A Night of Bad Decisions continues

Yujin couldn't help but smile, even though she wasn't sure if she was smiling because of Mina's infectious energy or because she was about to make yet another decision that could go horribly wrong.

"I'll pick you up in an hour. Get ready to shine, girl!" Mina said, before hanging up.

Yujin stared at the phone for a moment, processing what she'd just agreed to. She wasn't sure what she was expecting from tonight, but she didn't think it would fix anything. She still hadn't gotten a job. She still felt invisible next to people like So Yeon, who seemed to have everything figured out.

But maybe tonight, she could pretend. Pretend to be someone who didn't have all of the weight on her shoulders. Someone who wasn't stuck in a cycle of rejection and uncertainty.

Sighing, she stripped off the dress she'd been wearing all day and found a new one—a little more flashy, a little more 'out there.' She stared at herself in the mirror again, adjusting the fabric, making sure it looked as perfect as possible. It wasn't about impressing anyone, really. It was about trying to feel good about herself, even if it was for just a few hours.

With a quick spray of perfume and a glance at her phone—just to make sure she didn't miss anything important—Yujin grabbed her things and left her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Maybe tonight, she would stop pretending to be someone else. Maybe she could just be herself, even if it felt a little foreign.

And if nothing else, she would have an unforgettable night to look back on. That, at least, felt like a good enough reason to go.

The Nightclub

The club was exactly what Yujin had imagined—too loud, too bright, and full of people who looked like they knew exactly how to have a good time. The bass vibrated through her bones as strobe lights flashed, casting brief, chaotic shadows over the crowd. The scent of expensive cologne mixed with the cloying sweetness of fruity cocktails, and the air was thick with energy and tension, as if everyone was dancing away the weight of their lives.

Yujin held her drink tightly, feeling the cold rim of the glass bite into her fingers as she surveyed the scene. She felt like an outsider in her own skin. The place was alive with confidence, and all she could think about was how she was way out of her element.

"Mina, why am I here?" she muttered, her voice almost lost in the roar of the music.

Mina, on the other hand, was glowing with excitement. She bounced on the balls of her feet, practically vibrating with energy. "Because you need to have fun, Yujin! It's been too long! You've been holed up in your apartment, wallowing in rejection emails. It's time to forget all that crap for one night."

Yujin let out a sigh, feeling a twinge of guilt for abandoning her responsibilities, but she couldn't help it. Mina was right. Maybe one night wouldn't kill her.

Mina grinned and pulled something out of her pocket—a small, sleek package, which she waved in front of Yujin's face like it was some kind of treasure. "Guess what? I got us Dream Bliss! You know, that herbal thing everyone's talking about? It's supposed to make you feel like you're in a dream, like floating."

Yujin frowned, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't that the drug that got banned in Japan?"

Mina just shrugged, her grin widening. "Legal here, babe. Besides, people swear by it. They say it's the best way to get that floating feeling without having to deal with the aftermath of something stronger."

Yujin hesitated, her fingers gripping her drink tighter as she processed the offer. She wasn't usually one for taking risks like this, but then her mind wandered. The constant stream of rejection emails. Her landlord's condescending stare when she couldn't pay on time. The mounting pressure of having nothing to show for her degree. It felt like everything was closing in on her, and suddenly, a small, irrational part of her thought: Maybe this is the escape I need.

With a deep breath, she grabbed the small package from Mina and tore it open. She didn't even ask what was inside. She just wanted to feel something—anything—that wasn't failure. The rich scent of chocolate hit her nose first. It was a brownie. Dense, slightly warm, flecked with crumbs sticking to the wrapping. Without hesitation, she took a bite.

It was bitter, darker than she expected, but sweet enough to finish in a few gulps.

Mina watched her, an excited gleam in her eye. "Told you! You won't regret it."

As the effects began to set in, Yujin felt lighter. The noise around her blurred slightly, the lights shimmered more vividly, and the world seemed to slow and swirl around her. The heaviness of the past few weeks began to lift, just a little. The crowd's energy was infectious. For once, she wasn't on the outside looking in. She wasn't just surviving—she was part of something alive.

Moments later, a guy—tall, with a sharp jawline and an easy smile—approached her at the bar. He was holding a drink in his hand and gave Yujin a friendly nod.

"Hey," he said, his voice almost lost in the music. "You look like you're new here. Can I get you another drink?"

Yujin blinked, feeling a rush of confidence she hadn't had all night. It wasn't the Dream Bliss—it was the fact that someone had noticed her. Someone was talking to her. She smiled, suddenly feeling like she belonged.

"Sure," she said, leaning in just a little closer. "I'll take whatever you're having."

The guy grinned and waved for the bartender's attention. Mina, who had been watching the whole interaction with interest, raised an eyebrow. She had been right all along—Yujin just needed a little push.

Mina leaned over to Yujin and whispered, "Told you this was a good idea. Look at you, getting free drinks already."

Yujin smiled, feeling a little more alive. The guy handed her a fresh cocktail, his eyes lingering on her for a second longer than necessary. As he turned to walk away, Mina shot Yujin an I told you so look, her grin widening.

"See?" Mina said, almost as if she were congratulating her on making the right choice. "This is what happens when you let go for a minute. You got this."