Chapter 60: Second thoughts
While Ye-jin was busy contemplating how she should neutralise the sudden situation between the young president and her good friend, Ray had already landed in Shanghai. He was on way to their accommodations for the time being with their team.
Among all the hustle and bustle he noticed Kai being anxious about something. It was rare for his friend to show worried side since he was usually pretty easy going. It naturally caught Ray's interest. Leaving behind the troublesome trio he marched over to Kai. He put a hand over the man's shoulder.
Ray: what's bothering you?
Kai: (shaking his head) n-nothing. I am just trying to call back home.
Ray: Is everything all right back home? It's unlike you to be this uneasy over little stuff.
Kai: (nodding) yes absolutely. Everything's fine. I am not at all anxious.
Ray didn't believe the crap coming out from Kai's mouth for a single second. His vigorous denial of his concern itself was the clear indication of his lie. Ray could only shake his head chuckling under his breath. Guys weren't like girls if the other person wished to talk then they would.
It was clear as day that Kai was up to something and hiding it from all of them.
Ray didn't think about it anymore.
His doubts were confirmed when Kai went out on his own early in the morning- so early that even the sun himself was still snoring- almost immediately after reaching their hotel. And his excuse was to have a stroll in the fresh morning air. The guys all scoffed internally at the missing wits of their leader while lying but chose not to comment on it. The fellow was already agitated to the point of having a breakdown.
After Kai left, the remaining guys went back to their own devices. They had a rehearsal the same day- after the sun was up- and needed to preserve their energy.
***
Back to where Ye-jin was stuck between the new couple, the atmosphere had turned awkward with neither of them willing to back down.
Ye-jin: (clearing her throat) h-hello Mr Wang. I am Park Ye-jin, nice to meet you.
Aera was miffed but she held it in for the sake of her friend.
What did this guy think of her? Just because they were engaged by their familied didn't mean he was allowed to have a say in whatever she did! He was clearly stalking her and didn't have an ounce of guilt about the same. Aera started to have second thoughts about going through this arranged decision. If she were to marry this man then there won't be any 'identity' left for her. She felt the relationship suffocating her before it even began.
On the other hand, Wang Xin couldn't understand why he was behaving this way either. Normally he was a very laid back person with a pleasant personality but when it came to this woman he couldn't help have the desire to completely possess her no matter how uncomfortable he was making her. He clearly understood that he was walking down a path which was clearly destructive for them both and he needed an urgent change. Luckily, Ye-jin distracted him from his thoughts for the time being.
Xin: (smiling gratefully) nice to meet you too Miss Ye-jin. Hope you don't mind me imposing on your little party.
Ye-jin: (shaking her head) no, it's alright. Sadly you were a little late. We were almost finished and planning to crash at my parents' place tonight.
Of course, that was a lie. They had just eaten half of the starters. Ye-jin was trying to create an opportunity for Aera to escape the man for that night. She could tell that Aera's appetite was ruined since this guy showed up. Xin knew it too. He felt a little guilty for behaving like an autocratic ass at that moment.
Aera: (standing up) that's right. Ye-jin let's leave.
A flicker of hurt passed in the man's eyes and wasn't missed by Ye-jin. She couldn't intervene more as this was something the involved parties had to solve on their own.
Xin: I'll drop you ladies off then.
Aera: (sharply) no! We'll hire a cab.
Although she was overreacting a little, she needed time to sort out her sudden jumbled mind and that wasn't going to happen if she stayed around this person. Xin wanted to protest but Ye-jin warned him- with her eyes- to let the matter rest for the time being. Thus, he shut his mouth and quietly watched as the women hired a cab and left.
***
Following morning, in Shanghai, it was a gorgeous day with clear blue sky and every other good thing associated with a good day. The guys- Timo, Ray, Mui and Vic all gathered in the lobby to head to their concert venue according to their schedule. They were amused when they didn't find their leader with them.
