Love Bites | | Choi San

Chapter 50

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The bar was alive with laughter and the clink of glasses, friends gathered for the New Year's Eve party. Strings of fairy lights draped across the walls, casting a warm, festive glow. Music played softly in the background, blending seamlessly with the chatter and occasional bursts of laughter.

"Hyunmi, will you be my New Year kiss?" Wooyoung's voice cut through the noise, drawing the attention of their friends. He grinned cheekily, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Hyunmi didn't miss a beat. "I'd much rather kiss my own foot," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Ew?" Wooyoung's grin faltered for a moment, a mix of confusion and amusement on his face.

"My honest reaction to you," Hyunmi shot back, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

Wooyoung turned to Yeosang, who was lounging on the couch with an amused expression. "Yeosang, Hyunmi is bullying me!"

"Is she?" Yeosang's eyebrows raised slightly, though the twinkle in his eye showed he was more entertained than concerned.

"Yeah," Wooyoung whined while nodding vigorously.

Yeosang turned to Hyunmi, "Hyunmi, good job. I'm very proud of you!"

"Thank you!" Hyunmi responded with a grin, clearly pleased with herself.

Wooyoung scoffed and looked at Yunho, who was lounging comfortably in an armchair nearby. "Don't look at me," Yunho said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "If I try to help, she'll bully me instead, so I'd much rather it be you."

The group erupted in laughter, and Wooyoung slumped dramatically in his seat, looking defeated. Just then, Nabi walked in carrying a tray of drinks, her eyes widening at the scene before her.

"Guys! Stop bullying my Woo!" Nabi set the tray down on the table, sliding in next to Wooyoung. She reached out to pat Wooyoung's shoulder soothingly.

"Nabi!" Wooyoung exclaimed, looking up at her with a relieved smile. At the same time, Hyunmi's eyes lit up as she spotted the drinks. "Drinks!" they both exclaimed simultaneously, their earlier banter momentarily forgotten.

Nabi chuckled and began passing out the drinks. "Here, everyone. Let's toast to uh..." 

 "Mingi!" 

"Yeah, ming- wait what" The girl looked at her side only to notice the pink-haired boy who just joined the group without anyone noticing. 

"A literal jumpscare" Hyunmi muttered earning a few laughs and an eye roll from Mingi.

the friend group continued joking around, drinking, and bickering while Nabi just had one thing on her mind. She wondered where he neighbor was. Despite knowing it was better if she didn't see him, her eyes still searched for him everywhere. that was until they finally found him. 

San was dancing with a girl Nabi didn't recognize. Who even was she, she was seeing her for the first time. The sight of them together stirred an uncomfortable feeling in her chest. She tried to ignore it, but the jealousy gnawed at her, refusing to be silenced. With each twirl and laugh San shared with the girl, Nabi's heart ached a little more.

Nabi felt dirty. What right did she have to feel jealous? She had a boyfriend after all. Desperate to distract herself and maybe even retaliate against the unwelcome emotions, she walked to the bar where Jeno was. He was chatting with some people. Seeing her boyfriend this happy made her feel even worse. By dating him she was not only making her life a hell but his as well. Taking a deep breath, Nabi made her way over to him and tugged on his sleeve.