Crimson Madness #1 ⚖️: Commencement || SVT CRIME AU

13: Intriguing Encounter

The clock had strike at twelve. I stifle a sigh as I leaned on my seat, staring at my laptop which flashes a document of all my writings of the current case I'm digesting. Tons of files, open books, and highlighters were scattered around my desk.

I'll just clean up later after I eat.

I stood up from my seat, and made my way downstairs. Yellow, dimmed lights are the only thing turned on, signifying that everyone's probably asleep now. I made my way to the kitchen, and opened the fridge. The first thing that greeted my eyes is a chocolate cake, so I got that out.

I pulled it, took a slice and ate it while standing by the counter. I scroll through my phone, while eating. As soon as I finished eating, I put the cake back and drank a glass of water to wash it down.

I was on my way back to my room when I heard the faint sound of piano. It made me smirk as I began making my way to the ballroom.

It's Junhui.

I opened the double door and announced. "Ah I see, you've come," but then, the guy who sat by the piano, looked over his shoulder; it's Seungcheol.

"Were you expecting someone?" he asked, as he halted and fully faced me.

I gulped down as I stood there. "N-Not really," I stammered, as he smirked.

"Well, I wouldn't mind having a companion," he said in a sultry tone. My eyes landed on the bottle of wine by the top of the grand piano.

He's drunk.

He stood up and walked towards the phonograph where he inserted record, which played Por Una Cabeza.

I know that song! because it is only played for tango performances. I've seen it in a movie, but I've never seen a live tango performance before.

"Do you tango?" he asked.

"I don't," still, he offered his hand. I walked towards him, but before taking his hand, I took a gulp from the bottle of wine he's drinking.

"Let me teach you, then," I smirked back as I took his hand. He gently, placed his hand on my waist while the other one held mine. My other hand was placed on his shoulder.

Our bodies are close to one another, enough for me to smell the reek of alcohol.

"I know a thing or two in waltzing," I whispered, as we began to glide across the ballroom.

"Really? who taught you?"

"Junhui, just earlier,"

He scoffed. "From now on, it'll be just me who will teach you, and fuck waltzing. Tango it is, little red," he grinned as the music began to become intense and so are the moves.

I like the drunk Seungcheol.

He's eloquent unlike when he's sobber.

Gliding and twirling around became intense, and so is the eye contact. Our bodies were really close to one another and the atmosphere between us became unexplainably, heavy and tense.

"You are quite a dancer, Nari," the music ended and we did the end pose which is me, with an arm wrapped around his neck while his arm was wrapped around my waist; eyes still locked with one another.

"So much for a beginner, huh," I chuckled. Realization hit us, our faces were only a few centimeters from one another. Seungcheol, in haze, diverted his gaze from my eyes to my lips.

I felt my stomach had turned upside down due to my rapid heartbeat, my cheeks flushed red as he suddenly cupped my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Y-You're really pretty," I bit my bottom lip as I hung my head low due to fluster.

   Butterflies in my stomach.

   I can't believe I'm already feeling like this with just one compliment from him. I've dated tons of guys when I was studying my pre-law course and when I started law school, for four years I haven't dated anyone.

   I've had flings, but there was no commitment as I was serious and focus with law school. And I hated the fact that Seungcheol already made me feel butterflies with just those words he said.

   I mean, he's pretty attractive and strong, but I can't just date him!

"Thanks," I muttered.

He gently tilted my head to lock eyes with him. And the moment I did, was when it felt like I was being hypnotized by his penetrating gaze. Heavy silence was soon replaced with the sounds of my heart, thumping.

   It felt like its about to burst out of my chest, but I pulled away before he could even land his lips on mine. "I-I think y-you should go to bed, y-you're drunk," I hastily said as I avoided his gaze.

   "I—uh-yeah, you're right," There was an awkward silence for a few seconds.

   "I-I'll sleep now," I hurriedly walked out of the ballroom and made my way back to my room in a rush, without looking back.

   As soon as I got in, I plopped down onto my bed, burying my face on the pillow which helped me muffled my screams. "Why the hell am I feeling like this," I muttered to myself as I hid under the thick bed sheets.

   I don't know what I'm feeling right now. Is it embarrassment? Fluster? Admiration—hell no.

   "I hope he forgets about this the next day," I don't want any awkwardness between us because it appears that I might live here a bit longer than estimated.

   I honestly just want to leave right now because of what just happened.