Cold

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"You're coming too?" I asked Jihoon over the phone call. My parents arrived home a day after I went to Daniel's house. He told me we'll be going to a business party again today. Of course I don't want to come but I don't have ant choice "Yes, relatives keep insisting I should come too." He said in a mild tone.

"Same here, I don't want to go actually. But why do they need you there when you don't want to be involved in their business?" I asked, remembering the time he told me he doesn't want to be a business man just like his uncle nor his father who has passed away. "For publicity I guess, I don't really know." I heard his sigh on the other line.

"Okay then, I'll see you there!" He hummed before ending the call. He still seemed a bit down, I want to cheer him up a bit but I don't know how. I sighed then placed my phone down the table. I stepped inside the shower while I think of something I should wear. I really hate picking dresses for occasions like this. I groaned in frustration and just finished the shower.

Daniel said he might not be able to attend along with his mother and younger brother. His dad and hyung was the only ones who are sure to come. I felt upset at that but I think it's better not to see him since dad will be there. I don't want everything to be more suspicious. Not now when we both confirmed to each other what's this thing between us.

I finally told him what was inside this heart of mine. I know I love him before he even confessed yet I keep denying it to myself. I kept hiding it from him. I finally let out my feelings and I don't know if that was a good or bad idea.

After that confession he told me he won't let me leave without any closure and label between the two of us. So I left their place carrying the title of Kang Daniel's girlfriend. Not that it would go public though. It's still a secret but only for the two of us. I want to tell it to my friends but decided not to. I'll just explain them everything later after I find the courage to tell it to my father first.

My heart still flutters whenever I remember the moment I told Daniel I love him too. He was happy that time and so was I. I was happy that I finally told him what I really felt for him. I wish everything will go smoothly for us.

Although I know it won't. I'm just hoping.

I walked toward my closet after then shower then picked any dress that will do. It was a light pink colored dress that fell just above my ankles. It was tight on the upper body but has a lose skirt so it flows smoothly which I really liked. I blow dried my hair, curled it up a bit then tied it into a half ponytail. I slapped some makeup on myself lightly before picking a pair of heels to match the dress.

After I was done I took my purse and phone before going down the stairs. Mom and dad was already in the car waiting for me. I went inside the vehicle and we drove towards the venue of the party. The ride wasn't long and we got to the place in half an hour. As soon as we stepped outside, flashes of camera and reporters was the first thing that welcomed us.

I tried not to grimace. I can never get used to this. Dad entertained a couple of reporters before deciding to go inside. The only thing I managed to do was smile at the camera and people who were asking things about me taking over the company. I don't even consider it so it's better not to say anything.

I was more relieved when we got inside, finally away from the press. When I was younger I thought only celebrities were the one who get to be interviewed by press but I was wrong. I realized business tycoons also needed publicity. Specially when politicians were involved and invited in such a party.

We settled down in a table close to the stage. My eyes wandered around, I caught Jihoon talking to someone. I excused myself to my parents before walking over him. He saw me approaching so he immediately excused himself. The man he was talking to nodded before leaving.

Jihoon smiled at me and I returned it. "Come on, I'll introduce you to my parents." His eyes widened but he wasn't able to protest when I took his wrist then dragged him towards our table. My father looked up and he was clearly shocked when he saw me with a guy.

"Mom, dad, this is my friend Park Jihoon." I introduced my friend to my parents who were looking at us confusedly. "Jihoon, these are my parents." He bowed and greeted my mom and dad. My mother smiled at him. "Hello, dear. Aren't you a handsome boy?" She chuckled at her own words.

Jihoon was flustered before muttering a 'thank you'. My father stood up and shook hands with him. He invited Jihoon to sit with us for while and have a talk so they settled down. I was about to sit too when my eyes caught a guy standing just a few meters away from our table. Hands on his pocket as he stared at me with cold eyes. My heart leaped when I met Daniel's icy stares.

He was obviously not in a good mood and it scared me. I don't know why but his stares tell something that makes my heart race. I averted my gaze and sat down, I couldn't think properly. Why is he here? I thought he won't be able to come? I checked my phone to see if there was any message but there's none. He didn't even tell me he was coming.

I glanced again to where I saw him but he was gone. I felt relieved yet upset at the same time. Where is he? I sighed then just focused on my father and Jihoon's conversation. I think my father was having fun talking to my friend since he was all smiles. "I won't take over the business, sir. I wanted to be an engineer so I was focusing on that path." Jihoon told honestly.

