Ray

Three hours into my birthday party, I'm surrounded by the same faces I see at every one of these gatherings. It’s not my birthday party – more a showcase for my dad, The Kent Wallace, to flaunt his wealth and status. He invited all his friends and among them, mostly politicians, celebrities, and CEOs, and I neatly divided them into two categories: the "new money" crowd and those with what he calls "blood money." 

I plaster on a fake smile and exchange pleasantries, but inside, I’m waiting. Waiting for her. I don’t even know if she’ll come, but I can’t shake the hope that she might. From the moment I first saw her in the convenience store, she felt mysterious and so Precious. I can feel inside my mind, that it's strange that we didn’t have a very special interaction at least that’s what she thinks but, she doesn’t know the effect of her kind Gesture. I realize afterward that I know her.

I was raised by my Uncle, George Kingston. As one of the members of the Crown society, he raised me as his successor and as his most loyal and strong soldier. That’s what this society does, either you surrender your whole existence to them and pledge your loyalty or Die. I had a little connection with her, as in the past my Uncle had few friends, among them was her father. I didn’t know her but I heard that he had a daughter. When I met her that day, I managed to get all the basic information about her. Lives with her aunt, a high schooler, and often goes to a bookstore to read Dark romance murder mysteries. Oh, I'm impressed by that. The thought gives me a smirk that I can't control.

“Is everything alright honey?” a soft fake voice broke through me. It's my stepmom, or should I say my father’s new whore that surprisingly made it to marriage. I nod immediately. She's trying, I’ll give her that, but it’s hard to bridge the gap between us. Sometimes, it feels like we’re all just playing roles in some twisted family drama.

The party drags on, each minute slower than the last, as I navigate superficial conversations and forced laughter. Will she walk through that door and make everything feel real again? Or will her absence just underline how hollow this charade really is? I’m not sure which outcome I dread more.

I saw the Shin family arriving, but no sign of her. I extend my hand to greet Mr. Shin Dae and endure his relentless attempts to set me up with his daughter. It’s a tiresome routine, but thankfully, his wife—who's far more attractive than their daughter—interrupts, rescuing me from further awkwardness. As Mr. Shin Dae is led away, I turn to Ha Ri, seeking information about the only person I truly want to see at this party.

“Where’s your best friend?” I ask, my tone betraying my desperation.

Ha Ri sighs, doubtful. “I can bet my life she won’t come,” she says, resignation lacing her voice.

“She promised,” I insist, my frustration building.

“Even if she wanted to come, her aunt wouldn’t let her. Trust me, I tried” Ha Ri explains. Anger rises inside me, and for a fleeting moment, I imagine confronting that aunt, maybe even hurting her for standing in the way of my happiness. It's frustrating, I step away from the circus, light a cigarette, and disappear into my own thoughts.

Desperation has always been something I hated, even as a kid, but I've never felt this desperate for anything—or anyone—in my life. I hate being weak. With each drag, my mind drifts to her, the one I crave with a passion that defies reason. Why do sudden changes put your life upside down? I met her for seconds and now I'm desperate to just make her sit in front me and gaze for hours, talk for hours. She’s like the most precious flake of snow, so delicate that I’m terrified of holding on too tight. But a part of me just wanted to love her until she ripped apart.

I take the first pull from the cigarette. Desperate for those strawberry-colored lips.

Second pull. Desperate to be one of those characters, that turns her on.

Third pull. Desperate for… I glanced toward the entrance,and saw a most beautiful creature.

She came!

A rush of emotion floods me as I watch her walk in, wearing a stunning blue dress, her hair half-up, half-down, with a bouquet in hand. I lean back against the wall, a smile tugging at my lips. I leave all the worries of the world behind and move towards her. As I approached her from behind she flinched and tackled her breath.

“You came,” I breathe.

“I keep my promises,” she replies, glancing around at the party. But my eyes only stay on her. Her eyes are a perfect round.

“I would’ve worn something different if I’d known it was this kind of party,” she says lightly after checking out people at the party. How can such beautiful people be insecure? 

“You look beautiful,” I say, though the words feel woefully inadequate. She barely meets my gaze, and in that moment, I realize how small she seems, yet how strong her presence is to me.

“Sorry for not bringing a gift,” she adds, handing me the bouquet. “So, here.” 

“Who gives flowers to a boy?” I said taking them from her. She scrunches her eyes and smiles.

“What a conservative thing to say” she said.

“Let me introduce you to everyone,” I suggest.

“Um... It’s okay, I’m not good at talking to people,” she admits nervously.

“It’s fine, but people are already watching,” I say casually.

“Oh yeah…Why are they staring by the way?” she asks, confused.

“Because I’m kind of famous here, precious,” I tease, watching her attention.

“What did you call me?” she asks, her face turning red.

“I called you ‘precious,’” I repeat, enjoying her reaction.

“Don’t call me that again. It’s too cheesy,” she says, escaping to talk to Ha Ri. The party continues, and I spot her chatting with Ha Ri, a drink in hand. Meanwhile, I’m stuck making small talk with my dad’s friends.

