The Not so Ugly Duckling

Paradise Begins for the Wolf and Ugly Duckling

"Cheers!" The boys clinked their glasses as the sizzling of delicious kalbi filled their ears. The boys chugged their shots of soju and beer, a big grin on their faces.

"Damn, I wish I was there to see Woojin's face!" Himchan snickered, taking the tongs and distributing the meat amongst his children.

"Trust me, it was priceless." Jongup chuckled, the memory flooding back into his mind as he sipped on his drink a bit more.

"God, it felt sooooo good to stick it to that prick." Daehyun let out a sigh of relief as if every bone in their body released the hidden tension within each joint.

"Serves him right. Trying to frame me, hah!" Youngjae scowled at the thought of Woojin, but happily drank down more of his beer.

"Okay, Daehyun, seriously you have to tell us what happened. Like what did that prick do once he found out that his planned crash and burned?" Himchan grinned like a cheshire. Yongguk watched his boyfriend's devilish expression, a small chuckle escaping his lips.

"Now that everyone is here..." Mr. Jung growled, noting that Daehyun had arrived late. Woojin had a smug grin on his face that Daehyun would very much like to wipe of with a dirty ass rag. "We can now begin the meeting."

"Let's get this show on the road..." Daehyun grumbled, taking his seat beside his father while Jongup stood in the corner observing the others.

The guard dog scanned the members, noting their expressions. Who would vote Daehyun. Who would vote against Daehyun. Jongup couldn't tell. Everyone's expression was puzzled, confused, and anxious. Even Jongup himself was starting to feel nervous. He unconsciously gripped his hands tight meticulously rubbing the space between his thumb and pointer finger. He glanced at his wristwatch and glared at it. He wondered what in God's name was taking so long for the FBI to do their actual job. He was teetering between the emotions of vicious frustration and nervous stress.

"Before we vote whether CEO Jung Daehyun will continue his duties or resign, do you have any final statements?" Mr. Jung eyed Daehyun with cold eyes. Daehyun glared back and stood up from his seat, adjusting his suit jacket and tie.

"I will keep this short," Daehyun sighed. "I've worked with you all since I was 16 years old. Crawled from the bottom of this company to where I am now. This company and its success are my life. If you believe that I will throw away that life then vote my resignation." Daehyun sat down, crossing his arms and leaning back against his seat. He watched the crowd, seeing as the members murmured among themselves for a bit.

"How touching, brother." Woojin snickered.

"It's called having emotions, not like you understand." Daehyun snarled.

"Enough," Mr. Jung growled at both his sons, not wanting to have to deal with their immature squabble. "We will now vote. Mr. Moon, please proctor the voting session." Jongup moved from his corner and stood near a whiteboard that was placed in front of the boardroom.

"We will now commence the voting." Jongup eyed Daehyun, reading his friend's expression.

In that brief second of eye contact, Jongup apologized to his dear friend. For failing him. For not finding that rat bastard forger sooner. For not dragging that forger's ass to the FBI precinct himself. But he didn't see any disappointment in his friend's eyes. Instead, the elder just flashed him a small smile and a shrug. What happens happens was what Daehyun repeated in his mind. He needed to convince himself to be nonchalant. To not care, to not give a damn that his life was about to end. But he couldn't. He knew that in his heart he should be happy with what he had. He had his group of friends that supported him through thick and thin. He had Youngjae. His best friend and beloved. He should be happy with that. Was it wrong that he wanted more? That he wanted to have a successful career that he worked so hard for?