As we relished our meal amidst joyous laughter and lively conversation, Ethan mischievously swiped a morsel from each of the boxes laid before him. Amidst this jovial scene, a figure caught our attention from a distance. Holding her own lunch, she gracefully approached our gathering, her gaze seeming to fixate on us, perhaps particularly on Ethan.
After arriving at our location, she politely inquired, "Do you mind if I join you for the meal?"
Upon hearing her familiar voice, Ethan shifted his attention away from the boxes brimming with meals. He glanced up at the figure standing over them as they were enjoying their lunch beneath the comforting shade of a towering tree, seated upon the lush green grass.
Upon glimpsing her familiar face, Ethan swiftly recognized Soo Yun. "Oh, it's you, Soo Yun! Please, do come and join us. Your presence is always welcome," he warmly invited, gesturing towards the vacant place.
Seeing me interact with her so casually, Suzain, Tyna, and Mark's eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected revelation. Suzain's mouth was slightly agape, Tyna's eyebrows shooting up, and Mark's jaw dropping, they were all taken aback by the ease with which I engaged with her.
Observing their perplexed facial expressions, I inquired, "What might have occurred to prompt such unusual behavior?" Sarah, too, appeared baffled by their demeanor.
Suzain emerged from her reverie upon hearing me and, with a sidelong glance at Soo Yun, she hesitantly asked, "Do you happen to know who she is?"
"Of course, I know her. Isn't she in our class?" Ethan inquired, feeling somewhat perplexed by her unusual question. He furrowed his brow, attempting to recollect additional details about her, hoping to find an explanation for her peculiar inquiry.
However, he couldn't remember anything else about her, as nobody had shared any additional information regarding her.
"I know she's our classmate, but do you know who she really is?" Suzain whispered to me, her voice barely audible as she leaned in close to my left ear.
"Um, no, please enlighten me," Ethan said, his confusion evident as he sought clarification on the perplexing situation at hand.
"No need, Prez. I will inform him myself, and yes, I can hear you in case you're wondering." Just as Suzain was about to speak, Soo Yun interrupted our casual conversation while seated beside Ethan, adding an unexpected twist to the moment.
"I didn't bring it up that day, Ethan, but I hail from a lineage of distinguished business magnates. As we were both feeling a bit peckish at the time, I regrettably overlooked providing a thorough introduction of myself. Luna's undeniable charm simply captivated me, rendering it impossible to resist giving her some affection," Soo Yun chuckled softly, her hands moving with elegance as she savored a delicate bite of her meal before resuming her narrative.
"Well, to elaborate further, my grandfather is none other than Richard Sterling, the esteemed founder of Sterling Enterprises. I'm certain his name rings a bell."
Hearing her answer not only my eyes widen in shock but Sarah's as well, as who hadn't heard the name Richard Sterling, if the person had watched some news. He is the person who created his businees empire from a single scratch in only fews years, gaining his postion as the top richest person of Martinia empire.
My mind became consumed by thoughts of Sterling Enterprises, her grandfather's multinational conglomerate. Sterling Enterprises boasts diversified interests across various industries, including technology, real estate, finance, and hospitality.
From pioneering technological advancements to opulent hotels and resorts, this renowned company is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation across all sectors.
Under the visionary guidance of Richard Sterling, the company has attained unparalleled success and garnered global acclaim for its innovative business approaches and steadfast dedication to delivering quality and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Finally, I emerged from my reverie when Soo Yun addressed me and my sister, her gaze fixed upon us. "You two needn't feel obligated to maintain such formality," she exclaimed with a warm smile. "I've been hoping to forge a friendship with you both, and I'd much prefer a relaxed atmosphere. So, let's dispense with the formalities, shall we?"
Both of us simply nodded in silence as we absorbed the surprising revelation. The expressions ob other faces reflected shock at hearing Soo Yun express a desire to befriend someone, given her reputation for being antisocial.
During the meal, gradually, each person began to open up to Soo Yun, engaging in conversations filled with pleasantries and laughter.
She effortlessly broke down any barriers, treating everyone as equals despite her esteemed lineage as the granddaughter of a prominent tycoon. She conversed with genuine interest, displaying humility uncommon for someone of her stature.
In the midst of the cheerful ambiance, Ethan turned to Soo Yun and inquired, "Miss Yun, if you don't mind my curiosity, may I ask why you choose to use a Korean name despite your grandfather's prominent status? Is there a particular reason behind it, or is it a matter of personal preference?"
As Ethan's question hung in the air, a palpable shift occurred among those present. Mark, Tyna, and Suzain's expressions turned somber, recognizing the sensitivity of the topic for Soo Yun.
Even Soo Yun's radiant smile faltered, replaced by a subtle frown, indicating that the inquiry had touched upon a delicate matter.
Mark struck Ethan on the head with his clenched fist, then turned to Soo Yun with a contrite expression, saying in a humble tone, "Please excuse his inquiry, Classmate Yun. He isn't fully aware of your circumstances." As Mark chuckled nervously, he attempted to diffuse the tension in the air.
Upon hearing Mark's words, Ethan suddenly became aware of the sensitivity surrounding the topic and swiftly offered his sincerest apologies to Soo Yun.
"It's okay, Ethan. I selected this name in honor of my late mother, who sadly departed when I was but a child, succumbing to the complications of a protracted illness. She bestowed upon me the name Soo Yun, a cherished legacy that I carry with pride." As Soo Yun shared this poignant detail, a sense of nostalgia enveloped her, her smile now delicately adorned with a touch of sorrowful reminiscence.
Deeply moved, Ethan expressed his sincere apologies once more for his inadvertent insensitivity.
"It's all right.....I have to go now," she said, shaking her head at Ethan as she rose from her seat, mentioning she had some urgent matters to attend to. As she walked away, everyone exchanged knowing glances, sensing that her excuse was merely a fabrication to be alone.
Observing her departure, Ethan felt the weight of everyone's glares directed at him, silently accusing him of his insensitivity.
I also experienced a twinge of guilt after posing that question, realizing it likely stirred memories of her dearly departed mother.
The recess had ended, and all the classes were also dismissed, prompting students to depart from the school grounds. However, Ethan's mind was still burdened with guilt towards Soo Yun, who hadn't attended the first two classes following the recess. Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that he should have checked on her or reached out to see if she needed help or support.
..
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To Be Continued.....