The Sound of Hearts (Ryeji)

04 - Sᴏᴜɴᴅ

The symphony of 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 was a full-throttled party, booming and vibrating. Voices filled the room, each one distinct in cadence and pitch. Laughter and conversation swirled together, a vibrant blend of sounds that threatened to engulf the senses.

The bass of the music was an unseen force, the walls throbbing in time with the rhythm, and the room pulsed with an electricity that was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The lyrics of the songs weaved tales of love and loss, victory and defeat, each word contributing to the overall harmony that was a testament to life in all its beautiful complexity.

The air was a tantalizing tapestry of scents, chiefly the mouthwatering aroma of food, a fusion of flavors that titillated the palate and awakened the senses. The delectable smells mingled with the sweet perfume of candles, creating an aura of comfort and familiarity.

Guests, resplendent in their finest, radiated an air of elegance and joy that filled the room, heightening the sense of grandeur and festivity. A riot of colors splashed across the room, the lights casting a warm, inviting glow over everything. Each person was a unique blend of sound, smell, and sight, adding to the rich and varied mosaic that was the party.

Into this swell of sound and color, Yeji found herself adrift, a stranger in an unfamiliar landscape. She felt out of sync amidst the reveling guests, but her closest confidante, Lia, seemed to fit perfectly.

Yeji and Lia navigated their way through the throng of people when they were intercepted by a familiar face. Somi, a vision in a glistening silver dress, greeted them effusively.

"Lia!" Somi called out, enveloping Lia in a warm embrace. "And who do we have here?" she inquired, her attention shifting to Yeji.

"This is Yeji, my best friend," Lia introduced with a smile.

A playful smirk played on Somi's lips as she turned to Lia. "You've been hiding this gem all these years?"

"I didn't! invited her a lot, I swear!" Lia responded, laughing.

Somi extended her hand towards Yeji. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Yeji."

Taken aback, Yeji politely reciprocated the handshake. "Nice to meet you," she said, her words barely a whisper. She felt conspicuous in her opulent attire, a choice Lia had insisted upon.

Somi offered to get them drinks. Lia asked for her usual, and when Somi inquired about Yeji's preference, Lia informed her that Yeji didn't drink, but would appreciate a non-alcoholic beverage.

Somi stepped away to get their drinks, leaving Yeji alone amidst the sea of strangers. She scanned the room, her eyes seeking something familiar, but found only strangers lost in the rhythm of the party. The muffled thump of the music filled her ears, drowning out any chance of hearing a familiar voice. She felt isolated, a lone island in a sea of unfamiliar faces.

Suddenly, her gaze locked with a man in the corner of the room. His eyes were fixed on her, unblinking. Just as quickly, the moment passed, and she averted her gaze, discomfort flaring within her.

As she fussed with her skirt and attempted to regain her composure, Lia's voice broke behind her, "Are you okay?" Lia asked, worried. Yeji shrugged, forcing a smile. "I guess I'm just out of my element here," she admitted.

Lia smiled warmly at her. "But you know what, Yej?" she said. "I asked you a lot of times, but I don't think it was me that made you say yes to this. I'm curious about what really changed your mind."

3 days before the party....

Yeji's heart yearns for solitude and serenity. As an inherent homebody, she craves the stillness and peace of her own company, finding solace in the absence of clamor and chaos. When Lia extends a kind invitation for an extravagant night out, Yeji's initial spark of interest is swiftly extinguished by the mere thought of a bustling venue filled with blaring music and countless revelers. The anxiety within her surges, leaving her with no hesitation as she politely declines the invite.