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[sub][color=coral]Location: Hollingsworth Home[/color][/sub]
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The scent of Chinese cuisine wafting throughout the air was almost enough to coax Tae from his current spot, but with a brief glance to his watch, decided he had plenty more time to himself. Perched atop the slanted roof of his home, having climbed up from one of the balconies, Tae had been enjoying the near-silence of the dusk air. Admiring the sunset and mulling thoughts over in his mind, before the tantalising scent of food took his attention. This dinner had always been a big thing every year, what with his parents always being the hosts. As a kid it was great - having a good catch up with his friends while eating amazing food. These days it seemed more like an audition of sorts, with each parent present letting the others know exactly what was going on in each perfect little life. How family businesses were going, how the family was doing, and of course, what the children were up to. If they'd hit 19 and hadn't made it into college, he knew more than enough people in the neighbourhood who'd look down on them. Personally he had no issue if someone took further education or not, though he did dislike laziness. Part of him thought it was lazy that his parents had hired chefs to cook the food for tonight, though after smelling it, decided that it was a good use of their money. He loved his family, but they were lousy cooks.

Seeing a familiar figure leave the stables and head towards the house, Tae let out a deep sigh, his mind going back once again to the problem at hand. He knew his parents wanted him to take over the family business, though they also knew about his desire to become a Doctor. They seemed to be under the impression that he could do both, and while he was pleased they thought so highly of his capabilities, he had doubts himself. Even if he were able to do both, what about the rest of his life? Starting a family of his own one day was extremely important to him, but with two careers like that, spending time with them would be impossible. Then there were the smaller things, like his hobbies, his desire to return to his home country in order to take part in charitable organisations and reconnect to his roots, and of course, keeping in contact with his friends.

[color=coral][i]"Maybe they can give me some advice."[/i][/color] He thought to himself, absent-mindedly flicking a pebble nearby and watching it clatter down the roof tiles. A bit more time ticked by, and he remained quietly on the rooftop until he heard the faint ringing of a doorbell. At last - the first guests had arrived.

Shimmying down the roof carefully, Tae landed back onto the hallway balcony, following a few yards behind Veronica as she too joined the party. Her attitude to their parents wasn't pleasant, but at the same time, to be expected. Watching them roll their eyes as she flounced into the dining room, exasperation fell way to relief as their eyes landed on him. Though he was sure they were just happy to see him, Tae knew the suit he was wearing was having a larger impact. Stepping into place beside them, he planted a kiss on his mother's cheek with a rueful smile.

[color=coral]"Don't give her the attention, Mom. You know she just does it to get a rise out of you both."[/color] His parents knew this, of course, but still rose to every appearance related rebellion Tae's elder sister dished out. He had no issues with her wardrobe, personally, nor could he understand why it was such a problem. Just because they had wealth didn't mean they had to flaunt it about by way of their clothing. 

[b]"Oh, we know."[/b] Tae's mother sighed, waving her hand as if it could waft away the problem, then patting him on the lapels of his jacket with a smile. [b]"At least you look presentable, Tae."[/b] As he nearly always did too, in fact. Tae enjoyed looking good, even moreso if it was for some kind of event or dinner party where he could put in a bit more effort. Such as tonight, he'd donned a colourful dress shirt, paired with jacket, slacks, and leather shoes which had been polished by himself not an hour ago. However, conversation and cuisine were bound to be the main stars tonight.

Rather than joining 'Her Royal Highness' in the dining room, Tae lingered by the door, wondering who was coming in first. Leaning lazily against one of the pillars flanking the foyer, he hoped it was the Cabernet's. It had been far too long since he'd had a good chat with Ali and her siblings.