All eyes turned toward Jisung, even Jeongin halted his tears momentarily to offer a sympathetic glance at his friend. A chorus of disbelieving "No's!" erupted as they struggled to comprehend Jisung's sudden termination from his job.
With a solemn nod, Jisung lifted his glass and confessed, "Yes, they're shifting the entire focus towards trading... and, well, I was utterly terrible at it." His admission was met with a somber clinking of glasses, as Jeongin joined him in commiseration.
Amidst the stunned silence, Jeongin declared, "Then let us sink together! Here's to Jisung... the most inept stockbroker known to man!" His gesture prompted everyone to raise their cups in solidarity.
As they toasted to him, the atmosphere gradually returned to joviality, yet Chan remained lost in his thoughts until Felix's interruption brought attention back to him. "Since we're making announcements tonight... I have one too. Um... I'm engaged."
Chan suddenly choked on his drink. In the process, he accidentally spewed a mouthful of wine over the edge of his glass, causing it to splash onto the person seated next to him - Hyunjin.
Hyunjin, however, had quick reflexes and managed to close his eyes and mouth just in time, preventing the wine from getting anywhere unbearable. Despite his quick thinking, he still couldn't help but make a disgusted face at the incident. Seungmin, seeing what had happened, quickly grabbed a napkin and handed it to his husband to clean himself up.
Meanwhile, Jeong-in couldn't help but find the situation amusing, and let out a hearty laugh. The rest of the group looked on with a mix of shock and confusion, unsure of what to make of the unexpected turn of events.
Chan glared at Felix, asking for a more detailed description which he got, "I've found myself a nice, slightly odd-looking bloke who I know is going to make me happy for the rest of my life." Chan stops Felix with his arms out as he stares into everyone's eyes on the table.
As the confusion began to settle, Chan turned towards the faces surrounding him – Jeongin, Seungmin, Jisung, Changbin, Felix, and finally, Hyunjin. Chan could sense their bewilderment and lack of awareness. It was at this moment that Hyunjin interjected, "Hold on... I'm your brother, and I'm in the dark here."
Hyunjin redirected everyone's attention to him and demanded answers, "Is he someone we know?" While Chan joined in, pressing Felix for more details on his inquiries. However, Felix remained tight-lipped, ignoring Chan's questions and causing frustration.
Chan complained to Hyunjin and Seungmin about Felix's lack of response, but Felix leaned towards Changbin, who was sitting beside him and whispered, "By the way... it's you." The revelation left everyone stunned and confused, unsure of what to make of the situation.
"Me?" / "Yes. What do you think?" / "Well, yes. Hell, yeah."
"Any more surprises?" Hyunjin's voice echoed through the room, signaling that this was no ordinary night, where secrets were being revealed left and right.
Taking advantage of the moment, Chan stepped forward, a sense of humility in his demeanor. "I owe everyone an apology. My behavior over the past six months... it hasn't been the best. I've been struggling."
Hyunjin couldn't help but interject with a smirk, "Struggling? That's putting it lightly. Even ghosts have more life than you've shown." His comment earned him a sharp glare from Seungmin and Chan, urging him to hold his tongue. "But, I want you all to know, I've turned a new leaf. From now on, expect nothing but sunshine and rainbows from me."
Two hours flew by in a blur of laughter and music. The air was filled with the scent of chocolate cake and the clinking of glasses filled with spirits. Jeongin's fingers danced over the piano keys, weaving a melancholic tune, while Jisung's voice added depth to their shared sorrow.
Seungmin and Felix sat at a nearby table, their conversation flowing freely along with the drinks. They speculated about the future groom, their words laced with excitement and mischief.
Meanwhile, Chan noticed Changbin slipping outside for a cigarette. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched his friend refuse every alcoholic beverage offered to him. Since the incident, Changbin had sworn off drinking, a testament to his commitment to change.
Elsewhere in the room, Hyunjin and Chan found themselves leaning against the restaurant window, beers in hand, taking in the empty space that Jeongin had meticulously cleaned out earlier. "Looks like you've laid your demons to rest," Hyunjin remarked casually.
"I believe I have," Chan replied, a sense of peace settling over him. "Don't let that famous girl distract you," Hyunjin warned. Chan shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. "No distractions. Not anymore."
"Good," Hyunjin nodded approvingly. "Because she's back in London, flaunting her Oscar, and shooting scenes on Hampstead Heath." But Chan just smiled, knowing that his focus was now firmly on the present moment, free from the ghosts of his past.
Chan sat across from Hyunjin, his brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced at his friend. Hyunjin seemed nonchalant as he set down a copy of the latest issue of 'Dispatch', its cover featuring Y/n, the woman whom Chan had been trying to forget for months. The headline had laid bare the carefully guarded feelings that Chan had been hiding from everyone.
With an involuntary groan, Chan muttered, "Oh God, not this."
Seeing Chan's reaction, Hyunjin teased him, taking a sip of his drink. "Looks like you're not quite over her yet?" Chan shot a glare at him and playfully jabbed his side, causing Hyunjin to sputter on his beverage.
The following morning, Chan found himself in an unexpected place, having informed Martin that he'd be tardy for work. Cut to the sprawling landscape of Hampstead Heath. Chan stood solitary, his figure etched against the backdrop. Determinedly, he ascended a hill, cresting it to behold a grand spectacle: the radiant Kenwood House, surrounded by a bustling film crew and scores of extras.
As his mind and heart waged a silent battle, Chan neared the imposing house, only to be intercepted by security. "Can I assist you?" the guard inquired.
"Um, yes... I was looking for Y/n Scott..." / "Does she expect you?"
"No, not at all." / "I'm afraid I can't allow entry then, sir."
"Ah, right. I mean, I'm a friend... not a lunatic, but... well, you understand." / "...can't let you through," the guard concluded.
Chan was about to leave when he noticed a trailer door opening. Y/n came out, looking stunning in her velvet attire, with people attending to her every need. As their eyes met, Y/n seemed surprised but also conflicted, as Chan's presence made things complicated. Chan waved tentatively, acknowledging her presence. Y/n hesitated, as memories of their past flooded back, making the situation even more problematic.
The movie set acted as a barrier.
Yet, she ventured forward, her entourage lingering behind. When Y/n reached Chan, the security guard stood aside, and her companions held back. Words eluded her as a flood of memories washed over both of them.
"This is... quite unexpected," she finally managed, her tone laced with uncertainty.
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