CHAPTER 87: LIKE AN INITIATION

AS SOON as Garam entered the ’playroom,’ he felt like a small animal entering a tiger’s den.

Lee Wonjae, his Omega father-in-law, told him to wait there with his cousins-in-law. Apparently, that room was used by Chairman Song Sanggyun’s grandchildren as a ’bonding’ room.

But, although he was nervous, he couldn’t help but marvel at his surroundings.

This is the ultimate relaxation room for adults.

There was a mini-bar full of expensive drinks, arcades, fancy chairs and sofas, and a billiard table in the middle.

But none of the Song cousins were playing.

Song Sua, the oldest granddaughter of Chairman Song Sanggyun, was acting like a bartender and serving drinks to the sisters Song Sullin and Song Sullyoon.

I want to join that group.

Not because Garam wanted a drink, but because the second group was scary.

He recognized the men sitting on the sofa since he had memorized all the information about Song Sihyuk’s cousins.

The one sitting on the sofa was Song Sungbin (30, Alpha).

And the one sitting on Song Sungbin’s left side was Choi Sukwon (29, Alpha).

Garam had already met the one sitting on the armrest of the sofa, the one on Song Sungbin’s right side— Choi Sumin, the youngest grandson.

"Lim Garam-ssi, correct?"

Garam bowed his head politely and answered Choi Sungbin’s question. "Yes, sir. I’m Lim Garam."

Whew.

I feel like another test is about to take place.

"I’m Song Sungbin, and these are my brothers. You’ve already met Choi Sumin. But you haven’t met Choi Sukwon, right?" Choi Sungbin asked. "He’s our family’s middle child."

Garam exchanged polite greetings with Choi Sukwon, who looked reserved.

Choi Sungbin then pointed at the ladies at the mini-bar. "I heard you’ve already met Sua Noona and Sullyoon, our grandfather’s oldest and youngest granddaughter, respectively."

"Yes, sir."

"The person sitting next to Song Sullyoon is Song Sullin, her older sister."

This time, Garam exchanged polite greetings with Song Sullin.

Come to think of it, all of Song Sihyuk’s cousins’ names start with ’Su’ except him.

"Garam-ssi, you’re an idol, aren’t you?"

Song Sungbin’s question seemed normal, but Garam noticed that the others had different reactions.

Song Sukwon sighed while Song Sumin smiled apologetically at Garam.

But why?

Even the ladies had suspicious reactions.

Song Sua chuckled as if she were anticipating something fun.

On the other hand, Song Sullin didn’t react while Song Sullyoon rolled her eyes.

"Garam-ssi, why don’t you sing and dance for us?" Song Sungbin asked casually, smiling, while pouring himself a glass of red wine. "Entertain us while we’re waiting here."

Oh.

Garam finally understood the situation.

This is another test— this time, from Sihyuk Hyung’s cousins.

***

SONG SIHYUK knitted his eyebrows when he didn’t see Lim Garam with his Omega father.

He left the study because his grandfather wanted to talk to his Alpha father alone this time. So, he quickly left and looked for his adorable wife. He found his Omega father in the kitchen, checking the food that would be served later.

However...

"Appa, where’s Lim Garam?"

His Omega father left some instructions for the head chef first before turning to him. "I brought your wife to the playroom with your cousins."

Song Sihyuk frowned. "Appa, why would you leave Lim Garam with those hyenas?"

"Why? Do you think your cousins could swallow your wife easily?"

"It’s not like that, Appa. Even so, I’m still worried."

His Omega father raised an eyebrow. "Aigooya. I really am old, huh? This is the first time I’ve seen and heard you worry about someone else."

Well, Song Sihyuk couldn’t deny that.

I really care about my baby.

"Sihyuk-ah, you’ve established your position and put yourself on top of the hierarchy among the grandchildren of Chairman Song pretty early. But just because Lim Garam is your wife doesn’t mean he’ll automatically gain the same position as you," his Omega father said, leaning against the kitchen sink before crossing his arms over his chest. "I had to go through that when your father brought me to this family the first time. His brothers and sister put me on a test to see if I deserved your father."

Heh.

That’s a legendary moment in our family.

Song Sihyuk smirked when he remembered how his Omega father passed the ’test’ of his uncles and aunt. "Appa, I think Lim Garam will do the same ’trick’ that you did at the time."

"That’s exactly why I’m not worried. I see my younger self in your adorable wife," his Omega father said. "Your father loves me more than I love him. And I see that it’s the same case for you, son. You love Lim Garam more than he loves you. To be fair, I don’t think your wife is in love with you yet. He likes you, at most."

"Appa, you’re hurting my feelings."

"Good. You need to be humbled badly. I’m glad you fell for someone like Lim Garam."

"I’m your son, Appa. You should be on my side."

"You already have your father and grandfather on your side. From now on, I’m Lim Garam’s ally."

Tsk.

Song Sihyuk might be sulking, but he was actually happy for Lim Garam.

Babe, my appa likes you.

