the party

Eun Woo: "Hey, brother!" (He hugs Dylan tightly, speaking in Chinese.)

Ember stands in silence, unsure of what to say.

Dylan frowns. "What are you doing with my girl?" (His voice is firm, also in Chinese.)

Eun Woo grins. "Oh, nothing. Just a little flirting." (In Chinese.)

Ember furrows her brows. "Why are you two speaking in Chinese? And... do you know him?"

Eun Woo chuckles. "Ember, this is my best friend, Dylan. Don't you know him?" He raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Why is she asking me to introduce you?" (He teases.)

Dylan looks surprised. "She's asking you about me?"

Eun Woo shrugs. "Okay, fine."

Dylan pulls Ember gently by the hand. "Baby, come here." (He smiles and holds her hand, pulling her to stand beside him.)

"She's my girlfriend," Dylan says proudly.

Eun Woo blinks in shock. "What? Girlfriend, just like that? No build-up?"

Ember crosses her arms. "What do you mean by 'just like that'?"

Dylan rolls his eyes. "Just ignore him, babe. He's talking rubbish."

Ember gives Dylan a sideways glance. "Are you hiding something from me again?"

Dylan, slightly flustered: "No, of course not."

Eun Woo grins mischievously. "Wait... 'again'? What happened before? Come on, tell me!" (He laughs.)

Dylan and Ember snap at the same time. "Shut up!"

Dylan shakes his head. "Baby, don't listen to him. He's always full of nonsense. I'm not hiding anything from you. You trust me, right?"

Ember takes a deep breath, then exhales slowly. "Yes, I trust you. Let's just drop this, okay?"

Dylan smiles softly. "Agreed. Let's go meet Emir."

Ember nods. "Okay."

They head over to the gathering.

Emir crosses his arms, raising an eyebrow. "You guys are late."

Dylan smirks. "You know girls take forever to get ready."

Ember shoots him a look. "Excuse me? I don't take that long. It's you who was in the changing room for more than an hour."

Dylan looks taken aback. "Me?"

Ember folds her arms. "Yes, you."

Emir chuckles before turning to Ember. "Hello, Ember."

She smiles awkwardly. "Oh, I almost forgot—hello, Emir. Happy birthday!"

Emir grins. "Thanks, Ember."

Ember hands him a small box. "This is for you."

He takes it with a smile. "Thanks, but you don't have to be so formal."

Dylan interrupts, sulking playfully. "You didn't get me a gift."

Ember rolls her eyes. "It's Emir's birthday, not yours. Why would I bring something for you?"

Emir waves his hands. "Alright, alright, calm down." Then he leans in close, whispering in her ear, "It's not really my birthday."

Ember blinks, confused. "What?"

Emir shrugs nonchalantly. "Yeah."

"Then why are we celebrating today?"

He smirks. "It's a long story. I'll tell you when we're free."

Ember narrows her eyes. "Hmm, alright."

Emir gestures toward the party. "Shall we go?"

Eun Woo bounces with excitement. "Finally! Let's head to the party."

Ember pauses, confused. "This isn't the party?"

Eun Woo grins mischievously. "What, did you think we're going to celebrate like it's the 1900s? A plain piano and some food?"

Ember frowns in confusion . "What do you mean by that?"

Before Eun Woo can respond, Dylan cuts in. "Baby, you'll see when we get there."

Ember sighs. "Fine."

Emir laughs. "Are you two done bickering? Ember, come with me. Let's go."

She nods. "Okay."

As they start walking, Dylan calls out. "Hey, Ember!"

She pretends not to hear. "Did you hear something?" Ember asks Emir with a grin.

Emir shakes his head. "Nope, nothing."

The lift doors open.

Ember: "What is this?"

Emir smiles, gesturing around. "Do you like it?"

Ember covers her ears slightly. "It's... too loud."

In her thoughts: Downstairs, everything seemed so elegant and decent, but up here… it's a loud, rock-type party.

Just then, another lift arrives with a soft 'ding.'

Dylan steps out, looking slightly frustrated. "Why did you leave without me?"

Ember tilts her head. "What did you say?"

Dylan sighs. "Never mind, just forget it." Then he reaches for her hand. "Come with me."

Ember smiles. "Okay."

The party atmosphere changes as they step into the next room...