NOTE: There is some use of alcohol in this chapter. None of it is used inappropriately. Please read with caution. ⚠️

It was already 5 PM, and I found myself truly admiring her. She was beautiful. The way she danced to upbeat music and seamlessly transitioned to a slower song was nothing short of perfection. Who could ask for more when searching for someone special? When searching for true love? You have to choose wisely; the world isn't forgiving toward those who have loved and lost. It never has been, and it never will be.

"Hyunjin, are you okay? You seem... lost in thought," Yeji remarked.

"What? Oh, hey, Yeji. I think I'm fine. I was just thinking," I replied.

"Hyunjin, tell me. I'm your sister. You can tell me anything you want," she said with an encouraging smile.

"Fine. You know your friend, Jiyoung?" I asked.

"Uh-huh, what about her?" she responded.

"I think I'm falling for her," I stated simply.

"You're... falling? As in falling in love?" she asked in disbelief. I nodded, feeling embarrassed.

"Out of all the people in this world, I never expected you to fall in love. I thought someone else would fall for you first," she whispered. She was right. I never saw myself falling for a girl or anyone, for that matter.

"You're right. It's impossible for me to love. I'm a hopeless romantic," I sighed, taking my first shot of soju.

"I never said that. I might be able to say a word for you. Let me work my sister magic here, all right? You aren't a hopeless romantic. In the end, I might be the hopeless romantic!" she chuckled, brushing it off. "Just don't get too sober or too drunk tonight." Has she lost faith in me? I'm not that bad with alcohol. She walked off, probably talking to Jiyoung.

"Bro's really falling in love, isn't he?" Minho laughed as he joined me at the bar.

"You're not dominating the dance floor, are you?" I asked.

"I was... a second ago. Until my sister beat me," he scoffed, annoyed.

"That just means you have to become a better dancer, Lee Know," I laughed.

"HEY! I know you have amazing stage presence and whatnot, but you know I'm superior to you!" he hissed.

"Fine..." I sighed.

"Still thinking about her?" he asked.

"Yeah... she's so beautiful and everything I want," I smiled, admiring her once more.

"You can want her all you want, but you aren't going to get her if you don't try," Ryujin suggested, taking the seat next to me.

"If Channie Hyung never pursued his dream of being an idol, we wouldn't be here. Who knows? If you tell her, everything might go the way you want. Hyunjin, I trust you. Take good care of her; you have my approval." He smiled genuinely. 

"Thanks, Lee Know and Ryujin," I grinned and had my second shot of soju. Probably not the best idea out there. Maybe I should wait a little longer. 

"*psst! Hyunjin!" Yeji whispered.

"Just talk normally, Yeji. These two people know!" I said. She sighed with relief.

"Ok, I talked with Jiyoung for a bit, and she never confirmed anything. But I think she might like you. She might not realize it, but I think she does like you!" she exclaimed giddily. Well, she's excited now.

"Wait, REALLY?!!!" I exclaimed, almost jumping from the seat.

"I could be wrong, though. I'll talk to her more, and since now we are all in the same company, it will be easier for us to figure this mystery out!" she smiled. I looked over towards Minho. Something wasn't right. He kept on glancing at the hallway and then at his phone. I wasn't going to budge by asking why or what, but it wasn't normal. WHY? What do I not know that everyone else does? Yeji keeps looking, too. What do I not know? Am I living under a rock? 

- - -

"Hey guys!" Jiyoung exclaimed with an innocent tone in her voice. ACK... 

"Hey, Jiji!" Yeji smiled and scooted over one stool. Of course. Now I'm next to her. 

"Hi, Jiyoung!" I grinned. 

"One bottle of soju, please," she ordered. We have similar tastes, don't we? 

"Oooh, they even got you the best kind of soju! Lucky you!" I said with envy.

"Really? I never could tell the difference. I'm not super into alcohol, but I always have some when I'm at a party," she chimed, pouring some into her glass, "Cheers!" we clinked glasses and drank a shot. I should really stop, or I'll become drunk. Hyunjin, stop. The lights at the modern bar flickered like fireflies caught in a gentle breeze, momentarily pulling my gaze from the polished countertops. The rich, brown wooden shades suspended above cast warm, amber hues across the room, enveloping everything in a comforting glow. The air felt alive with anticipation as the smooth, melodic notes of "One Spark" by TWICE flowed through the speakers, wrapping around me like a soft embrace. Each chord resonated deep within, transporting me to a place where time stood still while the rhythmic pulse of the music intertwined with the soft chatter of patrons enjoying their evening.

"Well, I'm going to conquer the dance floor once more. Anyone wanna join me?" Ryujin asked. 

"COMING~!" Minho exclaimed, and they started dancing like besties. Suddenly, one of the best romantic songs came. I looked at Yeji with panic in my eyes. She winked. Of course, she asked the DJ for this song. 

"Jiyoung, come on, let's go to the dance floor!" I said eagerly. 

"To...this song?" she smiled nervously.

"Yeah, why not?" I suggested.

"Ok..." I'm falling for him. She quickly thought and went to the dance floor with him without any more hesitation. 

~'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowin' what it was. I will not give you up this time! Oh, darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own. And in your eyes, you're holding mine~ (a/n extra points if you know this song!) 

We swayed together, our bodies moving in perfect harmony with the music, each step drawing us closer. In that intimate moment, the world faded away, leaving just the two of us lost in the rhythm of our hearts. It's a beautiful dance when two souls fall in love, intertwining in a melody that feels like it was made just for us. No one knows that we've fallen in love. It's not official. No one is going to know until I officially confess. I'm not ready for that just yet. This is good enough, just for now. The agencies don't need to know, only we and our friends will know. 

"Well, you guys were ADORABLE! Awww, so cute!" Yeji teased. I just grinned and winked back at her. On the other hand, Jiyoung's cheeks flushed a deep crimson red, transforming her normally pale complexion into something vibrant and adorable. The way her face lit up made her look even more endearing, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming urge to pinch her cheeks playfully. The sight of her blushing made my heart flutter, capturing a moment of pure cuteness that I wished to hold onto forever.

Lots was going on, but my chest was pounding. I just danced with my crush. I DANCED WITH THE ONE AND ONLY LEE JIYOUNG!

"Thank you for dancing with me, Hyunjin. I had a great time," Jiyoung said, her face beaming with a big smile.

"You're welcome. Let's do it again soon," I replied with a smile. The butterflies in my stomach had faded, replaced by calm and collected emotions mingled with a sense of emptiness.

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a/n: OMG, THAT CHAPTER WAS SO FUN TO WRITE! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it! I have two days left of break, and I'm so depressed... 😭 Have a good day! 😁