Stay

Chasing the Sun

I laid in bed not wanting to get up. I turned onto my back and stared at the ceiling and sighed. I heard my alarm go off and picked up my phone to turn it off. I slowly got up and went to shower. It was one of those days where I didn't have the energy for anything. But I forced myself to get through the day. I went to work as usual and walked home enjoying the breeze. I felt my phone vibrate and checked the message.

Text: <언니! Let's go dancing tonight! You can't say no, it's to celebrate my birthday!>

I honestly didn't feel like going but I felt bad leaving her hanging on her birthday. I replied asking where to go and went home to freshen up. As I finished getting ready, I heard the doorbell ring and went to answer. I opened the door to find the birthday girl herself, Eunji.

Eunji: "언니! Ready?"

I forced a smile and nodded. I went to get my phone and purse before leaving with her. She had invited a friend that had their own car so that we didn't struggle getting a taxi.

Eunji: "Oh! You guys don't know each other right?"

I shook my head as he reached out for a handshake. ~Ah she knows I get anxious around strangers.~ I hesitated a moment, staring at his extended hand before finally mustering up the courage to shake his hand but I quickly pulled away.

Eunji: "She's a little shy around strangers, but this is my best friend Enni. {turns to me} And this is a friend I've known since elementary school, Hoseok. How weird that I never told you about each other."

I smiled awkwardly and we got in the car. We arrived at a nightclub but I was hesitating to go in. Eunji noticed and came over to grab my arm.

Eunji: "Don't worry, I got a VIP table, we won't be too crowded."

She nudged me to follow her inside. I reluctantly went in and sat at a secluded table reserved for her. I just watched the crowd below dancing and having fun. A few more of Eunji's friends showed up and they ran off to the dancefloor. Hoseok came back from the restroom and saw I was the only one still sitting there.

Hoseok: "You don't dance?"

I was in the middle of day dreaming when he asked me that. I just shook my head and cleared my throat. He chuckled and held his hand out in front of me. I gave him a confused look but he just smiled at me.

Hoseok: "Come on, let's dance."

I shook my head and sank into my seat. He laughed again.

Hoseok: "We can just dance here, come on. Let's not be the only ones not dancing. I promise no one is watching us, so don't feel shy."

I stared at his outstretched hand and hesitated a moment before looking at his face again. He had a nice smile and an intoxicating gaze. I suddenly felt like I couldn't say no. I slowly grabbed his hand and stood up. He pulled me in for a slow dance despite the pop music playing. We slow danced quietly for a moment before he leaned a bit closer.

Hoseok: "See? It isn't so bad, right?"

I felt his quiet breath on my neck as he whispered. My heart started pounding and I started getting nervous. I pulled away and excused myself before running into the lady's room. I tried to calm myself down and catch my breath when Eunji came in.

Eunji: "언니? Are you okay?"

She patted my back and tried to help me calm down.

Eunji: "I'm sorry I left you alone -"

Me: "No, I'm sorry. I'm ruining your party."

She shook her head rapidly and started pouting.

Eunji: "I should have known better. I wanted to celebrate with you but I also really wanted to dance. I thought getting the VIP seating would be enough to make you feel comfortable."