The auction was held in a separate area. In contrast to the sparkling, white ballroom, the room was mysterious and murky. Mahogany wood outlined the walls and staircase giving off a vintage feel. The dark brown walls contrasted against the red velvet curtains, seat cushions, and wallpaper accents.The floors were divided into two section; the half near the stage was for the less important individuals. After walking up some stairs, the top floor was where the rich ones would sit. The only people allowed to walk in this area were the workers, the four prestigious families: Song, Ki, Jang, and Moon, and finally, Yoona and Minhyun.
The seats they were given were right in the middle of the top floor, having the best view of the stage. Their couch were specified to their status, gold outlining covering their throne.
Yoona felt very awkward in this position. All around her, the most top individuals were present. Every single group in this room was mentioned in her business lectures. As the most prestigious families in Korea, there was not one person who hadn"t heard their names.
While sitting down, Yoona could feel the heat from Minhyun"s body. After that almost kiss, something between them changed. The both of them were fully aware of their feelings and how the other felt. Right now, the most important thing was timing.
"Let me in!"
A high-pitched voice interrupted her thoughts. After their strange encounter before, Yoona knew exactly who it was.
Ji-ho had a piece of croissant in his hand as he tried to rush through the security guards. However, they were firm to not allow him in. Even though Ji-ho had the entry ticket to the gala, there was no way he could enter the second floor. There was a limit to his hacking powers. He was simply not a well-known individual. Only the best could stand on this floor.
His small body was covered by the large security guards and so he jumped up and down frantically to find his companions.
When his eyes met Yoona"s, he sent her a large wave. "Yoona! My love! Help me get inside!"
A buff guard grabbed his arm. Acting this way in front of high-profile guests was not appropriate. Before, they just didn"t let him in but now they were about to kick him out of the auction room itself.
Minhyun watched the scene unfold, however, he did not make a sound. A feeling of satisfaction arose in his chest. This was what that little brat deserved for being rude.
Ji-ho squirmed in his grasps. "Let me go! If you don"t, i"ll have my best friend Chae Minhyun kick your a.s.s!"
When the guards realized that this little boy was the same person who hugged Chae Minhyun before, they all backed away. Fear filled their minds. From what they could see during the event, it was clear that the two were close. If the boy"s words were true, then they would be in immense trouble!
Ji-ho let out a proud smile. Carrying the croissant now in his mouth, he placed his hands on his waist and stuck his chest out.
He walked towards the couple with confident strides. He took out the bread out of his mouth and saluted. "Howdy folks. I have come back to your midst."
Minhyun didn"t budge from his seat. "Go away."
Ji-ho pouted like a small kitten. His round eyes oozing with cuteness. "But you love me."
Minhyun lifted his hand, ready to snap his fingers for the security guards to come.
Jumping in his spot, Ji-ho quickly shook his hands. "I was joking! You hate me! Yes, you despise me so much. Okay? Happy?"
Minhyun stared for a while before slowly lowering his hand. "What do you need?"
After hearing this question, the smile on Ji-ho"s face changed. A mischievous glint fired in his gaze. Unlike his usual joking self, the determination and seriousness in his mind was evident.
He leaned in to whisper to the two. It would be troubling if anyone else heard their words. "I have very important information about this auction and its partic.i.p.ants. You"d want to hear it during the whole show."
Minhyun weighed the pros and cons. After seeing the expression on the white-haired boy"s face, he had a feeling that this would be very important to hear. However, did he really want this child sitting with them? He just wanted to be with Yoona.
"Okay, you can sit down." If the information was not enough to compensate for his presence, Minhyun was sure to kick him out later.
The childish boy was back. He pointed to the small s.p.a.ce in between Yoona and Minhyun. "Okay! Scoot over, I want to sit right in the middle of my two favorite people."
Minhyun blocked Ji-ho from coming in using his arm. "Don"t you dare."
Ji-ho pouted and crossed his arms., before sending a cute smile towards Yoona. "Fine. Then i"ll sit beside the beautiful Yoona."
"Sit. Beside. Me."
It was not a suggestion but an order. The slight growl in his voice showed that his patience was to its limits. Ji-ho let out a nervous giggle before carefully scooting himself to Minhyun"s left side. "Okay fine. I guess you are okay too. It"s just that I don"t want you guys to be lovey-dovey while my single b.u.t.t is beside of you guys. I saw that almost kiss you know."
Minhyun grit his teeth. "Shut up and sit down."
Ji-ho plopped himself right beside Minhyun. Since he finished his food, his hands were laced together on his lap and his legs swung up and down. With an innocent expression, he a.n.a.lyzed all the people in the room. Remembering their faces one by one.
While Ji-ho was minding his business for once, n.o.body noticed the strange expression on Minhyun"s face. He placed his hand in front of the lower half of his face, trying to hide the slight blush arising on his cheeks.
Due to his quick thinking, he was glad that n.o.body noticed the true thoughts in his mind due, but the actions he committed before really bothered him. The truth was, was that Minhyun was too nervous to lean in. He backed out.
What Yoona saw in him was the smooth man who was able to make her swoon, yet in his heart, he was the one going crazy. The moment he felt her breath against his skin, he couldn"t help but avoid and lean towards her ear instead. His heart was going to explode. It was too much.
f.u.c.k. What was he? Ten? Why did he do such a thing?
Another very important fact was that he could tell that Yoona was prepared to kiss him back. She was willing. Although the girl was usually shy, in this moment, she was more ready than him. The decisive moment. Yet, he screwed it all up because of this stupid heart of his!
Ji-ho eyed the CEO beside of him. Then a giggly smile appeared on his face. A sudden realization came to him.
It couldn"t be...
He leaned in towards Minhyun"s ear. "It"s okay. Next time you"ll have the courage to kiss her. I mean, Yoona is bound to be my girl but I"ll cheer for you."
If it wasn"t for the fact that Ji-ho would be useful during the auction, Minhyun would"ve definitely kicked him out of the entire gala.
He grit his teeth. G.o.d. So annoying.
Why out of all the people in this world, did this little twerp have to find out?!?