Chapter Six

5 0 0
                                    

Chapter Six

The only place Elena wanted to be was in bed, buried deep beneath the covers. There was so much taking place, so much pressure to do the right thing and make the right decision. Never did she imagine herself torn between potential suitors. One of which she shared with her counterpart. To make matters worse, Changbin wasn't even speaking to her. She supposed the bright side was now knowing why he looked so furious with Hyunjin. She took a moment to think about him, instantly feeling safe and warm. Their connection was indescribable and otherworldly, but she worried that the fiery passion wasn't there. Despite her desire to skip town, she kept her promise to meet with Chan and Mo to decorate for I.N's birthday.

After everyone gathered for a celebratory breakfast, the boys hurried back to the funhouse to play games before the party. A large part of post-dinner discussion the prior evening pertained to themes. After several atrocious suggestions like pimps, grand theft auto, and Scarface (all of which were Changbins idea) they finally landed on a 1920's speakeasy concept. The trio had been organizing and preparing all day.

"The guys and I spent all night watching movies like The Great Gatsby and Chicago to prepare for tonight." It was shocking to see Chan so excited. Usually events like this caused him a lot of stress. "Momo, what are you wearing?" He smiled. The two of them had been hanging decadent black and gold instant wallpaper. "You'll have to wait, old sport." They replied with an old timey accent and a wink. Meanwhile, the mistress brought in a plethora of items from her personal antique collection and placed them strategically.

"What's that thing with the cone?" Chan asked.

"It's a gramophone!" Elena called him over, rattling off information about the antique. Mo's gaze followed, finding themself enamored. Feeling the way they did about Chan was truly the last thing they expected. For as long as they could remember, they had vowed that there would be no romantic feelings for anyone. No exceptions. Yet, in a matter of months that entire philosophy had been flipped on its head.

As the set up neared an end, the three placed their final touches on the room. It really felt like an old underground bar where elites and socialites hid from the rules of prohibition. There was even a full bar loaded with liquor in era appropriate glassware. Pushing open the weighty double doors, everyone filed out and into the corridor. Backlit by the bright afternoon sun, a figure waited at the end of the walkway.

There was no doubt in her mind who it was, even as a silhouette she could recognize Changbin anywhere. His broad shoulders and pronounced chest couldn't not be hidden by any amount of sunlight. She remained quiet while the other two party planners boomed with laughter, their joy echoing through the hall.

"Mo!" He shouted urgently, the laughter coming to a halt. "We need to talk." The barker looked to Chan before politely asking to be excused.

Hearing the seriousness in his voice, Elena grew nauseous. Though she could not understand his current actions, her affection for him had not waned. Legs shaking beneath her, she fought the urge to run to him. Instead she remained behind with Chris, allowing the other two to converse privately.

"Wonder what's gotten into him?" The Aussie asked, masking his concern with a chuckle. Like herself, concern had been plastered across his face.

Not knowing what to say, the mistress patted his shoulder and gave him a reassuring look. After saying their goodbyes, Elena made her way upstairs to ready herself for the rapidly approaching event. Flopping on to the bed, she wished it would consume her. Between Hyunjin's confession and the secrets she held, disappearing felt like the only way out. However, running away was not an option. Taking a deep breath she gave herself a moment to wallow before collecting herself and moving on with the evening's plans.

A House Divided - Changbin EndingWhere stories live. Discover now