So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader

Chapter 18 - The Engagement Party"

 "Are you ready?" Minnie asked, tightening her grip around your arm. She fixed one stray strand of hair from your face, which made you smile. "We can leave whenever you want. Okay?"

"I know," you assured. "It'll be fine." As you entered the massive venue, the luxury of the hotel stunning all of you to silence, you followed the crowds into the dining hall. It took a few minutes of maneuvering around others, but you all finally found the seats that were together. The minute you walked in, you saw the photos of Mingyu and Mina from their engagement photo shoot, which you knew about for weeks when Minnie found the photos circulating online. It made your stomach do somersaults, but you simply avoided your eyes, sitting in your seat. The entire room was decorated in flowers, lights illuminated every inch of the area, and the stage that seemed to be inserted just for this event was set up like a fashion show was about to begin. A spotlight sat in the middle, and you knew that in a matter of minutes, Mingyu and Mina would be standing there, arm and arm. Joshua and Jeonghan sat on either side of you, and immediately Jihoon leaned to Joshua, the duo beginning to whisper.

"This is amazing for just an engagement party," Hoshi said.

"Yeah, they pulled out all of the stops. I feel like I'm in a big-budget movie or something." Seungkwan added. When he saw you cover your face, he reached over and removed your hands to avoid messing up your makeup. "Sorry. It all looks horrible." Thankfully for Seungkwan and Hoshi, you chuckled at that one. Idle chitchat for others at nearby tables filled the room pretty quickly as more people arrived. You turned your head a bit, finally laying eyes on Mr. Kim and Mr. Myoui. They were making their rounds through the tables, shaking hands and hugging friends and family. They both seemed excited for the night and were sharing that excitement with equally as excited attendees.

"They better not come over here." You muttered, regret for saying that out loud immediately cutting through your brain. As if your comment summoned them, Mr. Kim and Mr. Myoui both made their way to your table. Everyone stood up, offering one polite bow. You did as well, immediately sitting down and looking up at the pair.

"We're sure Mingyu and Mina will be delighted to see that their friends were able to attend." Mr. Kim said. When he stressed a particular word', you could have sworn he looked directly at you, but for your sanity, you chose to ignore it. You had to bite the inside of your lip. "Isn't it all lovely? The two of them look so perfect." He motioned to the photos littering the room, and you felt a tingle up your spine. A gentle hand on your back alerted your attention over your shoulder, and Jeonghan was right there. He seemed to nonverbally encourage you to hold your tongue for as long as you could.

Jihoon, shameless, seemed to have no problem speaking up: "Mingyu looks miserable in all of them."

"Woozi!" Hoshi nudged him immediately, his voice hushed and embarrassed. He shrugged, smiling at Hoshi to ease his nerves.

"Right, sorry. Maybe it's just the angle. We are sitting so far away." He looked at the fathers of the couple, smelling their annoyance at his comment. "Forgive me."

The pair simply left the table, Woozi's amused smirk widening when he heard: "Tch, I cannot believe Mingyu somehow mixed himself up in that crowd." from a very bitter Mr. Kim. Woozi turned back to the group.

"Remember, when he comes out there and starts mingling, everyone needs to look like they are happy for him and that we're having a good time. It'll make Mina feel worse."

Seungkwan looked confused. "Are you sure? Won't that just make her think we're happy for them?"

"No. Because Mingyu will look miserable, and that's the only reaction she's going to be focusing on this entire night."