As Lali and Gguk stepped out of the hotel, they were greeted by the bright morning sun. The rain had stopped and everything around them was wet with puddles scattered along the streets and branches fallen from trees.
Lali: "Wow, it really rained last night didn't it?"
Gguk: "Yeah I didn't even notice it at the time. But look at all the mess it left behind" They both paused, taking in the aftermath of the storm.
Lali: "Let's head back. We shouldn't keep anyone waiting"
Gguk: "Right. Let's go" Hand in hand they walked away from the hotel, the morning air fresh and cool as they made their way back. As they sat in the car, the silence between them was comfortable. Both of them knew they had to come up with an excuse for where they had been the entire night.
Lali: "Okay, so... what's our story?" she asked, looking at Gguk with a teasing smile.
Gguk: "Hmm, let's see... how about we say you weren't feeling well?"
Lali: "Not feeling well? That's too obvious. We need something believable"
Gguk: "Alright, what if we say because it was your first big event meeting all those people must have been a lot for you right? Lali raised an eyebrow impressed by his suggestion.
Lali: "Hmm.. I guess that works. And then I went out for some air?"
Gguk: "Exactly. You were overwhelmed and I went looking for you when you weren't around" He chuckled. "I'd be worried too if I were you"
Lali: "Aww, so sweet. Then when you couldn't find me, you got scared and... what? You went out to look for me?" she laughed softly. Gguk: "Right! And then when the rain started, we couldn't drive in that heavy mess so we found a hotel nearby and decided to wait it out" He smiled clearly enjoying the fun of coming up with the story.
Lali: "That's a good one. We'll just leave out the details of what we were doing in that hotel."
Gguk: "Definitely. A little mystery never hurts anyone right?"
Lali: "I'll just act tired when we get back. That'll make it more believable."
Gguk: "Perfect. And I'll be the concerned husband. Just looking out for you" They both laughed, the tension easing between them as they shared the fun moment. The car slowed as they neared the mansion.
Lali: "Let's hope they buy it"
Gguk: "They will. Trust me" The car finally came to a stop and Gguk turned to her offering a small but meaningful smile.
Gguk: "Ready to go back?"
Lali: "Yeah. Let's do this" With that, they stepped out of the car and made their way back to the mansion, each playing their part as they prepared to face the rest of the family. As Lali and Gguk entered the mansion, they immediately noticed the tension in the air. The place was a mess with furniture slightly out of place and some doors left ajar. It was clear the storm had caused chaos but that wasn't what caught their attention. Everyone was gathered in the main hall, their eyes fixed on them as they stepped in. It was like the family had been waiting for their return. Elora, standing tall with an air of authority, was the first to speak.
Her voice was cold and stern like she was expecting an explanation. Elora: "Where were you two? It's unlike you to disappear without notice" Lali held her head high, her posture confident and unshaken. No fear or nervousness showed on her face. Gguk looked at her then turned to face his mother with a calm expression. Gguk: "Lali wasn't feeling well. It was her first big event, meeting so many people and it was all a bit too much for her. She went out to get some air but when I couldn't find her, I went looking. Then the rain started and the roads became impossible to drive on. We found a hotel nearby and waited there until it calmed down" The explanation seemed to satisfy most of the family but Elora and Kavin exchanged a look that said they weren't completely convinced. The storm had been strange but neither of them spoke on it. They simply nodded.
Elora: "Very well. You both should go and change. We'll have breakfast soon"
As Lali and Gguk started to walk away, Taeyang couldn't help but feel a little lighter when his eyes landed on Lali. Seeing her safe and back in the mansion made him feel more at ease. For a moment, he stared at her and he quickly looked away.
Lali on the other hand didn't notice Taeyang's stare as she followed Gguk up the stairs. She had gotten used to the strange dynamics of the family, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper going on, something hidden from her, something that she would have to uncover soon.
As Lali made her way up the stairs, she paused halfway, looking back at Gguk.
Lali: "Go ahead. I'll join you soon"
Gguk gave her a quick nod, trusting her words and continued up the stairs. Lali stood there for a moment longer looking around the mansion. The mess in the house stood out to her but it felt wrong like something was off. The rain had been intense, yes, but it wasn't just that. The windows had been shattered, glass scattered across the floors. It was as though the storm had raged inside the mansion and the damage wasn't just caused by the weather.
The sight gave her an uneasy feeling one she couldn't quite explain. Her mind raced with questions but she quickly shook them off focusing on the strange chill creeping over her. She checked the hall again but nothing seemed to make sense. Something about it felt wrong. Taeyang's voice interrupted her thoughts from behind.
Taeyang: "I was really worried last night. With the storm and all, I thought you were still out there."
Lali turned to face him, her expression calm as usual though she couldn't help but notice the concern in his eyes.
Lali: "I'm fine Taeyang. Just felt a bit suffocated and needed some space away from everything" She gave him a soft, reassuring smile though her mind was still on the strange atmosphere in the mansion. Taeyang nodded slowly not fully convinced but not pressing her further.
Taeyang: "I'm glad you're okay but if you need anything, just let me know" Lali gave him another small smile before heading up the stairs to the room she shared with Gguk. She reached the door and stopped when she heard the sound of the shower running inside. A small smirk played at her lips and she quickly locked the door behind her making sure it was locked. She hurriedly stripped off her clothes, her heart racing with the anticipation of seeing him.
Without a second thought, she entered the bathroom. The steam from the shower hit her immediately and her eyes adjusted to the warm mist as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Gguk turned around in surprise when he saw her standing there. Before he could say anything, he pulled her close to him, his hands on her waist.
Gguk: "Did you lock the door?"
Lali: "Yes" she replied with a teasing smile.
Gguk raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a small grin.
Lali: "We're in a secret relationship, you know. That means we're supposed to keep everything quiet and hidden right?" She gave him a playful look enjoying the little game she was starting. The mood between them shifted for a moment as they both stood there quietly staring at each other, the only sound the water running in the background.
Finally, Gguk broke the silence. Gguk: "You really are one brave woman. I didn't notice this about you until yesterday."
Lali's lips curved into a mischievous smile.
Lali: "There's a lot you don't know about me."
Gguk's expression changed, curiosity clear in his eyes.
Gguk: "Like what?"
Lali leaned in a little closer, her voice lowering as she gave him a sultry look.
Lali: "Maybe you'll find out if you keep getting closer." Gguk's breath hitched and for a moment neither of them spoke, the only sound now being the faint hum of the shower
Gguk: "Show me then" Without a word, Lali pulled him close, capturing his lips in a deep kiss. Gguk didn't hesitate, his hands moving to her waist as he responded, matching her intensity. For a moment, it felt like nothing else existed just the two of them wrapped up in their secret world. She pulled back just enough to catch her breath, a playful gleam in her eyes.
Lali: "I would love to show you more maybe even right here in the shower."
Gguk's smirk was instant, his gaze never leaving her. "Tempting me this early, are you?"
Lali with a soft laugh: "If we didn't have to be downstairs soon, I'd say we shouldn't waste any time." Gguk let out a low chuckle, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Gguk: "You're right. Let's not give them more reasons to suspect us." They both shared a look, reluctantly stepping apart but not without exchanging a final, knowing smile.