Vic: did Kai fall asleep on some footpath while out on his morning stroll?
Mui: you know there is a probability of that happening given how he hasn't slept since he came back from his short break?
Timo: (rubbing his chin) so you're saying that something might have happened during the break?
Ray: (rolling his eyes) cut it out you three. If it's something crucial he'll tell us eventually.
Mui: (nodding) we aren't plotting anything. We're only trying to guess what our leader is up to.
Their conversation was cut short when their manager came out to inform that Kai was going to join them directly after lunch.
Vic: (curiously) manager, did he come back from his walk?
Manager: (nodding) he did and after he freshened up he went out again.
Ray: come on then. We've got a long day ahead of us. Let's gang up on him after the concert.
Timo: (smirking) now that's more like you Ray. I already love the idea of 'ganging up'.
Mui: (frowning in distaste) I am not joining you guys. You'll eventually get me beaten up.
Vic: I am with Mui in this. We'll be watching from the sides this time.
The guys leisurely discussed their plans to get their leader to spill the beans but they were unaware of the shock their leader had planned to spring on them that afternoon.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 Kai is being a tease for the guys.
Chapter 61: Engaged?
The guys all arrived at the concert venue and decided to wait for Kai in the room backstage. It hadn't even been thirty minutes after their arrival when the door of the room clicked open. Kai entered the room with an exceptionally happy face. His grin was stretched wider than his shoulders. That wasn't all but he was followed by a woman.
The members all zeroed in on this one point. Kai had brought a woman with him. That was shocking on its own. Although they knew he was a straight fellow, reading too many articles about how he was homosexual and dating Ray had slightly affected the troublesome trio's thought process.
Moreover, they couldn't get past the fact that the man and woman were holding hands. It was not a simple hold but the intimate ten-finger clasp. An alarm went off in the guys' heads. They could roughly guess what the scenario was and also imagine various ways to pull their leader's leg. Their exciting thoughts were interrupted by Kai's question.
Kai: did you guys wait long?
Mui: (looking at their entwined hands and back up at their faces) No. We came here moments before you did.
Ray: (not beating around the bush) Who is the lady with you Kai?
Kai: ah! (Pulling her to the front) this is Yoo Min-Soe.
Mel: (bowing to them) hello everyone!
Timo: (smirking) so are you two dating?
Kai: (shrugging) in a way, yes we are.
Vic: (loudly as if in shock) Oh no! It can't be!
Ray: (perplexed) what?
Vic: (more loudly) Kai! bro! When did this happen? Why didn't you tell us all?!
Timo: (bewildered) tell us what?
Vic: (exasperated) Can't you see the ring on her finger?
Ray: (wide-eyed) is that?! (Recognizing the ring) You told me you were looking rings for your Mom!
Mui: Awesome! When were you going to tell us?
Kai: (putting his hands up to stop them) will you let me speak? I wanted to surprise you all. Ray, Sorry! I couldn't tell you and spoil the surprise when you came with me while we went looking for the ring. Everyone let me introduce you to my fiancé, Yoo Min-Soe.
Timo: f-fiancé?!
Ray: (choking on his spit) w-what?
Mui: Oh god! Oh no!
Vic: h-how?
Kai didn't answer them but instead, he was rejoicing internally to have caught them all off guard.
Kai: (in Mel's ear) this is better than what I pictured.
Mel: (controlling her breathing at his sudden closeness) mm-hmm.
Kai put his arm around her waist and lightly kissed her ear lobe before pulling away smiling at the small shiver that passed through her body. He could see that her cheeks had heated up and she was overwhelmed by their proximity and she was trying hard to get her mind back to work. He was pleased to know that he had such an effect on her.
The guys all lowered their eyes at the sudden PDA. Also, the lady was their future sis-in-law. It didn't sit well with them to gawk at the couple's affectionate exchanges shamelessly.
