Ryu Brothers

AINA

She's dressed like a Goddess. A beautiful lavender dress, shimmering under the dim light. Her neck is sealed with a diamond necklace, suiting her perfectly.

This girl is openly targeting me, an ordinary guest in everyone's eyes, not bothered about the host, which means she's someone important to the Ryu family.

Her hair is dark and silky, falling to her waist like ocean waves, and her eyes resemble a cat, slightly green and pointed.

"Answer my question. Who the hell are you?" She clutches my left arm, inserting her sharp red nails into my skin.

Suddenly, a wave of shock washes over the crowd, and whispers echo through the walls.

They're here.

I didn't know the five Ryu brothers were attending the party.

All of them are so gorgeous.

Mr. Ryu is lucky to be blessed with such handsome nephews. I wonder which one of them is going to inherit the family business?

The girl quickly releases my arm, taking a step back. As she turns around, a soft smile glints on her plump lips.

Everyone is focused on them.

The resonant sound of polished boots striking the marble floor creates a symphony of footsteps, each resonating in perfect harmony. Under the dazzling lights, five imposing figures emerge, clad in tailored black suits that exude elegance and power. Their presence is majestic, a palpable force that seems to dim the very brightness around them. As they move ahead, approaching the drink counter, the crowd stands in awe, captivated by an enchanting aura that surrounds them like an invisible cloak. Whispers ripple through the audience, a mixture of admiration and reverence, as they gaze upon these five brothers with cold demeanor.

The brother in the front of the group casually plunges his hands into the deep pockets of his black pants. As he strides past me, I catch a glimpse of his confident demeanor. The other brothers behind him mirror his movements almost instinctively, trailing closely in their wake, each of them holding an unapproachable attitude. They sweep by, effectively disregarding my presence as though I were an invisible part of the bustling scene.

I find myself fixated on the group, studying each of them closely, but then the fourth one locks eyes with me. He is slightly taller than the rest, exuding an air of aloofness that sets him apart. His piercing blue eyes seem almost unnatural, like glacial shards that reflect an icy intensity, sending a shiver down my spine. There's a chill in the air that matches his demeanor, and I can't help but feel a magnetic pull, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension that holds me captive in that moment.

His gaze is so intense that it feels like he can see right through me. As he slowly crosses me, his gaze swiftly switches to the front.

A breath slips free of my lips.

The girl once again grabs everyone's attention, slamming me with doubtful comments. Now, the five brothers are witnessing it, too, standing at the drinks counter.

"So are you leaving on your own or should I call the guards for you?" She raises her voice, flexing her position.

Without a warning, she grabs my wrist and aggressively drags me to the drinks counter.

"Oppa, she is an intruder." Her voice softens before the one standing on her right, holding a whiskey in his hand.

Each of them fixes their eyes on me, their stares heavy and scrutinizing as if trying to penetrate my thoughts. The weight of their suspicions feels like a tangible pressure, as the one in the middle leans in closer, his gaze pressing down on my shoulders in an unsettling mix of restraint and accusation.

I can sense the unspoken questions hanging in the air, thickening the atmosphere with tension. Each gaze holds a lingering doubt that leaves me feeling exposed.

The crowd is watching us.

"I am not an intruder." My lips answer.

"Your name?" He questions in his deep voice.

The whispers once again fills the hall, hinting the Ryu family has arrived. The attention smoothly shifts to Heeseok Ryu as he steps inside and stands under the grand chandelier. Shortly after him, Wooseok Ryu enters with his wife, Woong Ryu. They are the birth parents of the five Ryu brothers.

In the end, Grandma Myujin arrives with her trusted personal nurse, Juhi.

Everyone is here except for Sera's mother.

There's a small stage on the left side, decorated with flowers and scented candles. Heeseok Ryu gets on the stage and stands before the long microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all for coming tonight."

"The Ryu family recently lost a daughter. We never expected that tragedy. Sera was our favorite child, a lovely girl."

His lies are dipped into perfection, written and practiced many times.

"Though we lost one daughter, we decided to let go of the past and welcome our elder daughter back to the household."

His words startle the crowd.

Hana Ryu is the elder daughter, right?

Didn't she set fire to the maids' quarters?

I heard she's crazy.

Why are they bringing her back?

What if she does something bad again?

"My daughter has lived her childhood in the Safe Home orphanage. She is no longer her previous self. She's changed and has turned into a beautiful woman."

Who is she?

Is she coming late?

How does she look?

"Hana, my daughter, come to the stage."

The crowd starts exchanging glances with each other, searching for her presence, and some are even scanning the corners.

I turn my head to the girl beside me.

"You asked for my identity, right?"

She furrows her brows, while my brothers remain calm in confusion.

"Hana Ryu is the name."

Her eyes go wide.

Passing them a quick glance, I turn around and make my way to the stage. The sharp click of my heels against the polished marble floor creates a melody that echoes throughout the silent hall. The vibrant lights cascade over me, illuminating my presence.