Seokmin returned to the spot where he'd left Hwayoung and Haneul, but only Haneul remained, her arms crossed and a scowl etched on her face. His gaze scanned the area, and his heart sank as he spotted Hwayoung at the beachside bar, nursing a drink with a look of despair.

"Was she hurt?" He asked, his voice laced with concern, as he approached Haneul. But instead of a response, Haneul's glare intensified, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and accusation. The air was thick with tension, and Seokmin's instincts told him he was in trouble.

"A lot!" She spat, her teeth clenched in anger, her eyes flashing like daggers. His shoulders sagged, weighed down by regret. "What do I do?" he asked, seeking redemption.

"Go get my sister!!" She exclaimed, her voice a commanding storm. Seokmin nodded, taking a deep breath before walking towards Hwayoung.

But as he approached, she turned to him, her eyes blazing with a fierce glare. His steps faltered, and he detoured.

He sat at the table, surrounded by the raucous laughter of his friends and coworkers, and the captivating smile of Jihyun, the model and also his friend, he'd worked with on countless projects.

But his attention was hijacked by Hwayoung, who sat at the bar, her eyes darting towards him with an unnerving frequency.

As their gazes collided, Hwayoung's eyes flashed with annoyance, and she rolled them dramatically before turning back to the bartender, ordering another round of shots with a flick of her wrist.

Seokmin's jaw clenched, his frustration simmering just below the surface. In a sudden, reckless move, he grabbed the half-empty vodka bottle on the table and upended it, the liquor burning his throat as he gulped it down in one swift motion.

As the night wore on, Seokmin's thirst for oblivion only intensified. He ordered round after round of shots and whiskey, determined to drown his sorrows and momentarily escape the weight of his problems.

The liquor burned its way down his throat, and he could feel himself slipping further and further into intoxication.

Ji-Hyun's voice cut through the haze, her words tinged with concern. "Seokmin, slow down..." She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her eyes locked on his with a mixture of worry and alarm.

His gaze drifted towards her, his vision blurring at the edges. He forced a reassuring smile, but Ji-Hyun's expression only grew more uneasy.

Ignoring her pleas to slow down, he grasped her hand, his grip tight as he pulled her onto the pulsating dance floor. "Let's dance!" he shouted over the deafening music, his eyes gleaming with a reckless abandon.

Her expression remained a picture of concern, her brow furrowed in worry as she reluctantly followed him.

As they merged with the sea of dancing bodies, Seokmin's coordination began to falter, his movements sloppy and uncoordinated. Her stayed by his side, her hands grasping his waist to steady him, her eyes never leaving his face.

Seokmin, oblivious to his surroundings, slung his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as he stumbled to the rhythm. His breath reeked of alcohol, his words slurred as he urged her to join in, lost in a haze of intoxication.

Ji-Hyun recognized the man beside her as a shadow of his former self, his usual composure and control surrendered to the intoxicating effects of the liquor. She heaved a sigh and moved in sync with him, her eyes watchful and concerned.

"I just wanna forget about this night!!" Seokmin's voice boomed, his words slicing through the music and piercing her eardrums.

Across the room, Hwayoung's gaze locked onto the pair, her jaw clenched in frustration. Her eyes bored into Seokmin's soul, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within her.

She couldn't explain the gnawing sensation in her chest, the burning feeling that threatened to consume her. Was this jealousy? Was she even supposed to feel like this?

Hwayoung tossed back her shot, the liquor burning her throat as she rolled her eyes in disgust at the scene unfolding before her.

Seokmin's antics with Ji-Hyun were the final straw, and she needed to escape. With a newfound determination, she stumbled towards the dance floor, her heels wobbly beneath her feet.

The pulsating lights and deafening music enveloped her like a shroud, and she let go of her inhibitions, allowing the rhythm to consume her. Her body swayed and spun, her movements wild and uncoordinated, but she didn't care.

She was lost in the beat, lost in the moment, and desperately trying to forget the events of the night – and the man who had shattered her heart.

