𝘗𝘺𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 | 𝘺.𝘫𝘸 𝘹 𝘬.𝘴𝘯

💌 45 - dance

The black sedan rolled to a smooth stop in front of Yeonjun's massive mansion, its towering gates opening automatically as if welcoming them into a world of luxury. Jake, Sunoo, and Jay stepped out, their eyes trailing up the extravagant exterior, the golden glow of lights spilling through the massive windows.

"Damn," Jake muttered, running a hand through his hair. "This guy really went all out."

Jay chuckled. "It's Yeonjun. What did you expect?"

Sunoo fidgeted slightly, adjusting his outfit. "Let's just get inside before it gets too crowded."

As they entered the mansion, the booming music greeted them first, followed by a tall freshman boy bounding towards them with a grin.

"Jay!" Niki called out, waving excitedly.

Jay smiled. "Niki, hey. Thanks for the invite again, this place looks like a lot of fun."

"Ahh don't mention it! Besides the more the merrier right?"

"Right." Jay says.

Niki grabbed Jay's wrist without hesitation. "Come play pool with me. Remember our last game?"

"The one where I beat you and you had to plank 50?" Jay smirks.

"This is redemption day! And you were just lucky! Anyway c'mon." Niki tugs his arm.

Jay shot a look at his friends who nodded in approval before giving in. "Fine, but loser has to plank 50."

"Awh... again?!" Niki groans.

With that, the two disappeared into the living room, laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air.

Jake, meanwhile, found himself bumping into an old classmate, Soobin, who stood near the bar, engaged in a conversation.

"Oh is that Soobin?" Sunoo asks looking into the direction of Jake. "I remember you used to talk to that guy. What happened between you two?"

Jake shrugs. "Nothing, we kinda just drifted. But I might just go up and say hi."

"Do it then." Sunoo encourages him.

Deciding he might as well socialize, Jake wandered over leaving Sunoo standing by himself in the middle of the living room.

"You sure?" Jake asks, knowing he would be leaving Sunoo but he nods in approval.

"Hmm, alright! Well just call me if you need anything! I'll be right back."

"If anything you'd be the one calling me for help." Sunoo rolls his eyes and chuckles knowing that Jake is a big drinker at parties yet ironically not have a big tolerance.

Sunoo sighed softly, wrapping his arms around himself. He had known coming to this party meant being surrounded by people, yet somehow, he felt more alone than ever.

He stepped out the living room and into the backyard to get some fresh air, however it was even louder outside so peaceful silence was not an option, he found himself leaning on a railing.

"Sunoo?"

The familiar voice made his heart jump. Turning around, he was met with Jungwon's warm smile.

"Oh," Sunoo breathed, momentarily caught off guard. "Jungwon. Hey."

Jungwon's eyes flickered over his outfit before his lips curled into a smile. "You look nice."

Sunoo felt his cheeks heat up. "Uh—thanks. You look nice too."

They stood there for a moment, letting the atmosphere settle between them, the distant chatter and bass-heavy music creating an odd sort of intimacy.

"So, how's the party treating you?" Jungwon asked, leaning against the railing of the deck as well.

Sunoo shrugged. "It's... lively."

Jungwon chuckled. "Yeah. Sunghoon's here too, by the way."

Sunoo blinked, processing the words before his expression dimmed slightly. "Ah. And I'm guessing he's still...?"

Jungwon nodded, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Ignoring me? Yep."

Sunoo sighed. "I mean... he's lost a close friend so it's understandable."

"Heeseung was my best buddy too... Sunghoon is just being stubborn." Jungwon says. Eyes momentarily scanning the crowd before resting back on Sunoo.
"Forget about him. Let's enjoy the night."

Just then, the music shifted, and a new song hummed through the speakers. A slow, dreamy melody filled the backyard, the tune of Island in the Sun wrapping around them like a warm breeze.

Sunoo's eyes gleam. "I love this song!"

Jungwon's gaze flickered toward the dance floor, then back at Sunoo. "Wanna dance?"

Sunoo hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Yeah."

They stepped onto the grass where a few other couples swayed to the music. At first, they danced separately, moving to the rhythm with soft smiles.

But then Jungwon, ever bold, inched closer. Their movements naturally began to sync, bodies following the rhythm like waves lapping against the shore.

Sunoo felt his pulse quicken when Jungwon's hands ghosted over his waist before finally pulling him in gently. He gasped softly, meeting Jungwon's eyes—dark yet gentle, brimming with something unreadable.

"You okay?" Jungwon murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

Sunoo swallowed before nodding. "Yeah."

They swayed, lost in the moment, the world around them dimming into a hazy blur of golden lights and soft music. Sunoo let himself relax, enjoying the warmth, the quiet comfort of being this close.

But then, Jungwon's expression shifted. His eyes flickered over Sunoo's shoulder, locking onto something—or someone.

Following his gaze, he spots Sunghoon standing at the edge of the crowd, his face tense, hands clenching at his sides.

Jungwon, never breaking his calm facade, tilted his head slightly, his stare darkening into something far more intense. His fingers subtly tightened around Sunoo's waist as he raised one hand, his fingers forming a deliberate, almost mocking gesture

— 'I'm watching you.'

Sunghoon's face drained of color, his eyes widening in fear before he turned sharply and disappeared into the crowd.

Sunoo, unaware of the silent exchange, looked back at Jungwon with a soft smile. "You really are a good dancer."

Jungwon chuckled, his previous expression vanishing as he focused back on Sunoo. "Only with the right partner."

The night continued, the music playing, the moment lingering between them like a sweet, unspoken promise.