DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 29: The Dinner

Narrator's POV:

The grand dining room of Nabi's family mansion is filled with the aroma of fine cuisine and the low murmur of hushed conversation. Nabi sits at the head of the table, her body tense with nervousness and unease. Ri-an is seated beside her, his presence imposing and commanding. They are both still dressed in their school uniforms, the formality of the setting contrasting starkly with their youthful appearance. The entire room seems to buzz with unspoken tension, as if something significant is about to happen.

Nabi's parents sit on opposite sides of the table, their faces stony and their gazes fixed on Nabi and Ri-an. There is an air of formality and stiffness in the room, as if each member of the family is trying to keep up appearances for the sake of propriety. The maids move silently around the table, serving the various courses of food in a seamless dance of efficiency and grace. Despite the luxurious atmosphere, however, Nabi can't shake the feeling that something dark and ominous is about to unfold.

Ri-an, sitting at her side, maintains a cool composure, his expression betraying none of the intensity that she knows he is feeling inside. He smiles politely at her parents, offering them charming compliments on the food and the mansion itself. Nabi can see the calculation in his eyes, the way he carefully gauges their reactions and words, always trying to stay one step ahead.

Meanwhile, Nabi's parents respond with polite laughter and hollow flattery, their eyes constantly darting back to their daughter and Ri-an. The conversation is stilted and forced, each topic feeling like a thinly veiled attempt to avoid discussing the elephant in the room. Nabi fidgets in her seat, picking at her food but unable to bring herself to eat. The atmosphere in the room is suffocating, making her feel trapped and anxious.
Every so often, Ri-an's hand would brush against hers under the table, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. She couldn't understand how he could stay so calm and collected in such a tense situation, whilst she felt like she was about to snap at any moment.

Nabi's mom looked up from her plate and spoke up, addressing Ri-an. "When will your parents be joining us, Ri-an?" she asked, her voice cool and polite as she cut up her steak with expert precision.

Ri-an looked up from his plate, his expression easy and charismatic. "My apologies, Mrs. Hwang," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "They'll be here shortly."

Nabi's father, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, nodded in agreement. "Excellent," he said, his voice firm and authoritative. "It's important to make a good impression on our future son-in-law, isn't it?"

Nabi's mother chuckled politely, as if the thought of Rian as her son-in-law was a foregone conclusion. "Of course," she said, picking up her wine glass and taking a delicate sip. "We want to make sure that our daughter is in good hands, after all."

Ri-an chimed in, his voice casual and nonchalant. "My father will unfortunately be unable to make it tonight," he said, his gaze flickering towards Nabi for a brief moment before returning to her parents. "My mother, however, will be attending in his place."

Nabi's parents nodded in understanding, their expressions betraying none of the disappointment they probably felt at the absence of Ri-an's father. "That's unfortunate," Nabi's dad said, his voice tinged with polite disappointment. "But we look forward to meeting your mother nonetheless."

Nabi's mom chimed in, trying to keep the conversation light. "Yes, we're curious to meet the woman who raised such a charming young man," she said, her voice dripping with false flattery.

Ri-an chuckled lightly, his smile never quite reaching his eyes. He clearly knew how to play the game of polite conversation, and was enjoying every moment of it. "You are too nice Mrs. Hwang,"