"That's a shame young man, I think you'd make a good businessman." My father's word was enough to make Jihoon flustered again. "Thank you, sir." He bowed lightly and I smiled at them both before looking around. I saw Daniel's table on the far left side of the stage. He was talking to someone but he glanced at this side for a moment before focusing on the man he was talking to.

The program started with me still deep in thought. I want to go and talk to him but I couldn't. I bit my lip and contemplated whether I should text him or not. I chose the first option and took out my phone. I quickly typed a text for him.

Me: Why didn't you tell me you're coming?

I waited for minutes but I didn't receive any replies. The speech ended already yet he still hasn't texted anything. I've grown frustrated as time passes by. I decided to type another text but his reply came.

Daniel: It was supposed to be a surprise but I didn't know I'll be the one who'll get surprised.

What?

I was confused at his message. I was about to type a reply when I heard my father clear his throat. I sat upright then looked at him. "Dinner's served Saeron, stop texting." I nodded at him before hiding my phone inside my purse. I ate silently but talked to Jihoon from time to time.

Even though I was talking to him I still couldn't concentrate. My mind was wondering about Daniel's text. Is he mad at me? But why?

I finished my food immediately and wiped my lips with the napkin. I excused myself before standing up. I took my purse with me and went to the comfort room. I went inside a cubicle and took my phone out. I tried calling Daniel but he wasn't picking up. I tried sending a text instead asking what he meant by his message. I waited a bit for his reply but nothing came. I groaned impatiently before going outside the cubicle.

I hid my phone and just washed my hands before drying it. I took my lip tint and applied it on my lips. I stared at myself in front of the mirror before sighing. I went outside the comfort room to go back to our table but someone caught my arm.

My breath caught up in my throat when I was dragged in a corner. My back met the wall as I stared into a pair of cold eyes looking back at me. "Daniel.." I called out but he didn't speak. I bit my lip then looked down. "I see Jihoon and your dad's first meeting was good," He said with his deep voice filled with coldness. "Did you finally decide to introduce him first before me?"

"Wha- What are you talking about?" My brows furrowed at his tone specially at his question. "It's not like that Daniel-"

"Then what is it, huh?" He laughed bitterly then took a step closer. "You want me to realize that you can introduce any guy to your father and it's fine as long as it's not me? A Kang?" He spitted the words with bitterness and pain. And his eyes clearly didn't lie, he doesn't like the thought of it.

"That wasn't my intention, Daniel. Why are you being like this?" I asked in confusion, not able to to get his sudden outburst. "Because I hate it when you're with that guy!" I jumped a bit when he raised his voice. "And I hate it more that you introduced him to your dad, that he can be by your side when it's supposed to be my position not his!" His eyes were filled with pain and my heart ached at the sight of it.

"Do you enjoy his presence so much, huh? Do you prefer him by your side when your father's watching? Tell me, Saeron." He took another step closer then held me by my arm.

"Daniel.. It isn't like that. You know our situation, right?" He didn't speak, his mouth set in a grim line.

"I-I'm sorry, I just wanted to introduce Jihoon as a friend. There's nothing wrong with it, right?" I asked, hoping that he'd calm. "I already told you not to come near that guy, Saeron. Why won't you listen to me?" The question came out almost a whisper. I bit my lip, that wasn't easy to do.

"He's my friend Daniel, I hope you understand." I pleaded as I looked at him. His expression darkened as he stared back at me. "Fine then, enjoy your night with that friend." He emphasized the word 'friend'. After that he turned around to leave.

"Daniel, please. Listen to me! Why is it even such a big deal to you? We're just friends." My heart clenched at the sight of his back turned against me. He stopped walking and I saw how his hands balled into fists before he continued walking. I inhaled sharply before shutting my eyes. What is his problem?!

We just started this relationship yet this is what we get?

I calmed myself before walking off. Jihoon was nowhere to be found when I got back. I asked my father where he is and he told me went back to their table. I didn't realised Jihoon ate with us instead with his companions. I looked around and saw him in a table with a few people. After that I spaced out thinking of Daniel.

I still couldn't forget Daniel's words. What did I even do wrong to make him mad? I feel like crying. This isn't what I expected us to be.

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「 author's note 」

It was said that Wanna One will be having a fan meeting here in our country. I HOPE IT ISN'T LEGIT BECAUSE I'M FREAKING BROKE AND I DON'T HAVE ANT SAVINGS YET. I'M EMOTIONALLY, MENTALLY AND FINANCIALLY UNPREPARED I SERIOUSLY WANNA CRY!! 😭😭

But anyway here's chapter 29. I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading.

Pero nyeta hindi talaga ako maka move on. Wag muna ngayon. Parang awa nyo na, wala pa akong pera. T T

- tey