Whispers of Love and Hidden Tensions
Ember stood up from the table, feeling the need for a moment alone. "I'm going to the washroom," she announced, but Dylan immediately responded, "I'll take their number after we come back. I'll come with you."
She sighed. "I can go by myself, just tell me the way."
But Dylan shook his head. "No, I'm coming."
Ember rolled her eyes slightly, giving in. "Okay, fine, just lead the way."
Dylan grinned and motioned for her to follow. "Come with me," he said, and she fell in step behind him. As they passed by, Emir, noticing their interaction, laughed. "He's way too bossy with his girlfriend."
Eun Woo joined in with a chuckle, "This is the first time I've seen a boyfriend ordering his girlfriend around."
Their laughter caught Darren Chen's attention. "What are you two laughing about?" he asked, walking up to them.
Eun Woo and Emir exchanged amused glances. "Oh, Darren, you're here too," Emir said.
Darren nodded. "Yeah, and she's here too."
Eun Woo and Emir looked around. "Her? Where is she?" Eun Woo asked.
"She's at the bar table," Darren replied casually.
---
Ember emerged from the washroom and spotted Dylan waiting for her. "Let's go," she said, but before she could take another step, Dylan grabbed her hand and pulled her gently against the wall. Her breath caught. "Dylan..." she began, feeling her pulse quicken.
He leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "What name did you save my number under?" he asked.
She hesitated, unsure. "I... I don't know."
"Really?" he questioned, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes," she confirmed, her voice softer.
"When I saved my number in your phone," Dylan continued, his voice lowering, "it was with Emir's name next to it. And now…"
Ember's cheeks flushed red as she realized her mistake. "Oh, that…"
Before she could explain further, Dylan silenced her with a sudden, unexpected kiss. It was brief, but enough to leave her breathless. She pulled back, gasping softly. "Dylan, stop."
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You gave me your phone earlier because you wanted me to check something," he said, his voice teasing. "You saved my number as 'Forever Mine.'right . I love you."
Ember's heart skipped a beat. "I… love you too," she whispered.
---
After a moment, Dylan took a step back. "Go back to the room. I'll be right there."
"Is everything okay?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.
"Yes, just go first. I'll follow," he assured her.
Ember nodded, though a slight unease settled in her chest. As she walked away, her thoughts began to swirl. *That's strange*, she thought. *First, he didn't want me going to the washroom alone, and now he's telling me to go back on my own…*
---
Not far from her, Dylan had encountered an unexpected situation. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, spotting Chen Xiao in a corner.
Chen Xiao, clearly tipsy, replied with a slurred smile, "This is the first time you've talked to me like this. Have you forgotten we're friends?"
"I haven't forgotten," Dylan said, his voice growing tense. "I think *you* have. What's going on with you? Why are you doing this?"
Chen Xiao waved him off, a careless shrug punctuating his words. "I'm here to celebrate my friend's birthday. So... I can't be at two places at once, right?"
Dylan frowned, his patience wearing thin. "Stop drinking. Let's go inside."
But Chen Xiao resisted, stumbling slightly. "Hey, where are you taking me?"
---
Back at the table, Ember returned, trying to shake off the uneasiness from earlier. "Hey, guys, I'm back," she said, slipping into her seat.
Eun Woo smiled at her. "So, let me introduce you to our new member… Ember," he said, gesturing toward the man sitting across from her.
Darren Chen smiled warmly and extended his hand. "Hello, Ember. I'm Darren Chen."
"Hello," Ember greeted him, shaking his hand. She then glanced at Emir curiously. "Can I know exactly how you two met?"
Emir chuckled, patting the seat next to him. "Come sit, Ember, let me tell you."
Ember sat down, leaning forward slightly as Emir began. "Darren's our best friend. We meet at the collage, and after that, we all became really close."
Ember, realizing she hadn't properly introduced herself, quickly stood up. "Oh! Sorry for being rude, Mr. Chen. Nice to meet you," she said, offering her hand again.
Darren laughed and shook her hand once more. "Mr. Chen? What a remarkable name you've given me," he teased.
Emir grinned. "Darren, she's Dylan's girlfriend."
Darren's eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh! Nice to meet you, Ember. And please, just call me Darren."
Ember smiled back, feeling more at ease. "Yeah, okay, Darren."
---
Just then, Ember's attention was pulled away as she caught sight of someone. "Dylan!" she called out, her voice filled with both relief and curiosity.
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