The party had started an hour ago and luckily for Itsuki his parents hadn't turned up.
He had greeted everyone who arrived and thanked them for coming with his grandmother.
Daichi was talking to the musicians since he didn't know anyone but he did know music, making some new friends.
People just assumed Daichi was with the musicians since they could only see his back so he was left alone but after a while Daichi got bored so decided he'd go pester the birthday boy.
He started too look around for Itsuki but couldn't see him anywhere in the main room so he decided he'd decide to check the second.
On his way however he was stopped by an elderly woman who he somewhat recognised and a younger lady who he didn't.
"Pardon me but aren't you Min Daichi? Son of the head of the Min Empire, Min Choi?"
The elderly lady asked causing Daichi to freeze momentarily.
He ran through all the people he could think of who were associated with his family then taking a wild guess as he replied
"I am. It's a pleasure to see you again Mrs .Lee ."
Luckily for him, his guess was correct.
"Oh my. Such a polite young man. You even remembered my family even though our encounter was brief. Your family are doing well in business, you must have many potential bride options lined up."
She said with a fake smile.
Daichi knew that smile too well.
"Actually my family are reasonably understanding when it comes with my relationships so I don't. Nor do I plan on it."
Daichi decided to say straight forward he didn't want one would be the easiest way to deter the woman.
But it didn't work.
"My granddaughter here is around the same age as you and would make a perfect life companion. It would be a brilliant way to bring our families together and bring in money and both of you would be happy and secure-"
"I appreciate the thought but I'm not interested. Your granddaughter deserves a non political marriage."
Daichi quickly bowed and left before anything else could be said.
He then noticed Itsuki watching from behind a statue so went over.
Daichi smiled as he greeted
"Heyy Itsuki , how's everything going?"
Hoping to find out Itsukie was actually having fun and not just being offered people's hands in marriage and listening to a bunch of nonsense.
Itsuki just shrugged in response with all of his former built up hype gone.
Daichi frowned and asked
"What's wrong sweetie?"
Wanting to fix the situation before Itsuki's mood dropped to the point of tears.
Itsuki quietly replied
"Nothing."
Looking anywhere but at Daichi .
Daichi sighed knowing something was wrong but didn't want to push Itsuki so instead decided to do something he knew Itsuki loved which would distract him.
Daichi held his hand out and leaned slightly closer as he asked
"Will you dance with me?"
Itsuki almost nodded but instead shook his head making Daichi pout.
Itsuki felt like he should give Daichi some reason as to why so pointed out
"People are already looking at us and talking about us behind our backs. You can tell looking around. No need to add fuel to the fire."
Daichi wanted to say it wasn't true but they both knew too well that it was but Daichi wanted to cheer Itsuki up and keep him distracted.
Mrs Park came over looking slightly concerned and asked
"Is everything okay Itsukie?"
Itsuki nodded so Daichi said
"He isn't. He's letting other people get to him."
Mrs Park frowned and Itsuki looked down like he was ashamed of it.
" sweetie, ignore what other people are saying and have fun. It's your birthday for crying out loud. They don't matter and the people who do don't care about anything other than your happiness."
Mrs Park said to her grandson hoping it would help but when Itsuki's mood didn't change she turned her attention to Daichi.
"Daichi, dear, please do me a favour and go dance with him."
Daichi let out a sad sigh and said
"I already asked but he said he didn't want to."
As he took off his blazer.
Mrs Park smiled at him knowingly and held her hands out to hold it.
Daichi held his hand out and cheerfully said
"Come on sweetie. Time to say a quote on quote big FU to everyone in the room. For this magic trick I'm going to make you smile."
Making a reference to the time Itsuki said magic didn't exist.
Itsuki bit his lip reluctantly but then his grandmother placed Itsuki's hand in Daichi's and patted his bum saying
"Go on."
Daichi led Itsuki over to the assigned dance area and placed Itsuki's hands on his shoulders, placing his own on Itsuki's waist.
Daichi noticed people already giving them funny looks so quickly tried to move any of the reason from Itsuki by saying
"I'm warning you now Itsukie I have two left feet. So if people start staring it's my fault."
Itsuki smiled lightly before quietly saying
"I'm sure you're not that bad."
Daichi chuckled before saying
"You'll see..."