hwang hyunjin

The muted, warm light of the hanging ceiling bulb reflected off the marble countertop. His hands, with practiced, quick movements, washed the dishes that had accumulated in the sink after yet another dinner with people his mother had invited. He didn't know them, nor did he know the purpose of their visit. This time, it was the Hwang family—distant relatives, wealthy, self-sufficient. Judging by his mother's fussiness, they were also respected in their own circle, perhaps even globally. Their business had stretched well into the nineties and was still running successfully. In a melodious voice that seemed to be their hallmark, they spoke to Mrs. Lee, occasionally breaking into light laughter. Each of them sat up straight, polite in their tone and graceful in their movements. Their clothes were perfectly ironed, without a speck of dust, their hair perfectly styled—and that falseness that even Felix could sense. He disliked his mother's insistence on setting him up with one of her wealthy relatives, regardless of gender or identity. She wasn't trying to sell him, but she was doing everything she could to give herself the chance. He shook the water from his hands, wiping them with a towel and leaning his hips against the edge of the counter, distantly observing the guests seated in the living room. His gaze involuntarily slid to their son, the only child in the family and, therefore, the heir to the family business his mother so admired. Hyunjin was handsome, Felix couldn't argue with that. But looking at him for more than a few seconds already made him feel like he should pay for it. Sighing softly, he picked up the glasses, placing them on the shelves of the sideboard above his head, the crystal occasionally clinking softly. Unpleasant thoughts filled his head with nagging questions. Maybe he should give in to his mother's persuasion, seduce Hyunjin, and live a better life? After all, this isn't the first time he's needed someone's attention. But Hwang Hyunjin isn't that "someone." He's an unassailable block of ice who only knows how to follow his parents' orders.