"Your adorable wife looks delicate, but I believe he’s capable of standing up for himself," his Omega father said, and then he stood up straight before walking towards him. After that, he cupped Song Sihyuk’s face between his hands. "Son, if Lim Garam can handle someone like you, there’s no way he’ll lose to your cousins."

Right?

Song Sihyuk smiled, already anticipating how Lim Garam would put his cousins in place.

***

TO BE FAIR, singing and dancing were things Garam liked doing.

Plus, it wasn’t the first time someone had requested for him to perform.

Whenever he would visit his group members’ families, the kids’ relatives would sometimes ask them to sing and dance for them. They would willingly do so because it was usually a request from old relatives who genuinely enjoyed a good party.

In short, we know it’s a request to make things fun.

However, the way Song Sungbin asked Garam suggested otherwise.

"What’s wrong, Garam-ssi?" Song Sungbin asked, still smiling— still acting innocent. "I know a few idols. They shake their asses for me when I ask."

Ah, so this isn’t a test— this is simply bullying.

It made sense, actually.

Just because Sihyuk Hyung’s cousins are afraid of him doesn’t mean they’ll be afraid of me. After all, I’m a nobody. A famous idol is nothing compared to a chaebol.

"Don’t worry, I’ll pay you well for the performance."

Aigooya.

He’s still not done yet digging his own grave?

"How much is your talent fee, Garam-ssi?"

"How much is your net worth, sir?"

Song Sungbin tilted his head as if he were confused. "Why are you asking me about my net worth? Are you that expensive? Don’t worry, I’m sure I can afford you."

"No, I don’t think so, sir," Garam said calmly while shaking his head. "Once Sihyuk Hyung finds out how you disrespected me and my career, I’m sure he won’t let it slide. And trust me, sir— I’ll be asking for compensation for the humiliation that I had to go through because of you. I’ll also make Sihyuk Hyung force you to cough up money and, maybe some properties, until I’m satisfied."

This time, the arrogant smile on Song Sungbin’s face disappeared.

In fact, he looked shocked.

The others were also looking at Garam in disbelief.

To be fair, I’m not sure if Sihyuk Hyung can really do what I claimed I’ll make him do. I’m just bluffing. But it seems like his cousins are taking it seriously?

Good for Garam then.

"Garam-ssi, I admit that my older brother’s joke was excessive," Song Sukwon said in a serious tone. "But don’t you think you’re overreacting? Why do you have to involve Sihyuk Hyung when it’s just us wanting to get to know you?"

"I’m sorry, Song Sukwon-ssi, but you can’t gaslight me. I know you all know what Song Sungbin-ssi did— and it was far from ’joking’ or trying to get to know me," Garam said bluntly. "But I’ll let it slide if I receive a sincere apology from you, Sungbin-ssi."

Song Sungbin clenched his jaw tight, but he kept his mouth shut.

Aigooya.

"Just apologize, Sungbin-ah," Song Sua said, sighing while shaking his head. "Didn’t I already tell you? Song Sihyuk likes Lim Garam more than he likes all of us combined."

"Sihyuk Hyung-nim doesn’t even like us that much to begin with, Hyung," Song Sumin added, the panic in his voice loud and clear. "Sungbin Hyung, your joke was really disgusting. Even though you’re my brother, I don’t think I can take your side. You owe Garam an apology."

Song Sungbin clicked his tongue first, and then he took a deep breath before talking again: "I’m sorry, Garam-ssi. My joke was out of line."

I know his apology isn’t 100% sincere, but I’ll take it.

Garam had sent his message loud and clear to Song Sihyuk’s cousins anyway.

I can’t fight them on my own, but why do I have to do that when I have Sihyuk Hyung? That’s exactly the reason I married him— to borrow his power when I have to.

"Thank you for the apology, sir. But it seems like everyone here is on it, huh?"

The other cousins flinched.

"Do you think we’re ganging up on you?" Song Sullin asked in a calm yet sarcastic manner. "Are you going to tell us on Sihyuk Oppa, too?"

That was an option, but...

"No, I won’t," Garam said, smiling. "Not unless you Hyungs and Noonas give me an allowance, though. I’m now the maknae of the family, am I not?"

***

WHEN Song Sihyuk arrived at the playroom, he already expected the atmosphere to be awkward.

And it is.

But Lim Garam seemed to be having fun while playing arcade games with Song Sumin.

Only Song Sumin looks normal.

His other cousins, on the other hand, seemed nervous.

"Babe."

Lim Garam stopped playing his game, and then he looked over his shoulder. "Hyung, you’re here."

"Uh-huh," Song Sihyuk said, opening his arms. "Come here."

Lim Garam stood up obediently and walked straight into his arms. "Hyung, this place is cool."

"Then I’ll make a playroom for you later," Song Sihyuk said, wrapping his arms around Lim Garam’s body. "Did anyone here bully you?"

The way his cousins flinched gave it away.

So, they really picked on my adorable wife. How dare these bastards—

"No one bullied me, Hyung," Lim Garam said, his face beaming. "In fact, the hyungs and noonas promised to give me an allowance from time to time."

Oho?

Song Sihyuk couldn’t help but chuckle when the realization hit him.

My babe won.

***

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