My Bully, My Love | NCT Mark

21| The Party

The car glided smoothly up to the grand house, its tires crunching over the gravel driveway. Irene's family driver, a stoic man in his late forties, opened the doors for them, his expression remaining neutral despite the excitement radiating from the girls.

The girls exchanged glances, each one feeling a mix of exhilaration and nerves. Yeri, in her daring outfit, took the lead, her heels clicking confidently against the stone pathway. Mina, despite her casual attire, drew comforting strength from her friends' presence. Joy's sparkly dress shimmered in the moonlight, Seulgi's high ponytail bobbed with each step, the white ribbon fluttering behind her, while Irene walked confidently in her nude jumpsuit and denim jacket.

"I can't believe we're actually here," Yeri murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. She felt like she was stepping into a different world, one where anything was possible.

Irene led the way up the grand staircase to the front door, the bass from the music growing louder with each step. "Remember, we stick together," she said, her tone firm but friendly. She flashed the wristbands at the bouncer standing guard, who nodded and let them pass without a second glance.

Inside, the house was even more impressive. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the elegant decor. The main room was packed with university and high school students, all dancing, talking, and laughing amidst the opulent surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and cologne, mingling with the faint aroma of catered food.

"Wow," Joy breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "This is... intense."

Seulgi nudged Mina gently. "Hey, you okay?"

Mina nodded, though her grip on Seulgi's arm was tight. "Yeah, just a little overwhelmed." Mina scanned the area for her bully, he was the reason she was here but he was nowhere to be seen. She pulled out her phone from her back pocket, she sighed seeing there was no notification from him. One half of her was glad, this could be her chance to indulge in her first high school party but the other half of her was a little disappointed.

"Come on," Irene said, her voice cutting through the noise. "Let's get a drink and find a spot to sit."

They made their way through the throng of people, Yeri's eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Haechan. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him, her mind filled with possibilities. They reached the bar, where Irene expertly ordered drinks for all of them, using her connections to bypass the line.

"I know why we came here" Irene starts, "But who says we can't have fun? To a night we'll never forget," Irene cheered, raising her glass. The girls clinked their glasses together, the sound lost in the din of the party. 

Mina chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm as she took a sip, her face contorting at the strong, harsh taste of her first alcoholic beverage.

As they sipped their drinks, they found a small alcove with a plush couch and a view of the main dance floor. It was a perfect spot to observe without being too immersed in the chaos.

Seulgi, sensing Mina's unease, pulled her close. "Hey, if it gets too much, we can leave anytime, okay?"

Mina nodded, grateful for her friend's support. "Thanks, Seulgi. I'll be fine. I just need to get used to this."

The night wore on, and the girls began to relax, their initial nerves giving way to laughter and excitement. Joy dragged them onto the dance floor, where they joined the throng of students moving to the beat of the music. Yeri kept her eyes peeled for Haechan, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

Finally, as she was about to give up hope, she spotted him. He was leaning against a wall, his headphones slung around his neck, talking to a group of boys. Her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He smiled at her, a slow, knowing smile that made her cheeks flush.