Chapter 2: Chapter 2
The man had greeted EunJung's mother with a peck on the cheek which had caused a frown to settle on EunJung's feature and for some reason, she felt hatred bubble up inside her. Perhaps it was because she again saw the same spark from earlier within her mother's eyes. The man turned towards her after greeting her mother causing the girl to pull on an uneasy smile.
"You must be, EunJung. I've heard so much about you." He greeted the said girl in a side hug.
Discomfort kicked in and EunJung could only think to pull away from the strange man. However, not wanting to upset her mother she didn't push the man off her and pulled on a smile which she had learned to perfect after her father's death.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." EunJung awkwardly pushed out a greeting, wanting to get out of the hug as soon as she could.
"You can call me Mr. Kim, for now." The man said.
He finally released EunJung from the hug and beckoned EunJung and her mother to follow him inside. He led them both to the living room, which began with a vast opening from the main door. The walls adorned a creamy white just like the exterior. Large royal blue couches aligned the room. They were set perfectly in a square formation with enough space for one to pass through and still be earshot away from the conversation. In the middle of the couches was a large glass coffee table.
Taking a seat, EunJung continued to take in her surroundings. A little further away from the couches was a large staircase. It had a dark oak shade that complimented the creamy white walls. There was also a large door frame leading to what EunJung supposed was the dining room, from what could be seen from the partially open door.
A set of footsteps caught EunJung's attention and her head snapped towards the staircase just in time to see seven devilishly handsome boys appear. EunJung found herself sinking back as their sharp features along with the dark aura that they carried screamed power.
Seemingly EunJung missed part of what Mr. Kim said and only found herself catching the words "These are my sons. Boys introduce yourselves."
In an instant the aura dropped not completely but enough to not be intimidating.
"Hello! I'm James. I'm 22. I'm the eldest and most handsome. It's nice to meet someone equally as beautiful around here." The boy with broad shoulders said, earning an eye roll from three of the other boys. EunJung just nodded in greeting. It didn't go unnoticed by her that her mother seemed as if she already knew that.
"I'm Noah. Second oldest. I'm James' twin. Nice to meet you, kitten." The pale skinned boy said, flashing a gummy smile.
"I'm Jay. I'm 21 years old. Pleasure to meet you, sunshine." Another boy greeted EunJung. His aura seemed to be radiating joy which made a smile subconsciously appear upon EunJung's face as well.
"I'm Mason. I'm Jay's twin. I'm the smartest of the group. Nice to meet you." The tallest amongst the boys said. He flashed a dimpled smile.
"I'm Caleb. I'm 20 years old. Nice to finally meet you." The shortest one greeted EunJung. He seemed to radiate a sense of security and warmth.
"I'm Jack but you can call me Tae. I'm Caleb's twin. I'll make sure you have a wonderful time here." Another boy said, flashing a boxy smile. His eyes shone with mischief.
"I'm Justin, the youngest. Nice to meet you." The only remaining boy smiled shyly showing adorable bunny teeth.
Silence settled in as soon as the boys were done speaking. "Sweetie don't be rude and introduce yourself." EunJung's mother stated.
"Hello! I'm EunJung Lee. It's a pleasure to meet you all." EunJung smiled despite her irritation.
Upon the completion of the brief introduction everyone began talking amongst themselves. Well mostly EunJung's mother and Mr. Kim. EunJung didn't dare talk to the boys. The aura they carried was enough to freak her out, but it seemed the boys had a different plan. Every once in a while they'd start a conversation with her but she would make her answer short and blunt, not wanting to engage with them in any sort of way.
Time flew by and EunJung's eyes widened when she realised the time.
"Mom, can I be excused for the evening?" She asked, getting up to leave.
"Why? Do you have something more important then this?" Her mother asked with a raised eye brow.
"I have a project due tomorrow and my partner and I planned to complete it tonight." EunJung spoke. That was however not true. She planned on meeting up with Chris for a small while before hanging out with his friend group, whom EunJung was friends with as well.
"You can leave after dinner, EunJung'" Mr. Kim chirped in.
"But-." Eun-Jung was cut off.
"No 'but's." Her mom stated sternly. EunJung huffed out a breath and sat back down. She noticed the boys staring at her with amusement.
"Why'd you lie?" Caleb whispered, who had been sitting beside her. Irritation shot through EunJung.
Was it that easy to see through her lie, She thought.
"None of your business." EunJung glared.
"I wouldn't hang on to that attitude if I were you." He retorted coldly.
"Or what?" EunJung scoffed and raised an eyebrow but instantly regretted it when she received a cold look from Caleb, being reminded of the dark aura they carried.
He offered a charming smile and retorted, "You'll see after dinner."
