The Empire (Underworld 3) MW

3: Mingyu and Hana

Mingyu sat at the bar, nursing his martini as the lively chatter and laughter from Joshua and Seokmin's wedding reception filled the air. The grand ballroom was adorned with twinkling lights and elegantly arranged flowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The newlyweds were basking in the glow of their celebration, surrounded by friends and family who were equally delighted.

Mingyu, dressed in a sharp black suit, loosened his tie slightly and took another sip of his drink. He had been looking forward to this event, not just to celebrate his friends' union but also to unwind and possibly meet someone new. As he scanned the room, his eyes were drawn to a figure approaching the bar.

She was stunning, with short hair that framed her face perfectly and features that could only be described as distinguished. She wore a sleek, black dress that accentuated her figure, and she moved with a grace that caught Mingyu's attention immediately. She slid onto the barstool next to him and ordered a martini with a confident smile.

"Hi there," she said, turning to Mingyu as she took her drink. "I'm Hana. Are you friends with the groom?"

Mingyu found himself momentarily speechless, captivated by her presence. He quickly regained his composure and returned her smile.

"I'm Mingyu," he replied, extending his hand. "Yeah, I'm friends with both Joshua and Seokmin. How about you?"

Hana shook his hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "I'm here with a friend. But the couple seems really happy, don't they?"

"They do," Mingyu agreed, glancing over at Joshua and Seokmin, who were beaming as they danced together. "It's great to see them so in love."

As the conversation flowed, Mingyu found himself increasingly drawn to Hana. They talked about everything from their favorite books to their travel experiences, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. Mingyu couldn't tell if it was the martini or just her natural charm, but he felt a strong attraction to her.

"You know," Hana said, playfully twirling a strand of her hair, "I didn't expect to meet someone as interesting as you tonight."

Mingyu chuckled. "I could say the same. It's been a while since I've had such a good conversation at a wedding."

They continued to flirt, the connection between them growing with each passing moment. Mingyu was just about to suggest they take a walk outside when a hand suddenly appeared around Hana's waist. He looked up to see Wonwoo standing there, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Hey, Mingyu," Wonwoo said, his voice warm but with an edge of possessiveness. "I see you've met Hana."

Mingyu's heart sank a little. "Yeah, we were just chatting. It's good to see you, Wonwoo."

Wonwoo nodded and turned to Hana. "This is Kang Hana, my girlfriend," he introduced, his eyes filled with pride and affection. "Hana, this is Mingyu, one of my best friends."

Hana smiled warmly at Mingyu, but there was a hint of awkwardness in the air. Mingyu forced a smile, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Nice to meet you, Mingyu," Hana said, her voice still friendly but now more formal.

Before Mingyu could respond, Wonwoo cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. He took Hana's hand and dropped to one knee, pulling a small, velvet box from his pocket. The crowd around them gasped and fell silent, their eyes wide with anticipation.

"Hana," Wonwoo began, his voice steady and filled with emotion. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. You make every day brighter, and I can't imagine my future without you in it. Will you marry me?"