THE DINNER PARTY

-DINNER PARTY DAY-

-NO ONE POV-

The evening is alive with excitement. The grand venue, illuminated by elegant lights, exudes opulence, and the red carpet stretches from the driveway to the grand entrance. Reporters, photographers, and guests in their finest attire line the edges of the red carpet. The buzz of anticipation fills the air as murmurs spread through the crowd about the possible arrival of Haruka Charles Auclair, the second young master of the renowned Auclair family, who hasn't been seen at such events for years.

"Do you think he'll actually show up this year? It's been ages since we've seen him at an event like this!" One of the reporters said with an excited face.

"I heard from a reliable source that he's confirmed to attend. It's going to be the highlight of the evening!" Another reporter said, adjusting her microphone.

"This is it! After years of absence, Haruka Charles Auclair is rumoured to attend tonight. The prodigy of the Auclair family has been the centre of speculation for years now!" Again, another reporter joined the crowd.

"That's right, folks. Known for avoiding public events and living a relatively private life, Haruka Charles Auclair's appearance here tonight is monumental. All eyes are on the second young master of the Auclair family!" A new reporter also came to join the crowd, waiting for the person everyone's been talking about to arrive.

Suddenly, the crowd gasps as a sleek black limousine rolls to a stop at the edge of the carpet. A chauffeur steps out, walks to the back, and opens the door. The anticipation is palpable as cameras focus intently on the car door. Haruka steps out first, his signature calm yet intimidating demeanour immediately capturing everyone's attention. He's dressed in a tailored black tuxedo with subtle gold accents, exuding understated elegance. His sharp features and composed expression make him appear untouchable. He briefly adjusts his cufflinks before turning back toward the car.

The cameras flash incessantly as Haruka steps aside, holding out his hand to his younger sister. Hanabi, dressed in a navy blue gown with intricate silver embellishments, her long hair styled in soft waves. She flashes a warm smile at the cameras, exuding confidence and charm. Her soft smile contrasts Haruka's stoic expression, instantly warming the crowd.

"Mr. Auclair, what brought you here tonight after so many years?" One of the reporters asked, leaning toward the barricade and shouting questions.

"Mr. Auclair, is it true that the president personally invited you?" The reporters kept asking questions.

Haruka ignores the questions, his focus on escorting Hanabi up the carpet. His hand rests lightly on her back, guiding her forward. Hanabi, used to the spotlight, offers polite smiles and waves to the cameras, but Haruka keeps his gaze forward, indifferent to the chaos around him.

"Don't look so miserable, onii-chan. At least pretend you're having a good time." Hanabi whispered to Haruka's ear as they walked.

"I wouldn't even be here if the president hadn't reached out to our parents personally. You know that." Haruka replied, his tone dry but quiet enough not to be heard by the reporters.

"True, but you have to admit, all this fuss about you is kind of entertaining. They've practically forgotten I exist." Hanabi said that to Haruka with a chuckle. 

"I didn't ask for this attention." Haruka replied, glancing down at her briefly, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile.

"You never do, but it's what makes it so fun to watch. You're like a mystery they can't solve." Hanabi said, grinning as she waved to a camera.

The siblings continue up the red carpet, the reporters shouting more questions in a desperate attempt to get a reaction out of Haruka. Hanabi occasionally answers questions with polite deflections, her charm keeping the media at bay. Haruka, however, remains silent, his presence commanding enough without a single word.

"Mr. Auclair, is tonight the start of your return to public life?" The reporters called out louder, wanting an answer.

Haruka stops briefly, turning his head slightly toward the reporters, his sharp eyes cutting through the sea of flashing lights. The crowd holds its breath, waiting for him to speak.

"I'm here tonight because it's important. That's all." Haruka replied coolly, his tone measured.

Without another word, he continues walking, leaving the reporters buzzing with speculation. Hanabi hides a small laugh behind her hand as they approach the entrance of the grand venue.

"Look at you, onii-chan. Already giving them just enough to stay hooked. You're a natural at this." Hanabi said, teasing his brother softly as they stepped inside.

"Remind me not to do this again anytime soon." Haruka said while sighing as the doors closed behind them, shutting out the noise of the red carpet.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of the reporters next time. You just keep doing your thing—being mysterious and brooding. It suits you." Hanabi said, smiling brightly as they walked toward the main hall.

As they arrive at the main hall entrance, the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses comes to a halt as the guests begin to notice the siblings entering. 

All eyes turn to Haruka, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. His perfectly tailored black tuxedo, with its subtle gold accents, enhances his refined features. The way he carries himself makes him the centre of attention. Hanabi, standing beside him in her navy blue gown, looks radiant, but it's Haruka who captivates the room.

"Is that Haruka Charles Auclair? He's even more striking than the rumours said." One of the guests whispered to their companion.

