Lang Han

Ryu hadn't  known how much time had passed by. But that was because Pixie couldn't  stop blabbering beside him for a millisecond. His eyebrows twitched in anger but losing his temper in an event as grand as this would only cause an inconvenience.  

"Ryu, have you ever wondered when we last met? Or the little fights we had?"

"Honestly, I do not care." Ryu replied bluntly, breaking her heart. But Pixie wasn't the one to give up that easily. He, on the other hand, couldn't  hide the discomfort over his face anymore. It elevated even further when  he saw something which shouldn't have affected him as much. For some reason, Ryu's gaze froze on Darah when she accepted a hearty embrace from an all too familiar figure, Devin. 

"Can I say how awfully pretty you look today, m'lady." Devin wiggled his eyebrows at Darah, earning a goofy laugh from her. He didn't look pretty bad himself, garnering attention from all the young ladies of the prestigious families there.

"Oh stop it! I feel like a different person already!" Darah giggled. 

"I'm right here Devin. You can compliment me too." Lyra pouted while spreading her hands out to show him how glammed up she was for the party. Devin smirked at the extra work she had put in, which was so like her. 

"You see Lyra, You're  always dolled up even at home. So I need not compliment you, unlike Darah who looks specifically different today from her usual raggedy style." Darah gasped, squinting her eyes angrily at a chuckling Devin. Lyra pulled Darah close in a protective manner.

"Don't you  dare disrespect my to-be sister in la-" 

Devin's smile dropped in an instant, wondering if he heard that right. She must've said something else, he thought. Lyra however placed a hand to her mouth feeling stupid enough and looked elsewhere trying to divert his attention.  Darah was already shocked enough, wanting to scream. 

"Oh look, it's time for the bride and groom's dance! It's about to begin!" Lyra pointed her fingers in the direction of the centre stage purposefully to divert Devin's attention. Darah too turned to look but it seemed the one person she was looking for was nowhere to be seen.

At a corner of the party, while Pixie's face was distorted into a maniacal expression as that of a raging lioness, her father was begging her to control her incoming mental breakdown which could happen any second. 

"I cannot stand him ignoring me anymore! Why all the disrespect, dad!? Can't he see how hard I'm trying!?" 

"You should take into consideration his feelings too, love. He's probably not into you." Her father faked a smile, probably knowing the wrath that's going to take over his daughter very soon. Instead after a brief second of shock, a mysterious smirk played along Pixie's lips as she gazed steadily into her father's exhausted eyes. 

"I. Need. A. Dance. With. Ryu. Sheng. I won't take No for an answer!" Pixie glared as she stressed each word, watching her father remain unresponsive. 

"Or else you'll witness a ruined wedding party. This very second." She warned.

Her father sighed. Just as expected, this dramatic brat will get away with everything at just a simple threat. Since it was his eldest daughter's special day, Gerald didn't want to take any risks and spoil it. 

A melodious music started to play along in the background as the bride and groom stepped towards the centre of the wide hall. The extravagant chandler above them, beamed it's sparkling diamond lights at the duo who danced to the rhythm of the music. Gerald took the opportunity to approach Ryu, who was standing at a corner, seemingly cold faced as he looked at the crowd. He turned his head away upon seeing Gerald approach him timidly.

"Ryu, I beg of you son! You know how she is!" Gerald held his hand with gloomy eyes staring desperately at the young man. 

"How can you let your daughter get away with everything, Gerald?" Ryu muttered coldly, keeping his fingers on the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes in embarrassment. He didn't expect things to turn out this awkward where he felt like he had to babysit a literal 20 year old. Gerald himself felt bad for the young man since he put up with his daughter all this time for his sake, since he knew him from when Ryu was still a teen.

"Ryu…" He pleaded. 

"Just this one dance and I'm out." He replied, completely disinterested. Gerald nodded happily and went towards his fuming daughter. Pixie couldn't bear to see her sister have the happiest day of her life while she was standing all alone, disappointed.

"Aw, look at them. All cute and romantic." Lyra felt her heart melt at the sight of the couple

"I know right?" Darah couldn't agree more but she felt her smile twist dramatically into a thin straight line as she saw a certain somebody who took her here, having the time of his life with some rude bitch among many other couples who were now slowly dancing on the floor. Why should I care!? It's not like he promised me a dance... Darah scoffed to herself and Lyra could tell how bad the air around her burned in jealousy. Even she wanted to punch Ryu in the face for hurting her dearest friend. 

But Darah knew holding in her emotions was simply fruitless. Her heart was going to ache anyway looking at him. 

"I wish I could dance with you like this forever." Pixie said dreamily, her hand clutching tightly on the fabric over his chest. No matter how many times she tried to stand close, he'd take two steps back leaving an awkward distance between them. So many of the guests observed carefully the duo, and even wondered why Ryu Sheng wasn't dancing with the girl he had happily arrived with in the first place.

"Why are you so far? Come closer." Pixie demanded, a pout on her lips. When she saw that Ryu wasn't responding, let alone move an inch closer to her, she made the move instead and stepped closer to him. But a second after that and she was met with the deadliest gaze he'd ever shown. 

"Come an inch closer and I'll leave your pathetic self here." He muttered, devoid of any emotion.

Pixie's smile dropped in an instant, cold chills running down her spine. She didn't know his words could have so much effect on her, leaving her completely speechless. Ryu could see from the corner of his eyes his special dainty beauty in the flowing rose gold dress not even caring to give a single glance at his direction. However, a smile sprouted on his lips seeing her, which Pixie observed, very much to her distaste.

At least, she wasn't alone, standing next to Lyra confused and gloomy, until a swarm of men surrounded the two surreal beauties, pleading for a dance. Darah was obviously nervous and refused each one of them but Lyra accepted one among the charming men happily. But that was when Ryu's smile dropped, a sight he dreaded to see not because it frightened him, but the fact that it loomed behind her like a bad omen. The fact that he was too close, so damn close to Darah Chen. 

None other than Lang Han Williams...