Something Flutters

Forever Indebted

Present Day

Five minutes into the party at the famed Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Sehun's already searching for Luhan in the sea of people all dressed in expensive tuxedos and custom design gowns.

Sehun has no problem with these type of public functions, but whenever he is joined by Luhan, he feels this need to make the night somewhat enjoyable for Luhan.

He knows that Luhan doesn't hate these parties. It's just that for someone like Luhan, who's outgoing and constantly bursting with energy, these parties can be a drag. Sehun's always worried that Luhan could be having a horrible time while he's out socializing with those around him. And that is the main reason why Sehun makes it a habit to seek out Luhan every five or ten minutes. He would pull Luhan aside and tell him random things to make him smile or laugh.

Sometimes, he gets creative and takes Luhan to a secluded corner and steals kisses here and there. Although, Luhan would reprimand him afterwards for being so reckless, Sehun doesn't miss the tiny satisfied smile that graces Luhan's flawless features. That and his rosy cheeks (depending on how daring Sehun felt that night) makes Sehun thinks that it was all worth it.

With a glass of champagne in his hand, Sehun makes his way towards the buffet table in hopes of finding Luhan there.

He's only halfway there when Mr. Lee, someone who's always present at these events and well known within their professional circle, stops him for a chat - one that Sehun wishes he could avoid because the man can talk for an eternity.

After discussing his recent successful cases, Mr. Lee opts to question Sehun about his own firm, and Sehun graciously provides answers that were tailored to impress the old man.

"You have a bright future ahead of you, Mr. Oh," Mr. Lee comments as he whirls his champagne glass before taking a delicate sip.

"You think too highly of me. I still have much to learn," Sehun replies with a shy smile, familiar with how these sort of conversations go. He's had plenty of practice.

Mr. Lee chuckles. "Modesty is a great character to possess. I wish I could say the same about your partner." Mr. Lee glances towards Chanyeol, who's talking to the chairman of LAS rather enthusiastically. Sehun catches the look of distaste in Mr. Lee's expression, and he knows it may have something to do with the red wine colored velvet suit Chanyeol had on. Considering how everyone was dressed in black and white, Chanyeol's choice of attire sticks out like an unattractive sore thumb.

"Mr. Park has many other wonderful qualities," Sehun assures, to which Mr. Lee replies with a mere "Hm."

"You know, Mr. Oh, my offer for you to join my firm is still open. If you want a change in....scenery, do give me a call."

Sehun smiles, though inside he wants nothing more than to knock the glass out of Mr. Lee's chubby fingers. "Though I am flattered, my answer is still the same. I'm happy with where I am."

Mr. Lee looks at him, scrutinizing him for rejecting his offer for the fourth time this year. Eventually, he sighs and ends the conversation with a bitter, "Very well. I shall see you around. Enjoy your night."

"I hope you enjoy yours," Sehun says, bowing as Mr. Lee turns to leave.

He lets out a puff of air. Talking to people like Mr. Lee has always made Sehun feel stuffy inside, but he does it (and does it well) because between him and Chanyeol, he has a better chance of not screwing up their connections.

Before Sehun could remember what he was about to do before Mr. Lee came into the picture, he hears a familiar, heartwarming laugh from behind him. Sehun smiles before he even turns around because he knows the owner of that infectious laugh.