As Hwayoung lost herself in the rhythm, she failed to notice the proximity of the one person she'd been trying to avoid. It wasn't until they collided, their bodies swaying to the same beat, that she realized how close she'd drifted to Seokmin.

His hand instinctively wrapped around her waist, steadying her, and for a fleeting moment, they froze, their eyes locking in a charged stare.

The music swirled around them, but they stood transfixed, the world narrowing to the space between them. Ji-Hyun was nowhere to be seen, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of pulsating lights and thumping bass.

His grip around her waist tightened, his fingers digging into her skin as they swayed to the music, their bodies moving in tandem, the tension between them crackling like a live wire.

His face drew closer, his warm breath dancing across her skin as he pulled her nearer. Their faces hovered mere inches apart, the air thickening with anticipation.

The hand on her waist slid upward, his fingers splaying across her ribcage, holding her firmly in place.

His other hand rose, cupping her cheek with tender precision. His thumb grazed the curve of her jaw, sending shivers coursing through her veins.

As their foreheads touched, a jolt of electricity ran through both of them, the warmth of their bodies mingling like embers. The music, the lights, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of charged intimacy.

Hwayoung's eyelids fluttered closed, her senses heightened as she savored the proximity of Seokmin's face to hers. When she opened them again, her gaze met the piercing intensity of his eyes.

His sharp nose grazed her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine, and his lips hovered tantalizingly close to hers.

Without thinking, she cupped his cheeks, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his face. Seokmin leaned into her touch, his eyes never leaving hers, as if seeking permission to bridge the gap between them.

He wrapped his hand around hers, holding it in place, his warm smile igniting a spark within her. The world around them melted away, leaving only the gentle pressure of their hands, the soft caress of their faces, and the promise of a kiss that hung suspended between them.

The moment hung suspended, a delicate thread of tension stretching between them. But in an instant, it snapped.

Seokmin's gaze dropped to the ring on Hwayoung's finger, and his eyes widened in realization. The softness in his face hardened, and he pulled away, his movements abrupt.

A sad smile twisted his lips as he shook his head, the gesture a mixture of regret and resignation.

Without a word, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Hwayoung staring after him, confusion etched on her face. But as the reality of the situation dawned on her, her expression darkened, a frown creasing her brow. She took off after him, her heels clicking on the floor as she pursued him out of the bar.

As Seokmin stumbled towards his room, Hwayoung trailed behind him, her actions driven by a mix of confusion and concern. They entered the room, and Seokmin shed his shoes, leaving them scattered on the floor.

His mutterings grew incoherent, but one phrase cut through the haze: "God, I wish that kid didn't give me the puppy back! My life would have been blissful!"

Hwayoung's frown deepened as she closed the distance between them. "What kid? What did you just say? Speak loudly!!" she demanded, her voice firm. Seokmin's gaze drifted towards her, his eyes glassy.

"Speak loudly?" he repeated, his tone mocking. "Then listen." He raised his voice, the words spilling out in a slurred rush. "The screws in your brain got loose in that accident... Oh wait, you don't have them in the first place."

Hwayoung's glare intensified, but Seokmin merely chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. He swayed, his legs buckling, and landed on the floor with a thud. "Hey, speak about anything but my accident," Hwayoung exclaimed, her voice laced with warning.

Seokmin's gaze snapped back to hers, a mischievous spark igniting within. "What will you do?" he goaded, scrambling to his feet. "Hit me. Come on, beat me."

The air was heavy with tension as Hwayoung's eyes flashed with anger. But Seokmin's expression shifted, his brow furrowing in concern. "One minute... One minute," he muttered, his words slurring.

"Why are we openly discussing things?" His gaze drifted, and he smiled, a sly glint in his eye. "Oh, sorry, you won't remember this by morning." He chuckled, the sound dying on his lips as he looked away.

Hwayoung's jaw clenched, her teeth gritted. "I won't forget," she insisted, her voice firm. Seokmin's eyebrows arched, his smile twisting. "Is it?" he asked, his tone dripping with skepticism.

