DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

CHAPTER 15

The party only began to wind down when the guests finally decided they'd had enough. Laughter faded into sleepy murmurs, and the music softened to a distant thrum.

No one made a formal goodbye; there was no thank-you speech from the birthday girl. It was just another wild night where everyone focused on their own fun, oblivious to the chaos surrounding them.

As dawn broke, Areum lay sprawled on the chaise lounge on the hotel's rooftop deck, still in her party attire. Her hair was a wild tangle, makeup smudged, and the bags under her eyes were a testament to a night well spent—or perhaps too well spent.

She squinted against the sunlight that streamed in, its warmth coaxing her closer to sleep.

"I thought I'd find you here."

Areum opened her eyes to see Jeno standing there, his party clothes slightly rumpled but his face bright and cheerful.

"Stop smiling," she groaned, shielding her eyes with a hand.

His grin only widened. "Good morning! You turned a year older."

"Yeah, but you're still older," she shot back, managing a tired smile.

"By a few months, yes," he replied, stepping closer and offering his hand. "Come on, your family's looking for you."

"Jeno, am I ugly?" she asked suddenly, her voice serious.

His brows knitted together in confusion. "What? Where's that coming from?"

"Oops, wrong question. Am I bad company?" she clarified, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

"Bad company? No! Annoying? Definitely," he teased, plopping down next to her.

"Hmmm, thanks. So, do I deserve to be left alone?" she pressed, her tone turning serious.

"Areum, seriously, what's with all these questions? Did someone dump you?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"Did I just get dumped?" she scoffed, feigning indignation. "How dare he?"

"Wait. What is this about?" Jeno leaned in, sensing something deeper behind her playful facade.

Areum shot him a knowing look, and he sighed, shaking his head. "I didn't let you go just for you to choose someone like him."

"What's wrong with my choices? You're not far off from him. Except you're not a mafia boss," she argued, her eyes glinting with defiance. "You're the typical red flag in bars and beds, and look where we are—best friends."

"And that doesn't mean you should choose someone like me," he countered, his expression turning serious. "You've been through enough already, and now you're going after someone who will hurt you again."

"Okay, maybe I prefer it that way," Areum replied, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Areum, please—"

"Let's just go home," she interjected, standing up and brushing off her dress, shaking off the remnants of the night.

"Sol, think about this," he pleaded, watching her with concern.

"Let's go, Jeno. Not like I'd see him anytime soon; it could be a month or a year," she said, trying to dismiss her feelings with a wave of her hand.