[C] Time's Running Out || p.jm

9

I walked into the classroom, embarrassment washing over me. The girls sneered, and the guys snickered as if I were the punchline to a joke. Being called to the principal's office publicly was mortifying. I slumped into my seat, staring blankly ahead before glancing back at Suga. He didn't even look at me, his usual warm glance replaced with cold indifference. I sighed in disappointment.

Walking through the hallway, Rosé suddenly ran up and locked her arm with mine. I jumped a bit, not realizing she was coming from behind. She giggled at my reaction, the other Blackpink members walking alongside us.

"You should have seen your face," Rosé said through her laughter. Lisa, busy with her phone, looked up with a grin.

"Hey Soeun, do you have any plans for tonight?" Lisa asked out of the blue. The others turned their eyes on me, curiosity piqued.

"Nope, why?"

"Well—" Lisa began.

"We're going to a party!!" Jisoo interrupted, making Lisa huff in irritation.

"Hey, that was my line!" Lisa pouted, only to make Jisoo laugh harder, eventually collapsing to her knees.

"Behave, girls," Jennie said, laughing. "We all know you're not cut out to be cute, Lisa. You're more of a bad girl, y'know."

"It doesn't mean you can laugh," Lisa stomped a bit, but then admitted, "But yeah, guess you're right," with newfound confidence.

"A party?" I asked, my heart racing. If I went, it would be my first. I wasn't exactly the social type.

"Don't tell me..." Jisoo began, her mouth wide open until Jennie nudged it shut.

"Lol, what a good girl you are," Jennie said, her tone sarcastic but her smile genuine.

"Yeah, it's gonna be my first. I've been invited to parties before..." They all eyed me, demanding the truth. "Okay, okay, I've never been invited nor gone to a party. Kids just thought I was a nerd and all..." I sighed loudly, rolling my eyes.

Suddenly, their eyes were all on me, and I didn't feel good about it. "What?"

"What?! I am not wearing that. Like, seriously," I protested, hiding my half-naked body behind the curtains of the changing room.

"Come on! You have to try this!" whined Rosé, her choice of dress being a short sundress that showed way too much cleavage. What kind of bra would I wear with that? None, probably.

"Then you should choose this!" Lisa said excitedly, shoving a latex dress at me that would cling to every curve.

"I'm not a porn star!" I shouted for what felt like the thousandth time.

"Then this maxi dress! It's long, casual, doesn't show your cleavage, and is perfect!" Jisoo practically shouted, her enthusiasm hysterical. But the dress was strapless, and I didn't have a sticky bra.

"Come on... you gotta be kidding me..." I pouted, praying for a miracle. "Jennie-ah! Help me choose a dress!" I pleaded.

Jennie, who had been sitting casually, looked up at my call. She frowned, realizing things were out of hand.

"What happened to you guys?" Jennie asked.

"This sexy dress will make any guy fall for her!"

"No, no! This one shows off her body without making her look like a hoe," Lisa argued.

"What the—? This dress is the most suitable for a girl like her. First impressions matter. We need a guy to love her for real, not just for her looks," Jisoo insisted.

The three of them bickered loudly, their voices rising.

"Okay, okay, stop!" Jennie tried to intervene but was drowned out. "Wait up," she said, disappearing into the racks of dresses. I slumped in relief.

Minutes later, Jennie returned with a dress in hand, a determined look on her face. She handed it to me, and I took it without looking, desperate to end the chaos.

Fifteen minutes later, I finally managed to put it on. I slid aside the curtains, facing the room. The three of them stopped fighting, staring at me in amazement. I bit my lip, unsure if I looked good or ridiculous.

Jennie's smile grew wider. "This is perfect," she grinned.

"Holy..." the three of them muttered in unison. Surprised, I turned to the mirror. Oh shoot, this is totally not me in the mirror.

The dress Jennie had chosen was a knee-length, navy blue number with delicate lace sleeves. It was elegant yet modest, highlighting my figure without being too revealing. I couldn't believe the transformation.

"Wow, Jennie, you really know how to pick a dress," Lisa admitted, still in awe.

"Of course. I knew exactly what would suit you, Soeun," Jennie said, beaming.

I twirled a bit, feeling the fabric swirl around me. "This... actually feels right," I confessed, a small smile forming on my lips.

Jisoo clapped her hands in excitement. "Now you're ready to party!"

When we arrived at the party, the place was already buzzing with music and chatter. The atmosphere was electric. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Stick with us, Soeun," Jennie said, leading the way. "We'll introduce you to everyone."

As we mingled, I realized how much I had missed out on. The energy, the laughter, the carefree vibe—it was intoxicating. Despite my earlier fears, I started to enjoy myself.

"You look amazing, Soeun," a guy said, approaching me. I recognized him from school—Mark, one of the popular guys.

"Thanks," I replied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Want to dance?" he asked, extending his hand.

I hesitated, then took his hand. "Sure."

As we danced, I glanced around and saw Suga watching me from across the room. Our eyes met, and for a moment, his expression softened. But then he turned away, leaving me to wonder if things could ever go back to the way they were.

The night flew by, filled with laughter, dancing, and newfound friendships. When it was time to go, I felt a sense of contentment. This was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Walking back home, I replayed the night's events in my mind. Despite the initial embarrassment and Suga's anger, I realized I had taken a step forward. I was starting to find my place, both at school and within myself.

- - - -

Hey guys!! So, what's the dress that Soeun is going to wear at the party? Please leave some suggestions in the comment section below because I haven't decided yet, so I'll be waiting!

Thanks for ALL of my loyal readers that have been reading this story until this chapter and also to those readers that also have read the original story-line of this book. I am just, so grateful!

HOLY HELIOS.

2.11K READS?!

I know it may not mean anything to you but it does to me! I'm just grateful!! *in tears*

EDITED 13/7/2024