Park Jang Si was seated on the swivel chair in his meticulously organized study. On the desk before him, a file was placed at the center. His personal assistant stood a meter aside, poised and attentive, ready for any instruction.
"Knock! Knock!"
"Come in!" Park Jang Si called out in his authoritative voice.
Park Hyun Soo pushed open the door of his father's study and stepped in, a look of annoyance on his face. "Why did you call me again?" he asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
Park Jang Si gestured to his assistant, who nodded and quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"Have a seat," Park Jang Si said, motioning to the chair opposite him.
Hyun Soo reluctantly pulled out the chair and sat down. His gaze shifted to the file on the desk, curiosity piqued as he wondered what it contained.
"I'm thinking of sending you to the USA for further studies," Park Jang Si announced, breaking the silence.
"What?" Hyun Soo exclaimed in shock. "I told you Dad I wouldn't go to the USA. I'll study here," Hyun Soo stated.
"Do what I am saying. I know the best for you. Here's the lists of the universities, I think you should check. Tell me in the morning, in which university you wish to study," Park Jang Si told his son sternly, leaving no room for any argument.
"What do you even know about me? What is best for me, you think that's worst for me. I'm not going anywhere. I will study here and take over the company after finishing my graduation," Hyun Soo pronounced, his voice containing the anger inside him.
"Bring rank 1 and I'll let you study in this country. If you fail, then be ready for what I've decided for you. Now, leave!" Park Jang Si angrily ordered.
Hyun Soo snickered and pushed the chair back, standing up. He turned to leave and said, "You slapped me earlier when I asked you if I could take a day off. Now, I think I should do what I want!" He muttered.
"What did you say?" Park Jang Si's expressions darkened.
"You heard me, Dad. I will do what I desire from now onward," Hyun Soo affirmed and walked out of the study in anger. His father continued to shout at him, but he didn't listen.
For the past 18 years, he had been living a controlled life. Now, he wanted to be free and do everything, which he always hesitated to do. About getting the rank 1 in CSAT, he would work hard and achieve that rank at any cost.
Arriving at his room, he slammed the door hard and leaned his back against it. He closed his eyes for a moment, and then he headed to his study desk. He was about to start his studies when his phone pinged. He checked it and saw the message was from Kim Min Jun.
'Why aren't you asleep?' A message came from Min Jun.
'Reply.'
Hyun Soo began typing and sent a message— 'Goodnight'.
Kim Min Jun promptly sat up to see the message. "A goodnight?" He murmured and wondered if everything was fine with Hyun Soo. He wanted to check on him, but he couldn't even enter the mansion.
The message made him think that Hyun Soo was in trouble. He hadn't forgotten how his cheek was red. Did his father again scold him? All of this made Min Jun feel restless.
Bringing his feet to the floor, he wore slippers and decided to check on Hyun Soo. As he opened the door quietly, he walked out without disturbing his mother's sleep, who was in the other room.
Once he left the servants' quarters, he went straight to the side of the mansion, where Hyun Soo's room was located. Fortunately, it was on the second floor, and he had an easy climb there using the staircase, which was present in a storeroom in the backyard.
Landing on the balcony safely, Min Jun found out that the balcony was covered with curtains and he couldn't see the other side. Taking his phone out, he typed, 'Open the door of your balcony,' and sent the message.
Hyun Soo checked it and wondered what could be there. Setting the phone on his desk, he pushed away the curtains. He had kept his head low and the moment he slid the glass door, his eyes widened to see Min Jun before him.
"How did you—" Hyun Soo couldn't finish off as he noticed the end of the staircase reaching the balustrade a little. Hyun Soo pulled Min Jun inside the room and closed the door behind them. "Why are you here?" he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and concern.
"To see you. You abruptly said goodnight," Min Jun replied, his eyes wandering to the desk illuminated by the table lamp. He noticed the stacks of books and papers.
"Go before someone catches you. You've sneaked into my room like a thief!" Hyun Soo exclaimed, his tone stern but his eyes betraying a hint of amusement.
"Wrong! This is a way to meet your girlfriend," Min Jun said with a playful smirk.
Hyun Soo raised an eyebrow, clearly baffled. "I'm not your girlfriend!" he retorted, sounding more annoyed than amused.
"I know. You are my boyfriend," Min Jun corrected with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Hyun Soo's heart skipped a beat. 'Did he call me his boyfriend? No, that can't be true. Why is he playing with my heart like this?' he wondered, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over him.
"Why are you blushing?" Min Jun asked, stepping further into the room. He sat on the soft mattress, ignoring Hyun Soo's protests.
Hyun Soo quickly touched his cheek, trying to compose himself. "It's hot here. That's why," he said, attempting to sound nonchalant.
"I couldn't sleep. I think I should sleep here. This mattress is soft," Min Jun stated, running his hand over the surface. For a long time, he had suppressed his feelings, but now he was determined to express them openly and win Hyun Soo's heart.
Hyun Soo watched him, torn between the fear of getting caught and the fluttering feelings in his heart. "You can't just stay here," he insisted, though his resolve was weakening under Min Jun's gaze.
Hyun Soo rushed to the bed and grabbed Min Jun's arm. "Min Min, leave before Dad sees you here. You know how strict he is!" he urged, desperately trying to pull him off the bed. But Min Jun's strong physique made his efforts seem futile.
The next second, something very unexpected happened.
Park Hyun Soo lost his balance and toppled onto Kim Min Jun, his lips brushing against Min Jun's cheek.