Chapter 6: A night to Remember

After months of hard work, the project for the video game gadgets manufacturing plant was finally making good progress. To celebrate, Arin decided to throw a team dinner to recognize everyone's effort. The mood was cheerful as everyone gathered, ready to relax after all the long hours they had put in.

As the night went on, laughter and cheers filled the room. People were having a great time, but Arin felt a mix of emotions as she watched Atul and Pin together, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Jealousy started to bubble up inside her. To cope, Arin kept pouring herself drinks, wanting to forget her feelings.

As the night progressed, Arin got louder and more carefree. Pin was worried and noticed how Arin usually acted when she got drunk—she could be unpredictable.

"Maybe you should slow down a bit," Pin suggested, trying to get through to her.

But Arin just laughed it off. "I'm fine! Just having fun!" she slurred, clearly feeling the effects of the drinks.

As the celebration continued, Arin's behavior became more erratic. She stumbled and almost knocked over a table, and the atmosphere shifted from fun to concern. Pin knew she had to step in.

"Okay, that's enough," she said, standing up. "I need to get you to your room."

Pin put her arm around Arin and led her away from the party. "You've had too much to drink," she stated as Arin leaned on her, giggling and trying to push her away.

"Why do you care, Pin? You're just having fun with Atul," Arin said, mixing accusation with hurt.

Ignoring Arin's comments, Pin focused on getting her ex-girlfriend safely to her room. Once inside, Pin helped Arin sit on the bed, feeling anxious as she tried to keep her own emotions in check.

"Why do you always have to be like this?" Pin asked, a bit frustrated. "Can't you let go of the past?"

Arin looked at her, a mix of defiance and vulnerability in her eyes. "Why should I? You're always with him!"

Pin sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "I'm just trying to work, Arin. We need to focus on the project."

"That's easy for you to say. You've moved on, and I'm just… stuck here," Arin muttered, leaning back against the wall.

Pin felt her heart soften, recognizing the pain behind Arin's tough exterior. "I haven't moved on," she said quietly, surprising herself. "I just… don't know how to deal with this."

In a moment of impulse fueled by her emotions and the alcohol, Arin suddenly leaned in and kissed Pin. The kiss was quick but filled with longing and unresolved feelings. Pin froze, surprised by what had just happened, her heart racing.

Arin pulled back, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment. "I… I didn't mean to…" she stammered, looking vulnerable.

Before they could talk about it, Arin's head drooped, and she fell asleep. Pin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their past between them. She knew the kiss had stirred up old feelings, but they had to stay focused on work. With one last look at Arin, she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her and leaving the past hanging in the air.