You step out of the shower, feeling the lingering steam dissipate as you slip into the suit Nayeon had given you. Cream-colored, sleek, expensive—it fits perfectly, though you still feel out of place wearing something this luxurious.
Downstairs, the house buzzes with movement—maids setting up, decorations being adjusted, silver trays stacked with gleaming tableware. The air is thick with preparation.
You descend the staircase, spotting Taeyeon amidst the commotion.
"Hey," you call.
She turns, eyes widening. "Oh, hey—omg, Y/n, you look amazing!"
"You think so?" You glance down at yourself.
"Yeah. So handsome."
Her warmth catches you off guard, but you return the smile, stepping forward to hug her. She seems surprised but hugs you back, squeezing just enough for it to feel real.
"Your sisters should be ready soon. Just sit and wait while everyone arrives," she says.
"Okay."
You move toward the couch, settling in as the door opens. Five people enter, their presence commanding the space. A male maid steps forward.
"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Kim. And hello to Mr. Joongkook, Ms. Jessi, and Ms. BoA."
You watch as they exchange greetings with Taeyeon. Then—Taeyeon gestures for you to approach.
"This right here is Y/n, my daughter."
Jessi's eyes widen. "Omg! Hi! You look *so* good in that suit."
She runs her fingers over your sleeves, admiring the fabric.
"How long have you been here?" Joongkook asks.
"Two days now," you answer.
"Do you like it here?" BoA tilts her head.
"Yeah, it's amazing."
Taeyeon smiles. "This is my brother and sister—your uncle Joongkook and aunts Jessi and BoA. And my father, Kim HaEun, and my mother, Kim Aehyoung."
"Nice to meet you all." You shake hands with each of them.
Then—the door opens again. More people.
"Oh, these are your cousins," Taeyeon informs you.
You turn, observing the new arrivals as they walk over.
"This is Y/n," she continues, gesturing between you and them. "And Y/n, meet Irene, RM, Lil Suga, Ryujin, Yeji, Yuna, Kai, Chuu, Eric Nam, and Soojin."
You nod. "Well, hello."
"Hi! You're tall," Ryujin comments.
"Yeah, I am."
"How old are you?" Lil Suga asks.
"Eighteen. You?"
"I'm nine."
Kai steps forward. "What's your full name?"
"Wang Royeon."
Soojin nods approvingly. "Nice family name."
"Thank you."
Taeyeon directs them. "Oh, guys, you can go ahead—buffet's over there."
"Thank you!" they echo before wandering off.
More guests flood in—too many to count.
"You can go sit if you want," Taeyeon tells you. "There are more people coming, but you can relax for now."
"Okay."
You return to the couch, watching your cousins chatter amongst themselves.
Three younger kids burst into the house, giggling as they dart around.
"Lisa, Rose, Jisoo, Jennie—stop running! This place is *not* a playground," IU scolds.
"Sorry, Mother," they mumble, slowing down.
---
Feeling restless, you slip outside, craving a moment alone.
Under the shade of a tree, you pull out your lighter, sparking up a cigarette. The smoke curls into the cool air, dissipating like a fleeting thought.
"Hey, Y/n."
You glance over. Ryujin.
"Hmm?"
"I didn't know you smoked. Can I get one? I need one too."
"You smoke?" You raise a brow.
"Yeah. Why?"
"I wouldn't have guessed. Y'all are too fancy, too rich."
"Just because I dress the way I do doesn't mean I don't smoke."
"Hmm."
You pull out another cigarette, lighting it for her.
"You know how many people are really coming?" you ask.
"Too many. Last year was, like, seventy-eight. Or maybe sixty-seven."
"Geez, that's a lot."
"You get used to it."
Then—a sharp voice.
"YA! Ain't no way you're *smoking* right now, Ryujin."
You both turn. UEE.
Ryujin groans. "Geez, UEE, please leave me be."
"Don't make me tell your mom."
"Ugh. Fine."
With an exaggerated sigh, Ryujin tosses her cigarette to the ground, stomping it out before stalking inside.
UEE's eyes land on you.
"YA! Who are you?"
"Uh, Y/n."
"No, who *are* you? Who are you *with*? I've never seen you before."
"I'm Taeyeon's daughter."
Recognition settles in her expression. "Ah, now I know. Sorry."
"It's fine."
"You should be inside. Everyone's getting ready to start." Then—without hesitation—she snatches the cigarette from your fingers, crushing it in her palm before tossing it to the ground.
"Now come on."
You sigh. "Okay."