Party Hoppers | KTH

1

"The party is a smash hit Ling" I said as she handed me a cup of punch. She smiled brightly at me. "You think so? I was really hoping so! Got so nervous, thought a bunch of them would leave the city for the holidays honestly."

I chuckled and shook my head "Well either way I would've came. I mean I live across the street and you were my first regular, can't go backstabbing you!"

"Well either way, glad you stopped in! You're working tonight right?" She asked as I took a sip of my drink. I nodded as I swallowed making her scoff. "You know I don't know why they would make you work on the holidays, I mean, you got friends and family to see! Gifts to open!-"

"And I'm working on New Years-" I butted in

"AND New Years?! Well you better drink up cause you got a loooooooonnnggg week ahead of you!"

With that, Ling left my side and I was free to look around. It was true, the party was large and booming and doing fantastic! It brought a smile to my face to know it was going so well. There were people I recognized though there were some who I didn't. I decided this time to sit more on the sidelines.

Normally I was huge on trying to mingle but for a night being filled with work, I thought I'd save my energy. Annually, I have a massive party that goes on all night at the casino for the bosses daughter, and personal friend, Irene. She always threw a holiday party for her friends and though she's good at not making too much of a mess....her friends definitely know how to make one...

I mean they're all nice though. Different lifestyles definitely but still, they're kind enough. Irene-

"Hey."

The sudden voice made to jolt back into reality and caused me to flinch. I looked next to me to see a tall man with black hair standing right next me. He was dressed real well; Creme, silky button-up, sleek black pants, good, shined shoes, golden watch, and a few rings. He smiled softly at me. "Saw you off in space, wanted to know if you were alright" he continued before taking a sip of his drink.

"I'm good, sorry. Thinking about what I need to do later." I replied

"Oh? Got somewhere else to go tonight? Thought you got all dressed up just for this....even though you're a little out of place.."

I looked down at my outfit.

Then up at the rest of the room. Everyone except the two of us were dressed comfortably. Sweaters, cardigans, bright colors, sparkles, all of it. Total opposites. The black sheep's...in my case literally. I laughed and looked back at him. "Hey you're dressed similarly! Looking like you came to a business holiday party!"

"I'll have you know I had a very important meeting with Earl about my drink" He joked, acting all important.

"You're drinking punch!"

"And I needed to know I had the best pour of it!"

We both softly laughed and took sips from our cups before he went on. "But seriously, why are you so dressed up?"

I shrugged. "For work. I'm helping host and manage a party so I need to look presentable. What about you though? Why are you so dressed up?"

He shrugged himself. "Got off work an hour ago. Actually have to go to another party after this. Didn't think it was worth changing for though. Hey, how do you know Ling?"

"Oh, she and I became friends when I started working at 'Chance Cafe'. You know, the cafe and board game place. We hit it off and we only live across the street from one another. What about you?"

"Nephew-"

"Your her nephew?!"

"Yeah I know I know, huge shock. We look nothing alike but she's my mom's sister."

"Jesus, I didn't realize she had a nephew over the age of 16! Only knew about-"

"My brother right? Victor?"

Our conversation didn't let up until an hour or so later. I felt like time didn't even exist anymore when I talked to him. Heck we didn't even exchange names the whole time, only stories and things about each other. Even when I told him I had to grab my coat, he kept the conversation going and followed me!

"I better be off, it was really nice talking to you. Will you be at Lings New Year's party?" I asked him

"Yeah I will, just not for long, another party."

"Ohhh so you're a party hopper?" I teased

"So are you" he teased back. I rolled my eyes jokingly and opened the door. I foot just got out the door when I felt him grab my arm. Twisting back around, I saw his face filled with a sense of wonder. His eyes showed an interest I hadn't seen since high school. "What's your name? Just.." he let go and tried to act cool. "So I can find you at the next party.."

I smiled warmly. "Y/n...yours?"

"Taehyung..I'll uh..I'll see you next time" he smiled right back. We took a second to gaze at each other before I turned around and heading down the hall.

I couldn't stop myself from smiling and once I was in my car, I sat there for a few seconds, letting the feeling try and pass by. Even as I drove, however, the smile couldn't wipe itself off my face.

It did come off once I stepped foot in the front doors. As I walked up the grand stairs, I saw the name glow brightly in red "WILD CARDS CASINO". I had seen that sign a million times at this rate but I always found it fun to see what color it was in.

I got into the party room that was decked out with jewels, lights, streamers, chandeliers that changed their colors, and so much more. Before I could even really take in what the designers did this year, Haechan snuck up next to me. "They're going to also do fake falling snow."

I looked at him shocked. "Really?!"

"Oh yeah, this will definitely be a fun party."