“So, Ray, any plans for the future besides biking?” Mr. Johnson is the one I turned my attention to, a prominent politician, asks with a smirk. I smile politely, used to these thinly veiled jabs.

“Probably not doing corruption,” I reply casually. He nearly chokes on his drink.

“What do you mean?” he asks, intrigued.

“Oh, nothing,” I say, leaning in. “Just a reminder not to spoil my birthday, and I’ll keep your little secrets safe– elections are coming and the opposition party would be so interested in your family drama if your wife finds out that you are fucking her sister” I give his shoulder a friendly pat and walk away, feeling his embarrassment. Everyone here expects big things from me, especially my dad, who’s facing retirement and health problems. His recent accident left him in a wheelchair, and diabetes has only added to his struggles. We both know these people aren’t true friends—just foes.

I pour myself another drink, scanning the room for her. I look toward Ha Ri, but she’s not around either. My heart beats in a strange way for a second. I rush towards Ha Ri and grab her from the arm, separate from the crowd.

“Where’s April?” I ask her.

“I don’t know. She was here a minute ago,” Ha Ri replies, i went to search for her, the entire garden but she was nowhere to be found. I suggest checking inside, but Ha Ri insists she’ll handle it. Reluctantly, I told her to be available at the party.

My heart pounds as I rush through the mansion. Why am I so afraid? Because I know the kind of people surrounding her right now. Sinful people, unashamed of their cruelty. I reached the second floor and heard her voice coming from the bathroom.

Without hesitation, I burst through the door to find Min Hyuk pinning her. I don’t even think—I slam my fist into his face, sending him crumpling to the floor.

“Ray! It’s you,” he laughs weakly, but I’m already on him again, fist raised, ready to break his jaw.

“Ray, stop! He’ll die!” April’s voice pulls me back.

I release his jaw from my grip, and he coughs up blood. 

“Touch any woman of my bloodline again, and the Parkinsons will lose their only heir.” I warned him for the last time, as I heard about his character alot. 

I took her hand and we left from the back stairs of the mansion. Suddenly April collapses onto the stairs, exhausted. 

“Are you okay?” I asked immediately. She nodded. She’s tired, and so am I. 

"I'm not one of your bloodline though, why did you say that?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

"Hmm... that's something to think about. Well, I can make that happen too," I replied casually, though her laughter suggested she didn't quite buy it. An urge to see all the emotions on her face surged through me brightly.

"Is this a new pick-up line? It's pretty corny though," she teased. I found myself wanting to keep talking to her, to delve deeper into her thoughts and emotions.

She wrapped her arms around herself and gazed up at the sky, revealing a scar under her chin.

"What's that scar?" I inquired, she turned to look at me and touched her scar.

"I dont quite remember but my aunt told me i cut myself when i was 8" she answered, i exhaled a plume of smoke. This is something I didn't know.

"Don’t hurt yourself again" I said in a low voice and her expression shifted slightly but she ignored what i said.

"I should probably get home" she said and i immediately throwed half a cigarette and stood up crushing it under my shoe.

“Come I'll drop you off " I said and she looked up to me. 

“But the party?” she said in a low voice pointing towards the party.

“Don’t worry about the party. Besides, I never intended to stay until the cake-cutting anyway," I assured her, and she regarded me with those wide, bambi-like eyes once again.I knew her mind was racing, so I took her hand and led her to the basement from the lift. Her expression changed when the gates of the basement slid up. She took in the sight of my collection of cars, and looked at me in shock.

As she was checking out, I walked towards my bike and slipped on my jacket. Her innocence stirred something inside me, a desire to kiss her deeply. But I resisted, for now.

“Come here” I called her and she turned around.

“Wait!” she paused “you’re going to drop me off on bike when you have all of these?” As soon as she finished I gently pulled her closer by the waist. She flinched at the sudden contact.

"Yes, because this bike is closer to my heart than these cars," I said and put the helmet on her head, being careful not to mess up her beautiful hair. “And so as you, Precious” I finished and I watched her expressions go blank under the helmet.

"Hop on," I told her, hiding my smile as I gestured to the bike.She eagerly climbed onto the bike, her excitement palpable.

"Now, hold onto me tightly," I instructed, feeling her hands curl tightly around my waist.

"I have," she confirmed, her grip firm.

"Now, promise me you won't scream," I teased, glancing back at her.

"I won't... I want you to go as fast as you can," she replied, sending strange chills down my spine. I turned to look at her, intrigued by her daring request.

"You want me to go fast?" I teased further, earning another one of her annoyed expressions.

"Not in that way, you pervert... now let's go," she retorted, but I could sense the excitement in her voice.I laughed and turned back to the road, realizing that she enjoyed risky activities and didn't appreciate my flirting – at least not outwardly. But I knew she'd probably fantasize about it later.

"Let's go, precious," I teased again, ignoring her protest.

"Hey, I told you not to—" she started, but before she could finish, I hit the road at full speed, feeling her grip tighten around me like a bug.

This, I thought, was turning out to be the best birthday ever.