"It's been years since he's attended one of these events. I didn't expect he would come tonight." Another guest said, nodding in awe.

Haruka glances around briefly, noticing the attention but remaining indifferent. Beside him, Hanabi smiles politely, clearly enjoying the subtle buzz their arrival has created.

"You're like a magnet, onii-chan. I don't think they've blinked since we walked in." Hanabi said, whispering teasingly to her brother.

"Let's just get this over with." Haruka replied with his tone flat but laced with dry humour.

They begin to walk through the ballroom, the crowd parting subtly to make way for them. Haruka's parents, Charlie and Hanae, stand near the president and his wife, engaged in polite conversation.

"Look who's joined us, your children have arrived." The president said, smiling warmly as he gestured toward Haruka and Hanabi.

Charlie and Hanae turn, their expressions lighting up at the sight of their children. Hanae's face softens with motherly pride as her eyes linger on Haruka, who hasn't been to an event like this in years.

As they reach their parents, Haruka inclines his head slightly in greeting, his voice calm and formal.

"Father, mother, Mr. President. It's good to see you." Haruka greeted them.

"Haruka Charles Auclair. It's an honour to finally have you here tonight. I must say, your presence has caused quite the stir among the guests." The president steps forward, extending his hand to Haruka, his expression warm and welcoming.

"The honour is mine, Mr. President. My parents spoke highly of your invitation. I'm grateful to be here." Haruka said, shaking the president's hand firmly, his tone polite but distant.

"We wouldn't miss it, Mr. President. Especially with our father insisting we come, right, onii-chan?" Hanabi steps in with a cheerful smile, breaking the formality slightly.

The president laughed lightly. "Well, whatever convinced you, I'm glad you're here. I hope you'll enjoy the evening. There's much to celebrate. Mr. Auclair, I would like to introduce you to my second son, but he has not arrived yet. Please enjoy the food first." Mr. President said that to Haruka.

"Well, if you excuse us." With that, Haruka left with Hanabi.

"Onii-chan, I'm going to meet Lauren and Jessica. Would you be okay by yourself?" Hanabi asked, grinning while looking at Haruka.

"What do you think I am? A kid? I'll be alright by myself." Haruka replied with a glare.

"Easy there. I'm just asking, haha. Okay, onii-chan. I'll get going first. Call me if anything happens, okay?" With that, Hanabi left Haruka alone there. Haruka could feel everyone's eyes on him, but he just ignored them, walking around the hall by himself.

//SKIP//

Haruka is standing alone near a quiet corner of the ballroom, away from the crowd. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice rests lightly in his hand.He takes a slow sip, savouring the moment of peace. Suddenly, the tranquillity is shattered as a small group of young men, dressed in sharp designer suits, approaches him with a swagger. They exchange glances before one of them, a tall man with slicked-back hair, speaks first.

"Well, well, if it isn't the elusive Haruka Charles Auclair. The prodigal son returns. Who knew you'd grace us common folk with your presence tonight?" One of them said mockingly.

"Silent as ever, huh? Or maybe you're too good to talk to us now? Come on, we're just here to chat." Another member said, grinning slyly.

"Or maybe he's just hiding behind that reputation of his. You know, Mr. Auclair, not everyone is as impressed by the Auclair name as you think. The Ackerman family name should be more influential than the Auclairs since they are considered the biggest conglomerate family in France." The third person said, chiming in with a smirk.

Haruka finally lowers his glass and turns to face them, his gaze sharp but his voice steady and measured.

"Are you finished?" Haruka asked in an annoyed tone.

The group exchanges amused glances, their smirks growing wider. The first man steps closer, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Oh, we're just getting started. You might be used to people worshipping the ground you walk on, but here? You're just another spoiled rich brat…"

Before he can finish, a calm but authoritative voice interrupts, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Gentlemen, I believe you've had enough fun for one evening. Why don't you move along before you embarrass yourself further?" A man approached the group with an easy stride.

The group turns to see the man standing there. A man with blonde hair and blue eyes whom Haruka didn't seem to recognise who he is. His hands casually in his pockets but his sharp gaze leaving no room for argument.

"Albert Lionel Ackerman. What are you doing here? I heard you've been living in the United Kingdom." The first man hesitated.

"Oh my, didn't you just say my full name just now? Of course I would be here since I'm a member of the most influential family in France, right? You said it yourself. Why wouldn't I be here when a member of an ordinary family like you would be here?" Albert said with a sarcastic voice, smirking, which clearly made the group taken aback.

"You, how dare you say that to me? You think your presence alone is going to scare us off?" The first man said, mockingly.

Albert narrows his eyes, but before he can respond, the air suddenly shifts. A chilling presence washes over the group, and they instinctively tense up.

"What's all this chaos about?"

TO BE CONTINUED!!!