A Sound from the Moon

Twenty Three

It is an actual party. I step in with awe at the size of this building just for graduating trainees. Adrenaline and intimidation mixes all up in my insides. But I still enter with shining eyes at the buzzing people dancing filled with smiles.

Wendy and Joy intertwine arms and share a wide smile before getting lost in the crowd. They barely hear Irene say that she'll be at one of the side tables. Seulgi comes up to me and intertwines her arm with mine. Her cat-like eyes shine beautifully under the dim lights changing colors. She leans in from the loud music and says in my ear, "Shall we go dance?"

"Say less!" I loudly say over the music and she excitedly starts to guide me towards the crowd, too.

We both look back at Irene that has found a seat where she can have a clear view of the place to keep an eye on us. She carries her serious expression until we wave at her and she returns it with her pretty smile.

Almost immediately, the world fades as we join the crowd. The loud thumping of the bass resonates in my chest. I've only been to one party like this. I went with a good friend of mine in America. But I couldn't have much fun because she was wasted and I had to look after her.

But tonight...the world no longer stops my heart from flying. The skies are clear as I keep my eyes on Seulgi. We share happy laughs and dance until our hearts find each other in the crowd.

Look at me now. I did not want to come. I thought this would be a mistake and now...I'm finally living.

People from the agency bump into me as they dance and they smile. It is equal ground in this place. Everyone knows one another and there's no competition. I even see Dan farther down with a bottle of beer and girls around him. Unfortunate for them because they can't reach me. I'm too high up for them to bring me down again.

I feel Seulgi's hand take mine and she guides me to a place where the crowd disperses more. She seems to lead me farther away so I can hear her say, "Let's check out the snacks?"

"Let's go!"

She seems to look around as she holds my hand to keep me close. I still admire the decor and lights booming away with the music. I start to wonder what happened with Wendy and Joy, but my thoughts are interrupted as we enter a large room with tables filled with snacks and drinks. I approach with wonder at the drinks of all the colors I could think of. I start to take one, but Seulgi quickly stops me.

"Hold on. Let me check if it has alcohol."

I gladly let her take it and she takes a sip from my cup. She tastes it for a bit and then smells it. She does her smile that makes her cheeks puff up and eyes thin. "I have no idea. It tastes just like grape juice."

"You'll be safe with just water then."

Seulgi turns to see a girl approaching us. I've never seen someone with such a gentle expression among the chaos. I fall in love with her husky voice that opposes her sweet features. Her long black hair reminds me of Irene. She's gorgeous.

Seulgi nearly yells with happiness as she wraps strong arms around this girl. The girl does a warm laugh as she returns the hug.

"It's been too long, Jisoo!"

"I come back and the members greet me with this party." They share a laugh showing that they've known each other for a while now.

Seulgi remembers I'm here and she proudly puts a hand on my shoulder. "This our newest member, Jisoo. Baby Yeri."

Jisoo does a small laugh that makes my cheeks turn red. "Is that your professional name?"

"No," I quickly say. "It's Yeri. Nice to meet you."