Transparent

(19) ; What?

Dinner was a breeze for Taehyung. He was naturally a likeable character, but with the Jungs he immediately fit in like he was a part of them for a very long time already. Mama and Papa Jung seemed to dot on him very much, and he enjoyed answering all of their curious questions one by one, humouring them while he did.

Krystal adoringly watches him from the side, - her face turning into an awe. He was such an exquisite character and she loved that about him so much. Such a life he was, that if the room was dead and you'd chuck in him there, Taehyung can immediately bring life back to the place.

It was a normal occasion to drink during these family events and tonight was no exception for Krystal. Glass after glass she drank, and she could feel the alcohol taking its toll on her when the heat started to envelope her face. She must have looked so red right now. Her alcohol tolerance wasn't the best, even if she was only drinking red wine.

Krystal didn't know what was up with her, - she had been drinking twice the amount she'd usually do today... But the wine kept her off her feet. It made her ungodly feelings for Taehyung felt hazy, and this was just what she had needed.

Laughters filled in the VIP room the family booked. Krystal smiled to herself, her head tilting downwards to avoid making eye contact with anyone. She didn't want anyone to know just how drunk she was right now.

Suddenly she feels a large, warm hand over her naked thigh. Her knee-length dress hiked up several inches as she sat, that's why her thighs are barren now.

Crap.

She recognised that touch so well.

He had caught her, - much like every other time when no one had, as she was transparent for him to read. If she was a mystery to others, to him, she had been an open book.

Mustering up some courage, she finally looks up at him, mind still fuzzy, but she was able to make out what he was saying to her.

"Don't you think you're drinking a little too much, Soojung-ah?"

That was enough to make her gulp. The authority-like tone in his voice was clear as the day.

He had wanted her to stop.

And so she did. But the damage was already done. The alcohol was already in her system. There is no undoing that.

When dinner was over, they all met up at the parking lot and hugged each other goodbye. Mama Jung gently kisses Krystal on her forehead, brushing a thumb against her palm. Her daughter could only smile, her eyes slowly piling up with water.

"Take care of yourself," the elder whispered, gently sliding her palms across Krystal's shoulders up and down, providing some heat for her. Her mother took a step back, eyeing Taehyung and Krystal who were lined up next to each other.

"You both look good together," She stated, as a matter-of-factly, glancing to the side, to her husband. "Don't you think so, yeobo?" Krystal's father only nodded. He gave Taehyung a strict smile, - only for that to falter when he spots the youngest of the Jungs giving him a bright smile.

Suddenly, Papa Jung was reminded of the times when Krystal was younger. The mischievous things she'd do and get away with, - just because of that precious smile of hers. She rarely smiled growing up, and maybe it was a mistake on their part, because they let her go into the entertainment industry too quick. She had been so young. She was exposed to so much of hate, at such a tender age. But the moment she lifts the corner of her lips up to put on that expensive smile of hers, - her parents are reminded that no matter how old she was, Krystal would always be their daughter.