A smirk lingered on his lips making EunJung uneasy and restless.
It was finally time for dinner. Everyone had made their way to the dining room and the assortment of food that was set was mouthwatering.
Mr. Kim and EunJung's mother sat next to each other with Caleb, Jay and Jack whilst EunJung sat opposite them between Noah and Justin, with Mason and James sitting next to Justin.
Everyone ate in comfortable silence which later broke as EunJung's phone rang. Upon seeing the familiar number, she quickly excused herself and made her way to the living room.
Ensuring that no one followed her or could eavesdrop, she answered the call only to hear the panic in Chrisopher's usually warm voice.
"Where the hell are you?" He shouted in panic and worry, making the said girl pull her phone away from her ears for a brief moment.
"Something came up. I wanted to text you to let you know but my mom wasn't having it. We can meet up in an hour." EunJung responded, trying to assure him that she was fine. She heard a sigh from the other end. One filled with relief rather than heavy built up emotions.
"Actually my dad wants me to help him with some work in a while so I'll just see you at school tomorrow." He said softly.
EunJung hummed, unable to hide her disappointment. "See you then." She hung up.
Heading back to the dining room, EunJung found herself meeting a number of curious eyes.
"Who was that?" Her mother asked.
"My partner. He just wanted to let me know that we couldn't meet up." EunJung lied between her teeth again, earning only a nod from her mother.
She sat down only to have Justin ask the same question Caleb had, when she had been caught lying earlier.
"None of your business." She hissed once again through gritted teeth.
What is it with these guys? Can't they keep their noses out of others business? They really think they have the right to know anything at all, EunJung thought, irritation flooding her veins.
The dinner was eaten in complete silence. Besides the occasional clattering of utensils and silverware, there lay a thick heavy silence that felt almost suffocating. Alas the silence was soon broken by EunJung's mother.
"EunJung, I have something important to discuss." Her voice, gentle and hesitant. "You're probably curious as to why we're staying here? And who Mr. Kim, is towards our family?"
Though the hesitation was evident, her mother still continued to talk, "Mr. Kim is now legally your guardian and father."
Confused, EunJung cocked an eyebrow. She can't be serious, can she?, EunJung thought.
"You're joking." EunJung deadpanned. A threat lingering in her statement.
Silence enveloped the room.
"There's no way, anyone in their right mind, would abruptly marry someone. You didn't even find it important to inform me before such a decision. One that you're aware of would affect my life as much as yours." EunJung spat furiously.
Her mother began to speak again, "I'm sorry EunJung but Mr. Kim has been for a couple weeks now."
EunJung felt her anger rise further, blocking her senses, it radiated off in fumes. Million thoughts swirled in her mind. Each igniting more flames. She bawled her fists in order to help restrain herself. The world around her slowed down. Her breathing became shallow. She wanted to yell and shout but no words would leave her throat as if an invisible force forbade her to speak.
Another moment passed in silence. The deafening silence could merely cause one to choke on nothing but air.
"EunJung?" Her mothers concerned voice filled her ears.
She sighed and let out a bitter laugh, "Well, what do you want me to say? You made this decision already. On your own, may I add, so why tell me now? What were you expecting me to say? That I'm happy for you? That I'm overjoyed that you managed to move on from my dad while I haven't? Did you expect to hear that I respect your decision? Because if you did, you would know that it would all just be a sugar coated lie."
EunJung felt her eyes sting from anger and hurt but she wouldn't dare shed a tear. She hated being vulnerable.
Wait! Holy frick these guys are gonna be my step brothers!! Hell nah. Did they know though? Ofcourse they did. The lack of emotions expressed at the news is more then enough proof of that, EunJung thought.
A thought occurred and EunJung glanced at her so-called stepbrothers. Her eyes locked with Caleb's. His eyes were soft and caring unlike the hauty attitude he carried earlier.
Jay was no longer beaming, his expression held something akin to sadness. She quickly averted her gaze and was met with Jack's eyes. His eyes no longer held the mischief they once held but instead were warm and soft.
Her eyes met James, who too had a soft expression.
Noah seemed unfazed but there was a hint of an emotion that EunJung couldn't put her finger on.
Her eyes were then met by Mason, who held the same expressions as the others.
The concerned and rather unfazed expressions that the seven carried, confirmed her suspicion. Of course they knew about this. Caleb's earlier statement also made so much more sense all of a sudden.
Not trusting her voice anymore EunJung quietly stormed out of the house ignoring her mother and her so-called stepfather and stepbrother's.
Her thoughts began to swirl around the fact that her life was nothing but a complete mess. As soon as she was out of the house EunJung brought out her phone and scrolled through the contacts until she found a particular number she had been searching for.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone