; marvelling a little at how soft it was.
"And, you are?" Kong Hun asked, politely.
Dorian raised his eyebrow, looking a bit offended," Oh, I'm sorry. Dorian Gray, a friend of Henry's."
"And I'm Basil Hallward," Basil grumbled, from the patio, not bothering to come over.
Dorian waved his hand dismissively, turning his attention back to Kong Hun," So, tell me, Kong Hun."
He emphasized the name, clearly finding it quite 'exotic', like there was something amusing about it to him.
"How is it, being Leora's model?"
Leora patted the empty seat beside her, looking at Kong Hun with eager eyes.
Kong Hun sat beside Leora, smiling softly at Dorian," Well, it's a-"
"A nightmare, I bet," Basil strode over, cutting him off," Leora's stubborn with her irritating questions isn't she?"
Leora shot Basil a glare," I'm not irritating or stubborn!"

Dorian burst out laughing, amused by the exchange," Oh Basil, always so harsh with our little Leora," He turned to Kong Hun, grinning mischievously," So, is she really that bad? You can speak freely, Kong Hun."
Kong Hun chuckled, softly," Well, I can understand where he's coming from with that statement."
Leora huffed," Bullies, the lot of you!"
Dorian's grin widened, clearly enjoying the drama," Bullies? Oh darling, you wound us so. We're merely... concerned about your artistic development."
Leora wrinkled her nose.
Henry chuckled at his sister," Come now, Leora. You know it's true. You have such a small mouth, but so much noise leaves it."
Leora glanced around, wounded, waiting for someone to defend her. Leora puffed her cheeks up when no one spoke up.
Henry turned to Kong Hun after a long moment of silence," Would you like a glass of what Dorian and I are drinking? It's good stuff, isn't it, Dorian?"
Dorian nodded, holding up his glass, gesturing to the decanter on the table," Indeed, it is. Help yourself, Kong Hun. Though, be careful. Henry's pours are quite generous."
"At least they aren't stingy like Basil's!" Henry laughed, richly.

Dorian grinned, turning to Basil, "Oh Basil, still being tight-fisted with the liquor I see. Remember the last time Basil got drunk?"
"Don't even, Dorian!" Basil hissed, blushing wildly.
Leora giggled," He walked face first into the rose bush and got all those thorns in him!" Basil glared at the girl, furious.
Dorian laughed heartily, slapping his knee.
"I remember it well! The sight of you, Basil, covered in scratches and petals, stumbling about like a drunk satyr!"
Kong Hun smiled politely," I think I'm alright without any alcohol thanks..."
Henry pouted," Oh don't be a bore! It's such a nice wine, Dorian and I couldn't possibly finish it by ourselves."
Dorian's eyes sparkled with amusement," Nonsense! Come, join us. Besides, it'll help you relax around us. You're rather tense, Kong Hun."
Kong Hun shook his head, politely.
"Oh give it a break, Henry!" Leora hissed at her brother," Nobody wants your crappy wine!"
Henry glared back at his sister," Is that language suitable for a lady?"
Dorian chuckled, his attention still on the unwilling ghost, his voice taking on a persuasive tone," Come now. Just one small glass."
"I don't want it," Kong Hun stated, a little more firmly.