GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xxi. ✓

𝒙𝒙𝒊.

In the afternoon, Bomin arrived at my room to escort me to the cafeteria for lunch. As we stood in line to get our food, he led me upstairs to a secluded area at the corner of the floor, enclosed by translucent glass.

It was there that I was introduced to Bae Joohyun, Jangmi's elder sister.

"Joohyun, meet Kim Dani, our new High Queen."

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kim Dani-" I bowed respectfully, acknowledging her seniority, and began to introduce myself when Joohyun abruptly stood up.

The sound of her chair scraping against the floor reverberated through the room, accompanied by the clicking of her heels as she made a hasty exit, leaving us all stunned and bewildered.

"You didn't warn us, Choi Bomin," someone broke the silence.

I turned my gaze to the girl sitting next to Joohyun, who appeared unamused by my sudden appearance, to say the least. She toyed with her food, clearly displeased.

"Bullshit. You all knew this was coming," Bomin muttered, feeling defensive as he took a seat in the empty chair across from where Joohyun had been sitting.

Bomin signaled for me to sit down, so I did.

"Hello, High Queen. I'm Kang Seulgi. It's finally nice to meet you," the girl named Seulgi said, sending a shiver down my spine as she lifted her head to meet my eyes. Her gaze was sharp and intimidating, much like the Jeon brothers'.

"H-Hello," I stammered, nodding in acknowledgment.

"Where's Joohyun unnie?" a new voice entered the room.

I turned to see another girl walking in, her eyes scanning me silently.

"She's probably at the Director's office now," Seulgi replied. "We won't be able to see her for a while."

The girl then averted her gaze and gracefully took the seat next to Bomin.

"That's Kim Yerim," Seulgi explained, noticing my curiosity. "She's the youngest among us Queens."

"Queens? And no Kings?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Just Queens," Yerim chimed in, stuffing a spoonful of sliced pork cutlet into her mouth. "The Rose Clan only has Queens. But we do have Supremes."

"Supremes?" I raised an eyebrow.

"It's the equivalent of the Elites," Bomin kindly clarified, bringing to mind the image of Yoojung and the other girls.

The girls...

I remembered Mrs. Lee mentioning that the girls would be arriving at the mansion, but I was kicked out before I had the chance to see them one last time.

"What do the Elites and Supremes do?" I asked, intrigued.

"You haven't done your homework, huh?" Seulgi chuckled. "You're quite clueless. It's the most basic knowledge for a High Queen."

Seulgi leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she shot me a mocking look.

"Don't be so harsh on her, Seulgi. It's not her fault," Bomin narrowed his eyes at Seulgi.

Seulgi smirked, shaking her head before standing up to collect her tray. "Consider it your homework, High Queen."

🌹

Meanwhile, in his office, Mr. Bae was confronted by his eldest daughter, Joohyun, her face flushed with anger.

"Papa, you made her the High Queen?" she exclaimed, struggling to contain her frustration.