"Yes," Hwayoung replied, her determination evident. Seokmin's smile broadened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Say it again," he coaxed, his voice low and husky.

Hwayoung's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "I don't forget anything," she repeated, her tone firm. Seokmin's smile faltered, his gaze drifting.

"Five seconds. One, two, three, four, five," he counted, his fingers ticking off the seconds. "Repeat what you just said," he challenged, his eyes locking onto hers.

Hwayoung's expression faltered, confusion etched on her face. "What?" she asked, her voice uncertain. Seokmin's laughter erupted, the sound bitter. "See!! You don't even remember what you just said," he exclaimed, his eyes glinting with a mix of sadness and accusation.

As the tension between them simmered, Seokmin's expression shifted, his voice taking on a mocking tone. "What did you say the other day? You have people who will remember things for you. 'That's why I have no regrets.'" He mimicked her voice, his words dripping with sarcasm.

"Why will you have regrets? The one next to you with all the memory will have regrets." His voice cracked, and he faked a sob, his eyes glinting with tears.

Hwayoung's face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you?" she exclaimed, her hand connecting with his shoulder in a light slap.

Seokmin's chuckle was playful as he caught her hands, halting her from striking him again. He walked her backward, his eyes locked onto hers, until she slipped on his shoes and they both tumbled to the floor.

In the chaos of the moment, they found themselves entwined, Seokmin's arms wrapped around Hwayoung as they stared into each other's eyes.

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Slowly, Seokmin's eyelids drooped, his arms relaxing as he fell beside her, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

Hwayoung's eyes drifted shut, her head nestling into the crook of Seokmin's arm, using it as a pillow. The room was silent, the only sound the soft rustle of their breathing.

Areum's footsteps were light as she entered Seokmin's room, Pluto trotting faithfully by her side. The scene before her was one of serene chaos: Seokmin and Hwayoung lay entwined on the floor, their eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. A gentle smile spread across Areum's face as she gazed at the unlikely pair.

Without hesitation, she slipped between them, Pluto snuggling up beside Seokmin. Areum's voice was a soft whisper as she called out, "Hwayoung..." Hwayoung's response was a gentle hum, her eyes remaining shut, her senses dulled.

Areum's smile faltered for a moment before she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, "Can you stay with us forever?"

Hwayoung's hum was her only response, her body relaxed, her mind adrift. Areum's face lit up with a bright smile, her eyes shining with a deep affection.

She snuggled closer to the pair, her small body nestling into the space between them. As she drifted off to sleep, her gentle breathing was the only sound in the room, a soothing melody that wrapped around Seokmin and Hwayoung, holding them close.

A warm smile spread across Hwayoung's face as she leaned against the headboard, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You seem quite confident that we'll be blessed with a girl," she teased, her voice husky.

Seokmin's gaze adored her as he lay on his stomach, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "What did you think about the baby's name?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Seokmin's smile brightened, illuminating his entire face. "Areum," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence. "Lee Areum."

Hwayoung's eyebrows arched, her curiosity deepening. "Why Areum?" she asked, her voice soft. Seokmin's eyes drifted, lost in the memories. "The girl who gave Pluto back to me... her name is Areum," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have gotten Pluto back, and I wouldn't have met you..." His voice trailed off, his gaze refocusing on Hwayoung.

Her heart swelled with emotion as she leaned down, her lips brushing against Seokmin's in a gentle peck. His smile faltered for a moment, his eyes locking onto hers, filled with a deep affection. As they broke apart, Seokmin's smile returned, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

Hwayoung's eyes snapped open, her mind foggy from the vivid dream that lingered in her memory. She sat up, disoriented, and found herself wrapped in a warm blanket that seemed to radiate comfort. The dream had felt eerily real, but it left her with more questions than answers. A frown creased her brow as she tried to shake off the lingering emotions.

With a sense of urgency, she quickly went through her morning routine, her movements efficient but distracted. Her mind was still reeling from the dream, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it was trying to tell her something. As she finished getting ready, she set out to find Seokmin, driven by a growing sense of curiosity and concern.

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