FAUX REAL

22

Pouring myself a cup of punch, I grin, looking around the Annex building. Wow. I can't believe it all came together. After hours of stress and planning and directing the event crew, I'm so fucking thrilled with how everything's turned out. The fog machine is working. The strobe lights are on and synced to the pop music blaring from the surround sound speakers. Every carnival booth is up and running. People are laughing, dancing, eating, and God, it feels good. I'm done. Finally, I can relax.

I check my phone, rereading a text from Jennie.

Jennie: Running a little late, got held up at band. Sorry, don't expel me! ;)

"Lisa!" Rosé, Kai, and Wendy scream in unison as they run through the orange and black balloons decorating the floor. "Ah!"

"You're here!" I exclaim, holding out my arms as we collide into a group hug.

I pull back, scanning their costumes. A white bodysuit hugs Wendy in all the right places, a fluffy set of angel wings flowing out of her back. Draped over Kai's drawn-in hoodie is a sign that reads 'she doesn't even go here'. Nice. And, Rosé, well-I narrow my eyes, she is dressed in an inflatable blue sumo suit. "Rosie, what are you supposed to be?"

"I'm Violet!" she says, her jaw dropping. "From Willy Wonka? You know, the bitch that turned into a fucking blueberry! Violet!"

"Told you know one would get it," Kai laughs, popping a few chips into his mouth. "It's too obscure."

"It's a damn classic!" she protests, flapping her arms...barely. Not a lot of give. "Don't make me burn book you."

He snorts, adjusting his sunglasses. "She's cranky 'cause she keeps deflating."

"But look at you!" Wendy coos, grabbing my hand and giving me a little twirl, my white halter dress flowing as I spin. "You look hot!"

"Yeah? I look like marilyn?" I ask, fixing my hair. "I was going to wear a wig but it was too itchy."

"Fuck wigs, we going au natural this year!" Rosé sings. "Let's go dance!"

I snort. "Can you even move in that?"

"Only one way to find out!" she exclaims, grabbing my hand and dragging me to the dance floor. "Leggo!"

For the next thirty minutes, I decide to be in the present and enjoy myself. At this moment, there are no deadlines, no homework, no pressure, nothing. Just me, my friends, and shitty top 40's music.

"Oh my God!" I laugh, my phone vibrating in my hand as Rosé attempts the electric slide. I glance at the caller ID. Blocked number. Strange. "I'll be back in a sec."

"We shall miss you!" Wendy calls out.

I jog towards the exits, answering the call once I'm in the quiet empty hallway. "Hello?" Muffled static. "Hello?" Quiet breathing. "Who is this?" The line goes dead.

I frown, staring at the screen. Not creepy at all.

"Hey."

I gasp, spinning around to find Taeyong standing behind me, a Purge mask hanging around his neck. How creative.

"Shit, you scared me."

"Sorry," he says with a weak chuckle. "Didn't mean to."

"It's fine," I mutter, gripping my phone as I walk past him. "I'm gonna go now."