Floriography - KhunBam

Chapter Three

Khun's thoughts were in a mess as he swiftly walked through the city, clutching the bouquet of roses.

He didn't understand his reaction to Bams statement about who the flowers were for.

I didn't want him to know that these were for someone I am supposed to be marrying....

It was all very confusing for him and he only had limited time to get his thoughts in order as the restaurant was just a short 10 minute walk away.

And for the entire 10 minute walk, he couldn't get those beautifully shining, golden eyes out of his mind.

Just a few feet away from the restaurant, he realised how stupid he was being and vanquished any thought of the florist from his mind.

Now is not the time to start thinking of foolish nonsense.

He took a moment to regain his composure, straightening himself up, brushing down his white button up shirt and straightening his slim, black tie.

With no reason to delay any longer, he pushed open the door to the restaurant, ready to greet his future wife.

"Aguero, you made it!"

He could both see and hear his mothers relief as he greeted her with a hug in the bar area of the restaurant where the three women had been waiting.

"Let me introduce you.  This is Mrs Yeon and her daughter, Ehwa. And this is my son, Aguero."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both, my apologies for arriving late."

He bowed slightly to both before taking Mrs Yeons hand and placing a kiss on top. If Aguero had learned anything from his family, it was how to schmooze other high class families.

"Oh my, you can certainly tell you are from the Khun family, you inherited your fathers looks and charming personality for certain."

A strained smile placed itself on Khun's lips as he contained his disgust at being compared to his father in that way.

"Haha, he certainly has! And he is considered to be one of the more successful children already because of his intellect. But your daughter is also considered the pride of the Yeon family so I think they will be a fine match."

As the two mothers began to talk, he turned his attention to the shorter, black haired girl standing next to her. He took in her appearance noting that she would generally be considered pretty. She looked to be a couple of years younger than himself and also seemed nervous.

"I booked the two of you a private room so you can get to know each other better, I'll ask them to seat us now."

His mother called over a waitress who took the young couple to a private room in the restaurant. They took their seats and the waitress took their drink orders, leaving them with menus and explaining there was a button to press when they wanted attendance.

The waitress bowed herself from the room, closing the door behind her leaving the two alone in silence.

Khun looked to the girl facing him, she seemed to be studying the menu very intently. He picked up on her nerves and shyness immediately and knew he would have to lead any conversation for now.

He had still been carrying the bouquet all this time and presented to Ehwa.

"Ms Yeon, a gift for you to commemorate our first meeting."

Passing over the table, he watched as the young girls eyes lit up as she admired the roses, her joy clearly taking over her features.

Yes, a good choice.

"Thank you, they're beautiful. And, please, call me Ehwa."

The thick atmosphere that had been surrounding them had somewhat dissipated.

"I heard that red roses are your favourite flower?"

Khun tried to open the conversation further but realised it had backfired when Ehwa abruptly raised her head to look at Khun in shock which quickly turned to suspicion.

"Who told you that?"

"My mother informed me."

Surprised by the girls reaction, Khun answered honestly. He was relieved when Ehwa's expression softened but then further perplexed when it turned into a sad smile.

"Someone very special to me gave me a red rose once."

He realised, watching Ehwa sadly admire the bouquet, reminiscing, that she must have her own struggles being a daughter of the Yeon family.

Lost for words, Khun was grateful when the waitress interrupted the silence, knocking on the door and entering with their drinks.

"Are you ready to order?"

She inquired after placing the drinks.

Looking to Ehwa, Khun started by ordering first, allowing the girl a moment to regain her composure.

One major problem being a child of a great family is that you must always act according to their standards and keep up appearances in public. No exception.

Having ordered their meals, Khun attempted to start conversation again, an intriguing statement from his mother earlier had gained his interest.

"So, you are the pride of the Yeon family, Ehwa?"

Ehwa scoffed in response, now feeling more comfortable with the stranger before her.

"Well, they say I'm the pride of the family but what they mean is that I am their biggest bargaining chip."

Interested by her answer, Khun pushed her for more detail as he sipped his drink.

"To be perfectly honest with you Aguero, I would rather not be here. However, it has been ingrained in me since birth that, as a rare daughter of the Yeon family, I am to be married off to the highest bidder."

"How so?"

"You probably don't see this much in your family as Khun is the most desirable name around and also due to the sheer amount of children born to your father. But you aren't stupid Aguero, I'm sure you are aware that daughters of our types of family are usually married off to the most profitable bachelor. I don't mean for physical money of course, but my family stands to gain a lot if I were to marry you."

"True, I do have a lot of siblings and the Khun family won't necessarily gain anything they couldn't get themselves if I were to marry you, it's just the Yeon name they want, but surely there are others who could take your place if you are so vehemently opposed?"

"There is not."

Khun was surprised by the answer, he didn't know much about the Yeon family other than his father was currently trying to integrate their families more than they already were.

"Females are rare in the Yeon family. No one knows why but most children born are male and, obviously the birth rate in the Yeon family for those of pure blood is not as high as that of the Khun family. Currently I am the only eligible female of age within the Yeon family to be offered to you."

Khun continued to sip his drink thoughtfully.

"I know why I have been offered to you Aguero. Your mother is actually distantly related to the Yeon family through one of her family members marriages. It seems she pulled some strings however, it only worked out because you yourself are considered a main contender to become a leader of the Khun family in future. By marrying you, I am hoping to gain at least some freedom from the Yeon family."

"I'm glad I don't need to explain."

The two looked at each other with mutual understanding. Neither of them cared for the situation they found themselves in however, it was the best position they could hope for whilst being constrained by their families chains.

What Ehwa didn't account for was that Khun Aguero Agnes was quite happy to slip out of those chains if he ever felt inclined.