Ruby(Red 2) JC [Revised]

22: Lee Taeyong

"I'm so glad you are here, Han," the old lady said, her eyes brimming with affection.

"Anytime for you, Aunt Lee," Jeonghan replied warmly, returning her embrace.

"Your uncle and I are so happy you finally decided to take over the company; we were rooting for you."

"Eomma, I have been finding you everywhere and you are here."

Mrs. Lee turned back, her smile widening as she spotted the young man behind Jeonghan. His eyes immediately locked onto Jeonghan, taking in his appearance with a hint of surprise. He was almost as tall, with a sharp jawline and his hair slicked back. Undoubtedly handsome, he flashed a charming smile.

"We are meeting after years, Han," the man said, his gaze roaming over Jeonghan's figure.

"Indeed, Tyong," Jeonghan replied, unable to resist teasing him with the childhood nickname he knew Taeyong despised.

"So, you both remember each other; that's nice. You two used to be so fond of each other," Mrs. Lee remarked.

"Now, why don't you two go and grab some drinks? Enjoy the party, boys."

Both Taeyong and Jeonghan nodded, and Jeonghan led the way to the bar, Taeyong following closely behind. As they indulged in a few shots, Jeonghan felt the tension of recent months melting away. Aerum, Seungcheol, Aerin – they had all been weighing on his mind, but now, with them out of the picture, he could finally relax. And what better way to unwind than with a bit of alcohol?

"I must admit, Han, you look different. You have grown prettier," Taeyong remarked, turning to gaze at Jeonghan with a glint of flirtation in his eyes.

"Thank you, Taeyong. And you look more handsome too. You didn't look that good when you came to LA," Jeonghan replied, a hint of sincerity mixed with the alcohol-induced candor.

"I was six then," Taeyong rolled his eyes playfully.

"Yeah, you used to love melons. Remember Aunt Lee used to cut melons for us when I spent my summer vacation days playing at your house," Jeonghan reminisced, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips.

"I remember. You used to be so good at Monopoly. You defeated me every time, and I hated you for being so good at games," Taeyong chuckled.

"I still am," Jeonghan teased.

"You're still that little sassy...," Taeyong paused, his tone softening, "...well, that's what I like about you."

Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat at Taeyong's words. Was he flirting? The thought lingered in his mind, tempting him to reciprocate. But amidst their banter, Taeyong steered the conversation towards more serious matters.

"So, you were a model, right? Then why business all of a sudden?" Taeyong inquired, genuine curiosity lacing his words.

"Well, being a model is burdensome. There's no actual work schedule. Besides, Appa is getting old too. So I just decided, why not this?" Jeonghan explained, a sense of determination shining through his words.

"I'm happy for you, whatever you do suits you, Han," Taeyong replied, his gaze filled with sincerity.

"Technically, we are business rivals now," Jeonghan chuckled, the tension between them momentarily lifted.

Their laughter faded as Taeyong broached a more delicate topic.

"I don't know if I should ask this or not, but...," Taeyong hesitated, his words hanging in the air.

"But I heard you recently got divorced after one month of marriage?" he finally voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind.

Jeonghan sighed heavily, bracing himself to confront the reality he had been avoiding.