Tension, Teasing, and Trust

"In Another Side"

Dylan stood at the bar. "Two glasses of juice, please."

Darren Chen approached with a smirk. "So, when did my best friend start going juice-only? No drinks tonight?"

Dylan turned to see him. "Oh, Darren, you're here too."

Darren chuckled. "I was just passing by, so I thought I'd join you all."

Dylan raised an eyebrow. "You said you don't like parties like this."

Darren shrugged. "Yeah, well... she didn't want to come alone, so I joined her."

Dylan looked intrigued. "She's here too?"

Darren nodded. "Yep."

Just then, the waiter returned. "Sir, your juice."

Dylan gestured toward the other room. "Serve them in that room, please."

He turned to Darren. "Come on, I've got someone to introduce you to."

Darren smiled. "Alright, lead the way."

 

"In the Room"

Ember leaned closer to Emir, curiosity in her eyes. "Hey, Emir, can you tell me more about Dylan? Is he like me? Has he had a girlfriend before me?" Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Emir smiled. "Alright, I'll tell you—"

Before he could continue, Dylan walked in, eyeing them suspiciously. "What are you going to tell her?"

Ember quickly shook her head and gestured subtly for Emir to keep quiet. "Nothing, just small talk," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

Emir nodded with a grin. "Yeah, just a harmless conversation."

Ember gave Emir a grateful smile. "By the way, Emir, can I get your number?"

Dylan frowned, his protective side flaring. "Why?"

Emir chuckled. "Don't you think she should have some contacts in case you're busy and she needs help?"

Dylan crossed his arms defiantly. "I'll answer every single call from her. I won't leave her alone."

Eun Woo, entering with a grin, teased, "Even when you're in the washroom?"

Dylan glared playfully. "Hey, you."

Emir smirked. "Remember what happened before? You might want to reconsider."

Dylan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, fine. You're allowed to give her your number."

Eun Woo leaned in, grinning. "And mine is 963—"

Dylan quickly interrupted. "No, not yours. Only Emir's!"

Ember laughed, shaking her head. "Stop fighting, you two. Woo, don't worry, I'll take your number too... you know, for safety." She winked playfully.

Dylan pouted, crossing his arms in mock frustration. "Hmph."

Ember giggled. "Dylan, could you please save their numbers in my phone? I actually need to use the washroom."