They were all single dogs and took pride in the same. Although some of them were in several on and off relationships. How could their little hearts handle it when their trusted leader went ahead and declared that he was already engaged! This was betrayal!
Timo: (sitting heavily back on the couch) wow! I m-mean h-how?
Kai: (sitting opposite to Timo and pulling Mel to sit with him) it all just happened too fast.
Ray didn't believe that Kai was in his right mind ever since he announced this engagement. Then something clicked in his head.
Ray: (glaring) Kai tell us the truth, you got her pregnant didn't you?
Mel's spit went down the wrong tube at Ray's accusation. She started to cough and turned red in embarrassment. Kai was a completely different story, he was glaring at Ray and at the same time rubbing soothing circles on Mel's back.
Kai: (sneering) real mature Ray.
Ray: Huh? what?! You always wanted kids and you come here with the big news. What should we think?
Mui: (defensive) don't pull us in with you! It isn't 'we' but only 'you'.
Ray glared at the guy obviously displeased. Now wasn't the moment for them to be divided!
Mel: (still red in the face) I am not pregnant!
Vic: (handing her a glass of water) Min-Soe, Drink some water.
Mel: (gladly accepting) Thank you, Vic.
Kai: (concerned) you feeling ok?
Mel: (nodding) yes. I was surprised that's all.
Mui: (looking at the couple still in confusion) so how did this happen?
Kai: we met each other about a fortnight ago through our parents and I made it official by proposing to her today.
Mui: arranged marriage?! Whoa! This is unbelievable!!
Timo: (wide-eyed) are you both sure about it?
Kai and Mel both turned to look at each other to the big brother's question. Were they sure? No, they weren't but they were willing to give it their all. They were already aware that they had unmistakable chemistry between them.
The guys could once again only look down in embarrassment at the sudden warmth filled atmosphere. Seriously! What was it with today? Kai was engaged! His gaze was tender and they were all force-fed with loads of PDA!
Kai: (still looking into her eyes) I guess we'll be fine.
There goes that tender voice and gaze again! Ray was trying very hard not to roll his eye. Timo was controlling his urge to not curse loudly. Mui and Vic were almost scarred by their gentle leader.
They could only hope that he would revert back to his old self when he was around them- sans Mel. Kai like this was more scary and unbearable to these saint-like single men.
Ray: (in a serious tone) we can all see that Kai but this is marriage, not some game.
Vic: (being the voice of wisest man) I think we should trust him about this. I mean he has taken quite good decisions every time.
Timo: (shaking his head) don't mention his love life. It's a total mess.
Mui: (chipping in his two cents) I agree with Vic here. I believe in Kai and sister-in-law sure is beautiful.
Mel: thank you, Mui.
After the usual serious talks were out of the way, the guys didn't dwell on them anymore. They knew Kai. He was a good man and he seemed to be happy with Mel so all they could now do was to wish the couple.
Ray: (smiling) well! I am happy for you guys. Welcome to the family Min-Soe. Take good care of our weird brother and we'll be looking forward to getting to know you better.
Mel: (smiling) thank you Ray and I'll make sure to keep him in on his toes always.
Timo: (laughing) sis-in-law sure is witty, you are lucky to have found her Kai.
Kai: Hey! I brought her here so that you could all meet her, not for all of you to team up against me.
Timo: (winking at her) that's given.
Mel giggled at Timo's wink which made Kai burn in a sudden rush of anger.
Kai: Hey bro! Find a woman for yourself and keep your claws off my lady here.
Ray: (rolling his eyes) Min-Soe, come with me, I'll introduce you to everyone around here.
Mel looked at Kai once and seeing him nod in agreement she accepted the hand given by Ray smiling. Both of them left the room leaving behind the eldest and the youngest line to tease the- soon to be- groom.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
Next chapter:
Ray will share the good news with his (future) girl.
and
Ye-jin would be helping Aera to sort things out.
and hopefully, they'll take another step towards each other.
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